An Olaf Stapledon Reader (Paperback)

~ Olaf Stapledon (Author), Robert Crossley (Author, Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

One of the early giants of science fiction, Stapledon (1886^-1950) is now almost entirely forgotten. The scope of his "cosmic and philosophical romances"--Last and First Men, Last Men in London, Star Maker, Odd John, and Sirius can be off-putting (a novel encompassing the birth and death of the universe requires a certain commitment), and, frankly, he is hard to read. This reader extracts from his epical long works and reprints shorter pieces whole; arguably, the most important things in it are the essays, the speeches, and the letters that offer glimpses behind his public persona. In this nonfiction, we read Stapledon's genuine concern about humanity's future as well as about the dire yet hopeful time in which he lived. The characteristic mixture of grand vision and down-to-earth human concern afforded by this sampling is rare enough to distinguish him as a vital and important figure not only in the history of science fiction but in general twentieth-century literary history. Dennis Winters --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Olaf Stapledon, philosopher, novelist, educator and social activist, had an imagination unlike that of any other figure in modernist literature. This broad anthology includes a generous sample of his fictional gems, as well as other writings including essays, poems and letters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: Syracuse University Press; First Edition/First Printing edition (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815604300
• ISBN-13: 978-0815604303
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #477,982 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best introduction to Stapledon that I've seen, September 30, 2001

By A Customer

Recently I have become quite acquainted with the work of Olaf Stapledon... no, I haven't read it all yet! But this was a terrific introduction. The Cordwainer Smith Foundation (of which I am a member) recently created an award for science fiction writers whose works are worthy of rediscovery. Olaf Stapledon was chosen by a distinguished panel of science fiction writers and editors to win the first award. So I read much of this book, among others. The range of Stapledon's mind is astonishing and beautiful, with wry humor and more than a little tragedy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Books by Olaf Stapeldon, January 28, 2009

By	James A. Root "tool fool" (Taos, NM USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Considered by many to be one of the finest Science fiction writers. He gets my vote in spades. He will take you to places uncharted, but accessible.