The classic science fiction novel that captures and expands on the vision of Stanley Kubrick’s immortal film—and changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves.From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man ventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.This allegory about humanity’s exploration of the … about humanity’s exploration of the universe—and the universe’s reaction to humanity—is a hallmark achievement in storytelling that follows the crew of the spacecraft Discovery as they embark on a mission to Saturn. Their vessel is controlled by HAL 9000, an artificially intelligent supercomputer capable of the highest level of cognitive functioning that rivals—and perhaps threatens—the human mind.
Grappling with space exploration, the perils of technology, and the limits of human power, 2001: A Space Odyssey continues to be an enduring classic of cinematic scope.
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I have been reading Clark’s works my whole life and I am always pleased with the content and his message. So when it comes to reading or listening to his works I always do it with much anticipation, I can in all honesty say the same about 2001. Beautifully crafted visuals and stoic characters whose lack of development worked perfectly towards not taking focus away from the main story line., until character development became the focus of the story.
A classic work of art and rightfully so, 2001 is perfectly crafted to raise the right questions at the right time and still leave you wanting more.
Of course, I had seen the movie a dozen times or more before I read this book. And not because I particularly loved the movie–more because I knew I was SUPPOSED to love the movie, and I just couldn’t figure out why. I finally came to realize that slow, hypnotic delivery–combined with an essentially unintelligible ending that answered zero questions–was exactly by Kubrick’s design. When I stopped trying to make the film what I wanted it to be, and just let it be what it actually was, I enjoyed it much more.
Then I read the book. I was amazed by how readable it is. All of the bits that Kubrick left hanging out there are actually much more defined in print. This should hardly be surprising, but it was amazingly satisfying. In fact, the book and film were written in conjunction with each other, so here is an example where it truly is appropriate to consider them side by side. The book made me enjoy the film more, and vise versa. Very fun read, on the whole, and way more accessible than the film–particularly to a set of contemporary eyes.
This holds a special place in my heart since the movie was being shot while I was working on the Apollo program. Seeing it was like seeing maybe not tomorrow, but the day after. Alas, the ball was dropped.
I have seen the movie a few times, while I am not a huge fan of the movie. I did enjoy the book. I am not sure if I would recommend it to someone who is a huge fan of the movie since the book kills the mystery of the movie. But it was enjoyable to listen/read while getting things done around the house.
Great book
A classic.
Great first book in the series and explained to me parts of the movie.
I read this novel as a hardcover over 40 Years ago.
A classic. Enjoyable even after seeing the excellent movie created from the book, possibly more after seeing the movie. And do not forget the sequels.
Fantastic early SF about possibly rogue AI, except this AI, HAL, really goes rogue because of OUR own basic paranoia! Written by a master of SF and a leading scientist of his day.
Exactly like Kubrick’s world shattering future film. Out of this world (literally.)
A classic every time I read it.
After reading this, I finally understood the movie.
Awed by Arthur C. Clarke’s brilliant novel that masterfully fills in any blanks (chasms) left by the seminal film
Go see the movie. Be prepared for more of a visual/emotional experience than a plot. Read the book if you want the movie to make sense in a more down-to-earh way: Clarke helped keep Kubrick from being entirely unscientific in making the film, but the book is pretty dry.
Much the same as Ray Bradbury, anyone with an interest in sci fi must read the works of Arthur C. Clarke. We probably all know at least the cinematic story of 2001, but as usual the book is much better–more nuanced, complete, and haunting in it’s own way. A true classic, one of the must-reads for any sci fi fan.
Awesome we are getting closer