| Out of the Silent Planet (Space Trilogy) |  | Buy New: $20.36
Avg. Customer Rating:   (based on 162 reviews)
Sales Rank: 3573421
Category: Book
Author: C. S. Lewis
Publisher: Tandem Library
Studio: Tandem Library
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
Label: Tandem Library
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Library Binding
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 160
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.2 x 4 x 0.6
ISBN: 0833521934
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.912
EAN: 9780833521934
ASIN: 0833521934
Publication Date: October 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
In the first novel of C.S. Lewis' classic science fiction trilogy, Dr. Ransom, a Cambridge academic, is abducted and taken on a spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra, which he knows as Mars. His captors are plotting to plunder the planet's treasures and plan to offer Ransom as a sacrifice to the creatures who live there. Ransom discovers he has come from the 'silent planet' - Earth - whose tragic story is known throughout the universe...
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| Customer Reviews: Read 157 more reviews...
 Bored to Tears December 24, 2008
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.
 An Incredible Voyage into Another World December 15, 2008
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:
 Well worth it with the right approach December 9, 2008
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.
Certainly worth reading, although could have been more in depth... October 21, 2008
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.
A Must Read July 31, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a must read for any Lewis fan and really for anybody. It is excellent and very though provoking.
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