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Gag Gifts, Occasion Gifts - Out of the Silent Planet (Space Trilogy, Book One)
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List Price: $13.00
Our Price: $10.40
Your Save: $ 2.60 ( 20% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Scribner
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.912
EAN: 9780743234900
ISBN: 0743234901
Label: Scribner
Manufacturer: Scribner
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 160
Publication Date: 2003-03-04
Publisher: Scribner
Studio: Scribner
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Editorial Reviews:
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The first book in C. S. Lewis's acclaimed Space Trilogy, which continues with Perelandra and That Hideous Strength, Out of the Silent Planet begins the adventures of the remarkable Dr. Ransom. Here, that estimable man is abducted by a megalomaniacal physicist and his accomplice and taken via spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra. The two men are in need of a human sacrifice, and Dr. Ransom would seem to fit the bill. Once on the planet, however, Ransom eludes his captors, risking his life and his chances of returning to Earth, becoming a stranger in a land that is enchanting in its difference from Earth and instructive in its similarity. First published in 1943, Out of the Silent Planet remains a mysterious and suspenseful tour de force.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: Bored to Tears
Comment: I have been reading alot of sci-fi lately - Wells, Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, Niven, Orwell, Card - I am afraid Lewis just doesn't come close. Characters, plot, setting, style - you name it I feel he just fell far short with this book. Disappointing since this book is listed in many of the top sci-fi lists.
I have read several of Lewis' works (Narnia, The Great Divorce, Screwtape Letters) and I just couldn't get into Out of the Silent Planet at all. What he accomplishes and communicates in his other works just doesn't come through here.
The vast majority of the book is spent describing the new world the main character finds himself on. Nothing about this world interested me at all. The races of creatures, the landscapes, everything seemed bland and uninspired.
I am a big fan of allegory as a literary device but I didn't think the message here was strong at all. If you want an allegory that is much more inspired, lively, and communicates much clearer, I recommend "The Man Who Was Thursday" by G.K. Chesterton.
If you have read The Screwtape Letters or The Great Divorce and are looking for something on that level of brilliance, this just isn't it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: An Incredible Voyage into Another World
Comment: In C.S. Lewis's science fiction classic, Out of the Silent Planet, we follow the journey of Dr. Elwin Ransom, a Christian philologist. With piercing wit and imagery, Lewis imprints a captivating story upon our minds. During a pleasure walk, Ransom inadvertently falls into some deep entanglements, is kidnapped, and transported to another planet. Here he finds a fantastic world, of pink and purple and green plants, warm blue rivers and lakes, chill air, and narrow green mountains that nearly pierce the planet's atmosphere. Furry, intelligent creatures dwell there, and angels walk the planet regularly. Throughout his stay on this planet, Ransom sees the evil effects of greed and humanism, and finds the Creator's handiwork in other parts of the universe. This is more than just a fantasy story. It is a journey into the realms of the soul, the spirit, the heart, and the mind -- one that will leave you exhilarated an encouraged.
Ryan Robledo
Author of the Aelnathan:
Customer Rating:
Summary: Well worth it with the right approach
Comment: Lewis uses this story well as a platform to communicate profound lessons about human nature, spirituality, natural law, social customs, etc. The concept for the book is impressive, especially considering its publication date of 1938. The story focuses more on dialogue and thematic development than action or adventure, though there are certainly a few such scenes. While this is an enjoyable read, the style and pace of the book are sure to make it less accessible if the reader doesn't approach the book with proper expectations. This is not a page-turner, but a story with a philosophical and theological focus. I recommend this book for those who are ready for science fiction in a slightly different gear. If you approach the book in this way, you will be richly rewarded. If you are looking for fast-paced space action, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Certainly worth reading, although could have been more in depth...
Comment: I had no clue that Lewis had written a sci fi trilogy when I stumbled upon this one completely by random. I was in between books and it is certainly a quick read, so why not?
I am glad that I did. Lewis does a great job in telling a story and making sure that he finishes it up and ties up the loose ends. He created a world that was altogether plausible. The Oyarsa and the Hnau add a lot, and also tell a story about our own world.
As with anything Lewis writes, I can't help but look for a parable or some other deeper meaning as it relates to mankind. Dare I say that the Oyarsa are angels in Christian myth, that Hnau are the many different religions that exist? That accepted, then the story behind the story would show the predominance of a God, any God, and that all of the Hnau (Jewish, Christian, Muslim...) all should get a long as they are all ruled by the same god, or in this case Meldilorn?
I ramble, but either way Lewis created a story worth reading. I do want to read the next in the series to see where it goes, to see if the parable mentioned above does in fact play out even more. I would recommend, even though Lewis could have made it a bit more involved and in depth than it already was.
3.5 stars.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Comment: This is a must read for any Lewis fan and really for anybody. It is excellent and very though provoking.
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