This bold exploration of the cosmos ventures into intelligent star clusters and mingles among alien races for a memorable vision of infinity. Cited as a key influence by science-fiction masters such as Doris Lessing, this classic has left its mark not only in modern literature but also in the fields of social anthropology and philosophy.

In "Olaf Stapledon: Complete Novels," readers are presented with a comprehensive collection that showcases the visionary narratives and speculative thought that define Stapledon's literary prowess. This anthology includes seminal works such as "Last and First Men" and "Star Maker," where Stapledon deftly combines philosophical inquiry with imaginative storytelling. His distinctive style, marked by grand ideas and sweeping temporal perspectives, reflects the zeitgeist of the early 20th cent...

Star Maker is a science fiction novel by Olaf Stapledon, published in 1937. The book describes a history of life in the universe, dwarfing in scale Stapledon's previous book, Last and First Men (1930), a history of the human species over two billion years. Star Maker tackles philosophical themes such as the essence of life, of birth, decay and death, and the relationship between creation and creator. A pervading theme is that of progressive unity within and between different civilizations....

One of the most extraordinary, imaginative and ambitious novels of the century: a history of the evolution of humankind over the next 2 billion years.Among all science fiction writers Olaf Stapledon stands alone for the sheer scope and ambition of his work. First published in 1930, Last and First Men is full of pioneering speculations about evolution, terraforming, genetic engineering and many other subjects.

Olaf Stapledon's 'Star Maker' is a groundbreaking work of science fiction that explores the vast expanse of the cosmos and the potential of human evolution. Written in a visionary and philosophical style, the novel delves into themes of cosmic consciousness, the nature of life, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Stapledon's narrative stretches across time and space, presenting a panoramic view of the universe filled with awe-inspiring concepts and mind-bending ideas. The literary co...

'A prodigious novel ... Stapledon's literary imagination was boundless' Jorge Luis BorgesA lasting influence on successive generations of science fiction writers and on the physicist Freeman Dyson, this poetic, philosophical tale of one man's unexpected voyage through the universe is imbued with a sense of mystery and vast cosmic loneliness.'The most wonderful novel I have ever read ... Star Maker remains light years ahead' Brian Aldiss'Pro...

Sirius is Thomas Trelone’s great experiment - a huge, handsome dog with the brain and intelligence of a human being. Raised and educated in Trelone’s own family alongside Plaxy, his youngest daughter, Sirius is a truly remarkable and gifted creature. His relationship with the Trelones, particularly with Plaxy, is deep and close, and his inquiring mind ranges across the spectrum of human knowledge and experience. But Sirius isn’t human and the conflicts and inner turmoil that torture him ca...

William Olaf Stapledon (10 May 1886 – 6 September 1950) — known as Olaf Stapledon — was a British philosopher and author of several influential works of science fiction.Stapledon's writings directly influenced Arthur C. Clarke, Brian Aldiss, Stanisław Lem, John Gloag, Naomi Mitchison, C. S. Lewis, Vernor Vinge, John Maynard Smith, and indirectly influenced many others, contributing many ideas to the world of science fiction. The "supermind" composed of many individ...

One night when I had tasted bitterness I went out on to the hill. Dark heather checked my feet. Below marched the suburban street lamps. Windows, their curtains drawn, were shut eyes, inwardly watching the lives of dreams. Beyond the sea’s level darkness a lighthouse pulsed. Overhead, obscurity.I distinguished our own house, our islet in the tumultuous and bitter currents of the world. There, for a decade and a half, we two, so different in quality, had grown in and in to one anothe...

Last and First Men is a science fiction novel written by Olaf Stapledon and published in 1930. The book explores the future history of humanity over a period of two billion years, charting the rise and fall of eighteen different civilizations.The book is written in a highly imaginative and poetic style, which can make it challenging for some readers. However, it remains a significant work of science fiction, and it has influenced many other authors...

Una noche, un hombre desencantado contempla el cielo desde lo alto de una colina. De pronto se ve inmerso en una suerte de viaje astral que lo traslada por toda la galaxia, de la que explorará el nacimiento y el ocaso, con la meta última de comprender la naturaleza de la fuerza primigenia, el enigmático «hacedor de estrellas». El protagonista de esta novela es la inmensidad del tiempo y del espacio, y Stapledon nos invita a una auténtica aventura existencial. Entre la cosmogonía y la fábul...

Enjoy this meticulously edited SF Collection, filled with space adventures, dystopian novels and apocalyptic tales:_x000D_ Novels:_x000D_ Last and First Men: A Story of the Near and Far Future_x000D_ Last Men in London_x000D_ Odd John: A Story Between Jest and Earnest_x000D_ Star Maker_x000D_ Darkness and the Light_x000D_ Sirius: A Fantasy of Love and Discord_x000D_ Death into Life_x000D_ Short Stories:_x000D_ The Flames (1947)_x000D_ The Seed and the Flower_x000D_ The Road to the Aide Pos...