The Touch

Just the idea for this original anthology is intriguingDto tell the tale of a worldwide disease that causes its victims to temporarily deprive anyone they touch of one or more of their senses. Combine this premise with stinging, mournful, pointed writing of consistently high quality, from Linda K. Wright's ""The Penitent"" to William F. Nolan's ""Freak,"" and what results is a provocative book sure to attract attention. An opening health advisory warns of the dangers of contact with ""Deprivers."" The stories that follow chart the epidemic from first discovery to the point that it has become a part of everyday life and has profoundly changed the world (not always in the most obvious ways). Depriver syndrome alienates its victims from all human contact, turning them into unwitting murderers and villains. Several tales explore the power of a Depriver to punish victims when they're forced to harm others against their wills. Many explore the horror of isolation and profound fear of approaching strangers. Each contributorDamong them Katherine Dunn, Harry Turtledove, Sean Stewart, Tananarive Due and Janet AsimovDtakes a different approach to the subject. The cumulative effect is profound and frighteningly possible. The late Edward Gorey supplies two interior illustrations. (Nov.) FYI: Profits from this title will go to HEAL (Health Education AIDS Liaison) and F.A.C.T. (Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Therapy).