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This is the updated edition of a novel I first published in 1971. Though the action of the story hasn't changed, the updating is important, as the wording of the original edition did not take into account the slowness of our progress in space since the Apollo era, a time when we assumed that once we started going into space we would continue making a major effort toward expansion beyond a single world.
Although this book has the same heroine as Enchantress from the Stars it shouldn't be calle ...more
Although this book has the same heroine as Enchantress from the Stars it shouldn't be calle ...more
It might be a little dated and is a bit depressing since we have not passed out of the critical stage even though we have made it to the moon.
Fiction doesn't have to be profound, just entertaining. But every once in a long while, a novel comes along that is both. Here, Sylvia Engdahl presents her "Critical Stage" argument for space exploration -- to wit, if we do not get out into space now, much further and longer than we have heretofore, then we may never get the opportunity again. As an advocate of space exploration and human life in the cosmos, I have explored this theme in my own non-fiction writings, noting how many cultures inve
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I thought about this one for a long time afterwards. Engdahl's theory that there are 3 phases for a planet is an extremely interesting one. This story (sequel to ENCHANTRESS FROM THE STARS) is of a planet in its third phase, where the people will either destroy themselves through war caused by overpopulation, or they'll figure out how to get off of the planet and find other living space.
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Sci fi book that involves a lot of moral issues. Very deep thinking. One of my favorites.
Dec 19, 2007
Michael
marked it as to-read
Dec 26, 2007
Pageofwands
added it
