Olaf Stapledon

Entre la cosmogonía y la fábula científica, ésta es, en palabras de Borges, una «novela prodigiosa»Una noche de amargura y desengaño, un hombre contempla el firmamento desde lo alto de una colina. De

La novela clásica del superhombre, y una discusión apasionada de los problemas del mundo moderno. Precursora de Hacedor de estrellas, la vasta historia del cosmos y novela seminal de la ciencia ficción moderna, escrita en 1937, Juan Raro (1936) es una discusión apasionada de los problemas del hombre moderno, sus ideas, sus costumbres, y sus absurdos prejuicios.

Sirio es la historia de un perro, un superovejero de inteligencia similar a la del hombre. Durante los años entre 1937 y 1944, Stapledon escribió su más importante texto de filosofía (Filosofía y vida), y la vasta historia del cosmos titulada Hacedor de estrellas. Asistió horrorizado al estallido de la segunda guerra mundial, y Sirio resume todas las esperanzas, decepciones y reflexiones del autor en esa época. La obra de Stapledon ha influido en Vonnegut, Clarke, LeGuin, Lem y muchos otros maestros de la ciencia ficción contemporánea. Encuadernación: Rústica.

Sirio es la historia de un perro, un superovejero de inteligencia similar a la del hombre. Durante los años entre 1937 y 1944, Stapledon escribió su más importante texto de filosofía (Filosofía y vida), y la vasta historia del cosmos titulada Hacedor de estrellas. Asistio horrorizado al estallido de la segunda guerra mundial, y Sirio resume todas las esperanzas, decepciones y reflexiones del autor en esa epoca. La obra de Stapledon ha influido en Vonnegut, Clarke, LeGuin, Lem y muchos otros maestros de la ciencia ficcion contemporanea. Encuadernacion: Tapa dura con sobrecubierta.

Stapledon projects two separate futures for humanity, depending not on the outcome of World War II but on the failure or success of a future "Tibetan Renaissance" to influence the temper and ideology of the militaristic empires that threaten it.

The sequel to Last and First Men, Olaf Stapledons great classic work of science fiction.In Last Men in London the author follows up the themes of his earlier masterpiece in presenting a Neptunian last mans views on our twentieth-century world, views informed by the huge dimensions of space and time which separate him from our tiny contemporary world. Once again, Olaf Stapledon has been totally successful in creating a work of such stunning imagination and brilliance that it has taken its place amongst the classics of science fiction.

Science fiction has its immortals - authors whose impact was so tremendous that they belong in a class by themselves. Olaf Stapledon extended the boundaries of science fiction to the infinite, and there are few of the major authors who do not directly or indirectly owe him a great debt. This volume of his short science fiction and fantasy includes in addition to the five stories, an uncollected radio script from which this volume takes its title and an uncollected 1948 address to the British Interplanetary Society.

Una primera novela tan exitosa como La última y la primera humanidad exigió una secuela y Stapledon se comprometió en ella con Los Últimos Hombres en Londres, libro publicado en 1932 por Methuen. Este tratado de ficcion filosofica no puede ser apreciado verdaderamente sin una lectura previa de La ultima y la primera humanidad. El titulo en si es completamente engañoso, ya que no se refiere a los ultimos hombres vivos en Londres despues de un desastre, como podria esperarse, sino a una visita mental de uno de los Ultimos Hombres que perecieron en Neptuno en el primer libro de Stapledon que retorna a nuestra era y sus reacciones ante lo que ve.

In "The Complete Sci-Fi Works of Olaf Stapledon," readers are invited to explore the imaginative landscapes that define Stapledons contributions to science fiction literature. A prolific pioneer, Stapledon weaves intricate narratives that transcend traditional storytelling, blending philosophical inquiry with speculative futurism. His works, including the visionary "Last and First Men" and the monumental "Star Maker," challenge conventional notions of humanity, temporality, and the cosmos, encapsulating a style rich with lyrical prose and a profound sense of the interconnectedness of all beings. Written during the early to mid-20th century, Stapledons writings reflect the tumultuous socio-political climate of his time, offering a framework through which to understand the implications of human progress and existential inquiry. Olaf Stapledon (1886-1950), a British author and philosopher, was profoundly influenced by his academic background in philosophy and the sciences, which shaped his innovative approaches to narrative structure and thematic exploration. His experiences during World War I profoundly colored his outlook on humanitys potential and its vulnerabilities, leading him to contemplate the existential dilemmas that echo through his works. Stapledons unique blend of visionary perspectives and explorations of the human condition mark him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern science fiction. I highly recommend this comprehensive collection not only to aficionados of the genre but also to readers seeking a deeper understanding of humanitys place in the universe. Stapledons thought-provoking narratives serve as a clarion call for introspection about our collective future, urging readers to contemplate both the triumphs and tribulations that lie ahead.

