Looking for title of a sci-fi book...

[qjakal]

This is an obscure novelette. The premise was that your mind was rated at a certain number, and your status in society was reflected by that number. You could move up by challenging numbers above you and besting them in a contest of wills/intellect, at which point your number increased and the loser was under your control.

It's pre 1970 (I believe) and most likely out of print. Not even sure why it has been popping into my dreams the past month, but since it's being persistent I think I'm going to at least try to find it...

Thanks in advance for any help.

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[TklDuo-Ann]

Not sure of the title, though it sounds familiar. Probably something I read in highschool. But, if you find a title or author, this place will be a good source to get it...even if it's out of print... http://www.abebooks.com/

Ann

 

[qjakal]

Thanks...

Thanks Ms Ann...

Hate when this happens to me. My subconscious obviously has dredged this up and is annoying me with it for some reason.

Nice website for future use regardless!

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[qjakal]

Easy one..

Yours is most likely Orphans of The Sky, Sir Biscuit. Do you recall a 2 headed mutant named Jim in the plot? That would confirm the guess....

Didn't you just think a gent with a quote/signature like mine *might* be able to find a Heinlein story...lol?

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[Dave2112]

Q, that sounds suspiciously like Piers Anthony's Apprentice Adept trilogy. I don't think it's it, as I don't recall the losers of the contests being under the control of the winners, or the status based on brain power or anything. It revolved around the Games, where one could go from serf to Citizen status by winning the Games.

It's probably not what you remember, but it struck a strong chord.

 

[qjakal]

On a Pale Horse...

but carrying the wrong book...lol. Nope, Piers is current enough and this is from before his time, definitely.

Thanks for the thought, though!
Q