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Star Maker [Unknown Binding]

William Olaf Stapledon (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Unknown Binding
  • Publisher: Methuen (1937)
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B0017ZXCHU
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,352,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book For Any Time 29 April 2010
By Dave_42
Format:Paperback
"Star Maker", by Olaf Stapledon, is an incredible novel by an author whose contributions to science fiction are unique and serve as inspiration to many of the greatest works in the field. It was Stapledon's fourth novel and was first published in 1937. Narrated by the same voice as narrated "Last and First Men" the novel is a sequel of sorts, but at the same time it has a much larger scope and thus there is no noticeable overlap between the two novels. As with "Last and First Men", "Star Maker" is not a conventional novel, so if that is what you are looking for, you should look elsewhere. It is a philosophical journey rather than a conventional story with a traditional plot and characters.

The narrator takes the reader on a journey through the universe and through time, starting on a hill near his home, and ultimately finding the creator of the universe, i.e. the Star Maker. He witnesses the entire life of the universe, and joins with many other minds from other civilizations throughout the galaxy. It is tempting to use phrases like "for its time" when describing this book, but it is a remarkable work for any time. I am sure that some of descriptions of civilizations and their scientific achievements would change if it were written today. However, the statement that the book makes would likely remain the same.

One does not need to read "Last and First Men" (or "Last Men in London" for that matter) to read this novel. The few remarks made in the narration that reference "Last and First Men" will not cause the reader any difficulty. They pass by almost unnoticed, as the reader's focus is on the amazing scope and vision which are contained in this novel. Stapledon's works are not the easiest reads, but they are well worth the effort.... Read more ›
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars hard to treat with scepticism 11 Dec 2001
By ta9760@hotmail.com
Format:Paperback
I have to say that when i first started reading this book, i wasn't that impressed by the first couple of chapters. With its slightly antiquated style and perhaps slightly overlong monologues it felt like reading something like Edward Bellamy's 'looking backward'...This was especially the case as I had just read a Phillip K. Dick novel. However, the sheer imaginative scope of this text is phenomenal, an examination of important philosophical themes such as the ability to comprehend the possible purpose of God (the 'Star Maker') masquerading as a mythological history of the universe. When people refer to any novel as influential, what they seem to mean is that the text captures in its form and function the drift of ideas and concepts at any one time and space. In its treatment of God and the potential (in)significance of humanity, Stapledon's novel certainly is that. Should probably one day be studied at school, where children will marvel at a time when writers were more ambitiuous.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely amazing work. Stunning. 25 Nov 2007
By S. J. Newton
Format:Paperback
This is truly an amazing book. How is this man so little known? How ironic it is that this edition is published as one of the "Science Fiction Masterworks"; it is no more science-fiction than the Bible, or Thus Spoke Zarathustra. It is the profoundest book I have read this year and probably for several years.
"Star Maker" is nothing less than an attempt to unite science and religion in a common philosophy. It is categorised as a novel, which says more about the frustrations of those who love and need categories than it does about this book. It is not a novel: it is a work of great imagination, a courageous attempt at an almost incredible task - to try to describe "God". It is also very uncompromising and will leave many readers uncomfortable and perhaps even angry. But at the same time its vision is so beautiful, and so clearly touches on the incomprehensible truth of reality, that you can't help feeling grateful, humbled, and shattered at the same time.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Philospohical Journey 15 Mar 2000
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book, though for me revolutionary, has not received a lot of the recognition I believe it is worthy of. Firstly, it explores many factors now taken for granted in postmodern fiction, e.g. dislocation, divided selves and a sense of 'numbed' perception. Furthermore, like Frank Herbert and Douglas Adams he is able to weave these themes into the narrative, whilst still maintaining a sense of coherence.

He stays within the confines of the science-fiction genre, yet deals with complex and arbitrary issues which blend philosophy and a deep questioning of cultural values. Comparisons with H.G. Wells and John Wyndham are permissible, but it is his use of philosophy that makes me admire him as a great writer. I have yet to find a writer who has the ability to question so much, yet still maintain an aura of intelligibility.

Clearly, this book is a whirlwind trip and yet one worth taking since this is no ordinary author. He may have gained greater recognition for many of his other books, yet it is this book that gives so much to the reader without taking anything away. You may question what he describes to you, but you will not be able to question his ability to tell it to you.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars If there were an infinity of stars... 18 Aug 2000
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
As Brian Aldiss remarks in Trillion Year Spree, it is truly remarkable that the massed ranks of Eng Lit have ignored this book. Well, more fool them -- but it means that thousands of people will go through life in complete ignorance of this incredible, visionary work.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars No Enjoyment
This book is a mix of science, religion and anthopology. Is imaginative scope is astounding, describing a fictional journey through the history and future of the cosmos; the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by MiB
5.0 out of 5 stars Great SciFi
This book is the antithesis of most science fiction writing being more a thought provoker than an exciting tale of derring do. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mr M Lunt
4.0 out of 5 stars NB spoiler alert
The intro gives away parts of the story but if you ignore or avoid this it is a cracking read.
Published 5 months ago by Bigsis
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most idea rich books I have read
This is a book of ideas about intelligent life and humanity; the tiny pettiness of individuals and what we could be. Read more
Published 6 months ago by iliador
5.0 out of 5 stars Star Maker by Olaf Stapledon is a must read
Star Maker is simply one of the best books written. Olaf Stapledon was a man of obvious experience and real insight.
Published 10 months ago by Lise B
1.0 out of 5 stars Like an elderly person who doesnt get out much.
...Yes, it goes on.

I am a massive fan of Sci-fi & had been recommended this book; however, if I ever see this person in the specific shop I purchased it from again I... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Mr. D. P. Toney
2.0 out of 5 stars So many words
And then even more words - must have used nearly every one in the dictionary. Given that it must have been quite an achievement to write but I cant help wonder if it was intended... Read more
Published 13 months ago by threequarterslifecrisis
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Highly recommended for science fiction fans!
It is a captivating book, the protagonist goes through the Milky Way and other galaxies and discovers other worlds
Published 15 months ago by Veronica
5.0 out of 5 stars star maker
I had read this book years ago and returned to it with pleasure some good descriptions of lifeforms such as the living tree lifeforms and the swiftian tale of the boat whale... Read more
Published 23 months ago by mark1000
5.0 out of 5 stars Stapeldon - not just an SF author.
I decided to re-read Olafson when I discovered I'd read all the books in my bookcase. I first read First and Last Men some 40 years ago at university and was amazed. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Christopher Wilson
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