Probably read this over 40 years ago and don’t recall many details. Probably a short story.
Basic plot line was a 17th century adventurer/nobleman (?) who discovered he was an immortal because his descendants all shared a single consciousness with him. Centuries later, I believe he/they then encountered another group mind.
Ring any bells?
Brian Aldiss’s “Let’s Be Frank”?
That’s it! Thanks, this is a great forum.
Here’s a list of all the places to find that story:
Thanx–I tried to find it to re-read, just to make sure, as I haven’t read it since 1966 (in An ABC of Science Fiction). It sure stuck with me: I can still remember right where I was when I read it.
It is also online at the internet archive of an old scifi.com page - not sure about the copyright, so I won’t post the URL.