[David Gerrold 01] • When HARLIE Was One

Cover Artist: Jacques Wyrs

When HARLIE Was One is a 1972 science fiction novel by David Gerrold. It was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1972 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1973. The novel is a "fix-up" of previously published short stories by Gerrold. A revised version, subtitled "Release 2.0", was published in 1988.

Central to the story is an Artificial Intelligence named H.A.R.L.I.E., also referred to by the proper name "HARLIE" - an acronym for Human Analog Replication, Lethetic Intelligence Engine (originally Human Analog Robot Life Input Equivalents).

HARLIE's story revolves around his relationship with David Auberson, the psychologist who is responsible for guiding HARLIE from childhood into adulthood. It is also the story of HARLIE's fight against being turned off, and the philosophical question whether or not HARLIE is human; for that matter, what it means to be human.

The HARLIE intelligence engine appears in a number of Gerrold's other works, including the Star Wolf series, where it is routinely installed as the administrating AI of Terran warships.