Master of Life and Death

Master of Life and Death, published in 1957 by Robert Silverberg, is a science fiction novel set in the 23rd century. It follows Roy Walton, an assistant administrator for the Bureau of Population Equalization, as he navigates the moral complexities of enforcing brutal overpopulation control measures, including euthanasia and forced relocation. The story explores Walton's internal conflict as he faces public backlash and personal dilemmas, particularly when he encounters a father whose newborn is marked for euthanasia. The novel critiques humanity's struggle for survival and the ethical implications of population management.