Olaf Stapledon

Last and First Men (eBook, ePUB)

A Story of the Near and Far Future (Sci-Fi Classic)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In 'Last and First Men', Olaf Stapledon embarks on an ambitious odyssey, chronicling the evolution and eventual decline of humanity across two billion years. This seminal work extrapolates the potential courses of human development, through eighteen distinct species, diverging vastly from our own Homo sapiens. Stapledon's grand scale of time weaves a narrative that is as much a visionary science fiction tale as it is a meditation on the cyclical nature of civilizations. Through a meticulously crafted prose, the reader is introduced to an inexorable pattern of rise and fall, echoing the eternal struggle between progress and entropy. As one of the pioneering texts to explore the concept of a supermind-consciousness arising from telepathically linked individuals-'Last and First Men' stands as a cornerstone in science fiction literature, influencing the genre's themes and literary style. Olaf Stapledon's philosophical background and his keen interest in the future of humanity are the lifeblood of this novel. With a profound understanding of both human psychology and potential futures, Stapledon's narrative is not only a map of possible destiny but also a reflection on human nature and our place in the cosmos. His foresight and innovative thinking have cemented his reputation as a leading figure in speculative fiction, and 'Last and First Men', with its unique blend of scientific extrapolation and eloquent literary expression, is testament to his imaginative prowess and his quest to explore the social and ethical implications of futures yet to come. Recommendation for 'Last and First Men' cannot be reserved for science fiction enthusiasts alone; it extends to those captivated by the philosophical and anthropological aspects of human evolution. This book is an invaluable read for anyone intrigued by the future of mankind and the speculative possibilities that await our descendants. A trailblazer for both the superhuman concept and the macro-historical genre of future histories, it remains as intellectually stimulating today as at the time of its conception. Stapledon's magnum opus invites readers to an expansive journey through time-and the human psyche.

---

Dieser Download kann aus rechtlichen Gründen nur mit Rechnungsadresse in A, B, BG, CY, CZ, D, DK, EW, E, FIN, F, GR, H, IRL, I, LT, L, LR, M, NL, PL, P, R, S, SLO, SK ausgeliefert werden.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 296
• Erscheinungstermin: 14. November 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547721901
• Artikelnr.: 69354682

Autorenporträt

Olaf Stapledon (1886-1950) was a British philosopher and author, most recognized for his contributions to the science fiction genre. His work delves into themes of philosophy, the essence of humanity, and the future of civilization, often expanding upon the horizons of space and time. Stapledon's innovative approach combined speculative fiction with deep philosophical inquiry, a combination that has influenced the genre profoundly and inspired many other writers. His seminal work, 'Last and First Men' (1930), stands as a cornerstone of speculative fiction, presenting a sweeping narrative that traces the history of the human species over two billion years. In this text, Stapledon's narrative transcends the confines of individual experience and plunges into the collective evolutionary journey of humankind, making it one of the pivotal texts in the lineage of speculative future histories. Stapledon's literary style is characterized by its epic scope and intellectual ambition, echoing the grandeur of the themes he explores. He melds narrative depth with a far-reaching vision, painting compelling scenarios that challenge the reader's understanding of humanity's place in the universe. Despite the overarching grand narratives, Stapledon's work is often marked by a profound sense of empathy and ethical concern, reflecting his background in philosophy and his interest in social issues. 'Last and First Men' and its successor 'Star Maker' (1937) firmly establish Stapledon as a visionary whose work continues to resonate with contemporary readers and writers alike.