The Complete Novels
Enriched edition. Exploring the Cosmos: A Visionary Collection of Science Fiction and Philosophical NovelsBy Olaf Stapledon
Length68h 29m
About this audiobook
In "The Complete Novels," Olaf Stapledon presents an expansive collection that showcases his visionary imagination and profound philosophical inquiries. Encompassing works such as "Last and First Men" and "Star Maker," this anthology delves into the farthest reaches of human and cosmic evolution, weaving a literary tapestry that fuses science fiction with deep existential reflection. Stapledon's narrative style is characterized by its grand scope and innovative structure, often eschewing traditional character arcs in favor of broader universal themes, making it a seminal work in the genre's development during the early 20th century. Olaf Stapledon, a British philosopher and writer, was profoundly influenced by the tumultuous events of his time, including the World Wars and the existential threats they posed. Educated at the University of Liverpool and later at Oxford, Stapledon synthesized his academic background with his literary endeavors, leading him to explore the complex relationship between humanity and the cosmos. His works often reflect a deep sense of responsibility towards the future of mankind, mirroring his personal convictions and philosophical musings. This collection is highly recommended for readers who wish to explore the intricate interplay of imagination, science, and philosophy. Stapledon's work not only pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction but also challenges readers to contemplate the future of humanity within the cosmos, making it an essential reading for anyone interested in the evolution of the genre.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.
Audiobook details
GenreScience and Nature
Length68 hrs 29 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 14, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
56CHAPTER XXI THE BEGINNING OF THE END
2Introduction
57CHAPTER XXII THE END
3Historical Context
58Star Maker
4Synopsis (Selection)
59PREFACE
5Last and First Men
60I THE EARTH
Show all chaptersShow less
6Preface
61II INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL
7Introduction By One of the Last Men
62III THE OTHER EARTH
8THE CHRONICLE
63IV I TRAVEL AGAIN
9II Europe’s Downfall
64V WORLDS INNUMERABLE
10III America and China
65VI INTIMATIONS OF THE STAR MAKER
11IV An Americanized Planet
66VII MORE WORLDS
12V The Fall of the First Men
67VIII CONCERNING THE EXPLORERS
13VI Transition
68IX THE COMMUNITY OF WORLDS
14VII The Rise of the Second Men
69X A VISION OF THE GALAXY
15VIII The Martians
70XI STARS AND VERMIN
16IX Earth and Mars
71XII A STUNTED COSMICAL SPIRIT
17X The Third Men in the Wilderness
72XIII THE BEGINNING AND THE END
18XI Man Remakes Himself
73XIV THE MYTH OF CREATION
19XII The Last Terrestrials
74XV THE MAKER AND HIS WORKS
20XIII Humanity on Venus
75XVI EPILOGUE: BACK TO EARTH
21XIV Neptune
76A NOTE ON MAGNITUDE
22XV The Last Men
77Darkness and the Light
23XVI The Last of Man
78PREFACE
24Last Men in London
79Part I - CRISIS
25PREFACE
80Part II - DARKNESS
26INTRODUCTION THE FUTURE’S CONCERN WITH THE PAST
81Part III - THE LIGHT (pt. 1)
27CHAPTER I THE WORLD OF THE LAST MEN
82Part III - THE LIGHT (pt. 2)
28CHAPTER II EXPLORING THE PAST
83CHAPTER I FIRST MEETING
29CHAPTER III THE CHILD PAUL
84CHAPTER II THE MAKING OF SIRIUS
30CHAPTER IV PAUL COMES OF AGE
85CHAPTER III INFANCY
31CHAPTER V ORIGINS OF THE EUROPEAN WAR
86CHAPTER IV YOUTH
32CHAPTER VI THE WAR
87CHAPTER V SHEEP-DOG APPRENTICE
33CHAPTER VII AFTER THE WAR
88CHAPTER VI BIRTH-PANGS OF A PERSONALITY
34CHAPTER VIII THE MODERN WORLD
89CHAPTER VII WOLF SIRIUS
35CHAPTER IX ON EARTH AND ON NEPTUNE
90CHAPTER VIII SIRIUS AT CAMBRIDGE
36CHAPTER I JOHN AND THE AUTHOR
91CHAPTER IX SIRIUS AND RELIGION
37CHAPTER II THE FIRST PHASE
92CHAPTER X EXPERIENCES IN LONDON
38CHAPTER III ENFANT TERRIBLE
93CHAPTER XI MAN AS TYRANT
39CHAPTER IV JOHN AND HIS ELDERS
94CHAPTER XII FARMER SIRIUS
40CHAPTER V THOUGHT AND ACTION
95CHAPTER XIII THE EFFECTS OF WAR
41CHAPTER VI MANY INVENTIONS
96CHAPTER XIV TAN-Y-VOEL
42CHAPTER VII FINANCIAL VENTURES
97CHAPTER XV STRANGE TRIANGLE
43CHAPTER VIII SCANDALOUS ADOLESCENCE
98CHAPTER XVI PLAXY CONSCRIPTED
44CHAPTER IX METHODS OF A YOUNG ANTHROPOLOGIST
99CHAPTER XVII OUTLAW
45CHAPTER X THE WORLD’S PLIGHT
100Death into Life
46CHAPTER XI STRANGE ENCOUNTERS
101CHAPTER I - BATTLE (pt. 1)
47CHAPTER XII JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS
102CHAPTER I - BATTLE (pt. 2)
48CHAPTER XIII JOHN SEEKS HIS KIND
103CHAPTER IV - THE SPIRIT OF MAN CONSIDERS HIS PLIGHT (pt. 1)
49CHAPTER XIV ENGINEERING PROBLEMS
104CHAPTER IV - THE SPIRIT OF MAN CONSIDERS HIS PLIGHT (pt. 2)
50CHAPTER XV JACQUELINE
105The Flames: INTRODUCTORY NOTE (pt. 1)
51CHAPTER XVI ADLAN
106The Flames: INTRODUCTORY NOTE (pt. 2)
52CHAPTER XVII NG-GUNKO AND LO
107Analysis
53CHAPTER XVIII THE SKID’S FIRST VOYAGE
108Reflection
54CHAPTER XIX THE COLONY IS FOUNDED
109Memorable Quotes
55CHAPTER XX THE COLONY IN BEING
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