Noting the Merritt influence, Algis Budrys described ``The Metal Man'' as ``a story full of memorable images''. Early on, Williamson became impressed by the works of Miles J. Breuer and struck up a correspondence with him. A doctor who wrote science fiction in his spare time, Breuer had a strong talent and turned Williamson away from dreamlike fantasies towards more rigorous plotting and stronger narrative.
Breuer
Williamson