William Olaf Stapledon war ein britischer Philosoph und Autor mehrerer einflussreicher Science-Fiction-Werke. Seine Schriften beeinflussten direkt Arthur C. Clarke, Brian Aldiss, Stanisław Lem, C. S. Lewis und John Maynard Smith und indirekt viele andere. Stapledon trug viele Ideen zur Science-Fiction-Welt bei und wurde zu einer bedeutenden treibenden Kraft in diesem Genre.
"Star Maker" ist eine Erzählung, die von einer imaginären Reise durch das Universum berichtet. Der Autor Stapledon beschreibt den „Sternenmacher“, eine kreative Kraft, die unzufrieden neue Sterne und Universen erschafft. Das Werk hat viele bedeutende Schriftsteller beeinflusst. Die Neuauflage basiert auf der deutschen Erstausgabe von 1966.
This collection showcases a diverse range of narratives, each exploring the complexities of human experience. The stories delve into themes of love, loss, and identity, often set against richly detailed backdrops that enhance the emotional depth. Readers will encounter a variety of characters, from the everyday to the extraordinary, each facing unique challenges and revelations. The author’s masterful storytelling invites reflection and connection, making this anthology a compelling read for those who appreciate nuanced prose and evocative themes.
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. Some of the elements and themes briefly discussed prefigure later fiction concerning genetic engineering and alien life forms. Arthur C. Clarke considered Star Maker to be one of the finest works of science fiction ever written.
Exploring two potential futures for humanity, this work offers a deep and insightful examination of the choices and challenges that lie ahead. It delves into the implications of various societal, technological, and environmental developments, encouraging readers to reflect on the direction of human evolution. With a focus on critical decision-making and the consequences of our actions, the book serves as a thought-provoking guide for navigating the complexities of our future.
Das visionäre Zukunftsepos der Science-Fiction-Legende Olaf Stapledon: Was wird uns in 100 Jahren erwarten, welche Zivilisationen werden in 1.000 Jahren regieren, welche Kriege in 500.000 Jahren geschlagen? Welchen kosmischen Lebensformen werden wir in Milliarden Jahren begegnen, und wie wird die Menschheit in undenkbarer, entferntester Zukunft ihr Ende finden? In diesem 1930 erstmals erschienenen Klassiker erzählt Autor und Philosoph Olaf Stapledon die gesamte Menschheitsgeschichte von der Gegenwart bis zum Sterben der letzten Galaxie ... Einer der außergewöhnlichsten, faszinierendsten und ambitioniertesten Romane aller Zeiten in hochwertiger Sammlerausstattung.
John Wainwright is a freak, a human mutation with an extraordinary intelligence which is both awesome and frightening to behold. Ordinary humans are mere playthings to him. And Odd John has a plan to create a new order on Earth, a new supernormal species. But the world is not ready for such a change ...
Though this is a work of fiction, it does not pretend to be a novel. It has no hero but man. Since its purpose is not the characterization of individual human beings, no effort has been made to endow its few persons with distinctive personalities. There is no plot, except the theme of man's struggle in this awkward age to master himself and to come to terms with the universe.