In "Last and First Men," Olaf Stapledon crafts an extraordinary narrative that blends speculative fiction with philosophical inquiry. Written in 1930, this seminal work traces the evolution of humanity over two billion years, exploring the rise and fall of eighteen successive species of humans, each faced with unique challenges and existential dilemmas. Stapledons expansive prose is characterized by its visionary scope and dense philosophical reflections, drawing readers into a rich tapestry of ideas about civilization, consciousness, and the future of humanity. As a pioneering work of science fiction, it sets a precedent for blending scientific concepts with speculative narratives, influencing numerous writers and thinkers in the genre. Stapledon, a British philosopher and author, was profoundly intrigued by the implications of human fate and progress, factors deeply rooted in his own education and intellectual background. His experiences as a soldier during World War I and his academic pursuits in philosophy fostered a deep reflection on humanitys capacity for both destruction and transcendence. This blend of personal experience and intellectual inquiry culminates in "Last and First Men," which is both a narrative of human resilience and an exploration of cosmic possibilities. I highly recommend "Last and First Men" to readers who seek a thought-provoking and eloquent exploration of the future of humanity. Its scientific insight and philosophical depth make it a timeless piece that resonates with contemporary concerns about our trajectory as a civilization. Stapledons visionary narrative pushes the boundaries of literature, urging us to reflect on our past while contemplating the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

In "The Essential Works of Olaf Stapledon," readers are invited into the expansive realms of speculative thought that characterize Stapledons literary contributions. This compilation not only encapsulates his visionary narratives but also showcases his unique philosophical approach, blending science fiction with existential inquiry. Stapledons literary style merges lyrical prose with profound conceptual exploration, reflecting contemporary dilemmas about humanitys future in an ever-evolving cosmos. Often heralded as a precursor to modern science fiction, his works confront the intricacies of consciousness, societal evolution, and universal interconnectedness. Olaf Stapledon (1886-1950) was a British philosopher and author whose pioneering thoughts on sociology and metaphysics deeply influenced the genre. His own diverse backgroundstudies at the University of Liverpool, work as a philosopher, and experiences during the two World Warshelped shape his understanding of humanitys precarious position in the universe. Stapledons imaginative extensions of philosophical ideas into fictional narratives reveal his conviction that literature can pierce the veil of reality, illuminating essential truths about existence. This collection is highly recommended for readers yearning for a thoughtful exploration of human potential and cosmic destiny. Stapledons enduring insights resonate with contemporary challenges, making this essential reading for both avid science fiction fans and those seeking philosophical depth. Discover how Stapledon masterfully intertwines narrative and intellect, urging us to contemplate our role within the grand tapestry of the universe.

Sirius is Thomas Trelones great experiment - a huge, handsome dog with the brain and intelligence of a human being. Raised and educated in Trelones 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 isnt human and the conflicts and inner turmoil that torture him cannot be resolved ...

Four Encounters is an unfinished work by the writer and philosopher Olaf Stapledon, written in the late 1940s but only published 26 years after the authors death. It takes place in contemporary (post World War II) Britain, and describes four meetings with various characters who are named for the spiritual quality that best defines them: a Christian, a scientist, a mystic and a revolutionary. There were originally to have been ten encounters, but Stapledon died before the project was completed.

Sam Moskowitz ha dicho de este libro que "si hay una obra de imaginación que pueda ser descrita como un tour de force, esa obra es Hacedor de estrellas. Stapledon cuenta aquí toda la historia del universo desde su creacion hasta su fin. Los filosofos de la historia han investigado el pasado del hombre para encontrar respuesta al enigma de la vida. Stapledon lanza una sonda visionaria al futuro en busca de las mismas respuestas."

A bomber is killed in battle along with all of his companions; but something wakes in his dying, which is first a spirit bomber-crew, then the spirit of all those killed in battle, then the spirit of

An introductory note seems called for to explain to the reader the origin of the following strange document, which I have received from a friend with a view to publication. The author has given it the form of a letter to myself, and he signs himself with his nickname, "Cass," which is an abbreviation of Cassandra. I have seldom met Cass since we were undergraduates together at Oxford before the war of 1914. Even in those days he was addicted to lurid forebodings, hence his nickname.My last meeting with him was in one of the great London blitzes of 1941, when he reminded me that he had long ago prophesied the end of civilization in world-wide fire. The Battle of London, he affirmed, was the beginning of the long-drawn-out disaster.Cass will not, I am sure, mind my saying that he always seemed to us a bit crazy: but he certainly had a queer knack of prophesy, and though we thought him sometimes curiously unable to understand the springs of his own behaviour, he had a remarkable gift of insight into the minds of others. This enabled him to help some of us to straighten out our tangles, and I for one owe him a debt of deep gratitude. He saw me heading for a most disastrous love affair, and by magic (no other word seems adequate) he opened my eyes to the folly of it. It is for this reason that I feel bound to carry out his request to publish the following statement. I cannot myself vouch for its truth. Cass knows very well that I am an inveterate sceptic about all his fantastic ideas. It was on this account that he invented my nickname. "Thos," which most of my Oxford friends adopted. "Thos," of course, is an abbreviation for Thomas, and refers to the "doubting Thomas" of the New Testament.Cass, I feel confident, is sufficiently detached and sane to realize that what is veridical for him may be sheer extravagance for others, who have no direct experience by which to judge his claims. But if I refrain from believing, I also refrain from disbelieving. Too often in the past I have known his wild prophesies come true.The head of the following bulky letter bears the address of a well-known mental home."THOS."

The narrator of Nebula Maker stands on a hill and sees a vision that leads him to the birth of the universe. He witnesses the creation of the nebulae and the formation of galactic communities as well as the flowering of the personalities of the nebulae. The establishment of pacific and militaristic camps and their relationship leads to events of cosmic strife, not unlike the history of our world in the twentieth century.

En un futuro, el Séptimo Hombre, que vive en Neptuno, se parece muy poco a la humanidad actual, pero se siente heredero y guardián de sus logros y fracasos, que va desgranando.