A team of space archaeologists makes an astonishing discovery about an ancient alien race in this science fiction tale from “a master of his craft” (Los Angeles Times). Graduate student Tom Rice is thrilled to embark on his first deep-space archeological expedition. He is part of a team from Earth, venturing out in search of artifacts from a civilization that ruled the universe many millennia … universe many millennia ago. Called the High Ones, the members of this long-gone society left tantalizing clues about their history and culture scattered throughout space. One such clue, a “message cube” containing footage of the ancient ones, is more interesting than all of the others combined. It seems to indicate that the High Ones aren’t extinct after all–and just like that, Tom Rice’s archeological mission has become an intergalactic manhunt, one filled with ever-increasing danger that will send the explorers hurtling headlong into the greatest adventure–and peril–of their lives. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Robert Silverberg including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s personal collection.
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Vintage Silverberg, but a bit dated now.
I gave it 3 stars because it was imaginative and had an interesting ending. However, I ended up skimming through most of it until I got to the ending.
A mind-blowing story on the fate of humanity in the far future. Silverberg always comes through.
Not worth it
Robert Silverberg’s “Across a Billion Years” (1969)
Scattered throughout the globe of human-occupied space is evidence of a civilization that bestrode the galaxy before humanity was born. Now, a strange device has been discovered that shows the details of that great civilization. The details include a star map and hints that the High Ones are not …
This story gives a new meaning to permanent exile.
Which turns out less permanent than at first believed.
Told by an apprentice archaeologist as if writing to his sister but does have a surprise ending!!
This story had a great ending but was slow to start and hard to stay with it. I almost quit it a couple of times but was glad I did hang in to the end as it was good.
I really enjoyed the blending of the science of the past within a context of distant future.
The first science fiction I ever read. It made me a fan for life.
Alas, the plot is largely driven by dei ex machina. The hard problems are all miraculously avoided by plot devices while a small number of minor distractions serve as obstacles. Problems of prejudice are recognized but no solutions are explored beyond getting to know other people better, which is hampered by limited character development.
The …
A little tedious. Moves slowly.
It was not for me. Maybe it is for others.
A little predictable and not the best book that I have read by him.
Too much dialog and not enough action.
It was ok. Read it in two or three sittings. Escapist. Glad to have read it, will not re-read it.
Fascinating tale of a team of future archaeologists uncovering evidence of a very ancient civilization of super beings. Fun read.
Great future building plot and story. The characters were all doing what people in those situations from those cultures would do. Meanwhile, ancient alien technology is zooming through the void between galaxies and they all want to know what it is and how to use it.
Ending was a quick wrap up and not as thoughtful as rest of book. Treatment of female characters and how they should behave in future is very old school, condescending and somewhat offensive. It was hard to stay immersed in the book due to that.
What an amazing story. What a great concept. What a sad ending.