The Philosophical & Science-Fiction Works of Olaf Stapledon (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Star Maker, Last and First Men, Odd John, Sirius, The Flames, A Modern Theory of Ethics…By Olaf Stapledon
Length90h 54m
About this audiobook
The Philosophical & Science-Fiction Works of Olaf Stapledon gathers the visionary writings through which Stapledon transformed speculative fiction into a vehicle for metaphysical inquiry. In works such as Last and First Men, Star Maker, Odd John, and Sirius, he fuses cosmic scale with philosophical meditation, imagining evolutionary futures, alien consciousness, and the moral destiny of intelligence. His prose is grave, lucid, and panoramic, closer at times to prophetic historiography than conventional narrative. Written in the interwar context of scientific optimism, political crisis, and spiritual uncertainty, these works helped define modern science fiction's intellectual ambitions. Olaf Stapledon (1886–1950) was trained in philosophy and deeply shaped by ethics, pacifism, and social thought. His experiences during the First World War, his academic work, and his engagement with questions of community, personhood, and cosmic purpose all inform his fiction. Rather than treating technology as mere spectacle, Stapledon used it to test humanity's place within vast evolutionary and moral horizons. This collection is essential for readers interested in the roots of serious science fiction. It will especially reward those drawn to speculative literature that enlarges the imagination while demanding philosophical reflection.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
Audiobook details
GenreScience Fiction, General Fiction
Length90 hrs 54 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 11, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Collected Works of William Walker Atkinson - Self-Help Collection (Annotated)
2Beyond the Unexplored Space: The Philosophy & Science-Fiction Works of Olaf Stapledon
3Novels
4Last and First Men
5Preface
Show all chaptersShow less
6Introduction By One of the Last Men
7THE CHRONICLE
8II Europe’s Downfall
9III America and China
10IV An Americanized Planet
11V The Fall of the First Men
12VI Transition
13VII The Rise of the Second Men
14VIII The Martians
15IX Earth and Mars
16X The Third Men in the Wilderness
17XI Man Remakes Himself
18XII The Last Terrestrials
19XIII Humanity on Venus
20XIV Neptune
21XV The Last Men
22XVI The Last of Man
23Last Men in London
24PREFACE
25INTRODUCTION THE FUTURE’S CONCERN WITH THE PAST
26CHAPTER I THE WORLD OF THE LAST MEN
27CHAPTER II EXPLORING THE PAST
28CHAPTER III THE CHILD PAUL
29CHAPTER IV PAUL COMES OF AGE
30CHAPTER V ORIGINS OF THE EUROPEAN WAR
31CHAPTER VI THE WAR
32CHAPTER VII AFTER THE WAR
33CHAPTER VIII THE MODERN WORLD
34CHAPTER IX ON EARTH AND ON NEPTUNE
35Odd John
36CHAPTER I JOHN AND THE AUTHOR
37CHAPTER II THE FIRST PHASE
38CHAPTER III ENFANT TERRIBLE
39CHAPTER IV JOHN AND HIS ELDERS
40CHAPTER V THOUGHT AND ACTION
41CHAPTER VI MANY INVENTIONS
42CHAPTER VII FINANCIAL VENTURES
43CHAPTER VIII SCANDALOUS ADOLESCENCE
44CHAPTER IX METHODS OF A YOUNG ANTHROPOLOGIST
45CHAPTER X THE WORLD’S PLIGHT
46CHAPTER XI STRANGE ENCOUNTERS
47CHAPTER XII JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS
48CHAPTER XIII JOHN SEEKS HIS KIND
49CHAPTER XIV ENGINEERING PROBLEMS
50CHAPTER XV JACQUELINE
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