- Paperback: 448 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; New edition edition (3 July 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0006281672
- ISBN-13: 978-0006281672
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,253,296 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Review
‘An extravagant mingling of dream and realism… excellent and thrilling reading’ Daily Telegraph
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.Product Description
The third novel in the science-fiction trilogy by C.S. Lewis. This final story is set on Earth, and tells of a terrifying conspiracy against humanity, a plot to recreate mankind in the image of slave robots.
The story surrounds Mark and Jane Studdock, a newly married couple. Mark is a Sociologist who is enticed to join an organisation called N.I.C.E. which aims to control all human life. His wife, meanwhile, has bizarre prophetic dreams about a decapitated scientist, Alcasan. As Mark is drawn inextricably into the sinister organisation, he discovers the truth of his wife’s dreams when he meets the literal head of Alcasan which is being kept alive by infusions of blood.
Jane seeks help concerning her dreams at a community called St Anne’s, where she meets their leader – Dr Ransom (the main character of the previous two titles in the trilogy). The story ends in a final spectacular scene at the N.I.C.E. headquarters where Merlin appears to confront the powers of Hell.
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First Sentence
"MATRIMONY was ordained, thirdly," said Jane Studdock to herself, "for the mutual society, help, and comfort that the one ought to have of the other." Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
"MATRIMONY was ordained, thirdly," said Jane Studdock to herself, "for the mutual society, help, and comfort that the one ought to have of the other." Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This novel is a wonderful conclusion to CS Lewis' space trilogy, which began with Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra (also published as Voyage to Venus). I use the word 'wonderful' in it's fullest original meaning i.e. full of wonder.
That Hideous Strenght was one of the first SF books I bought and is at least in part responsible for the five crammed bookcases which now house my collection.
Lewis has blended classical, Arthurian, medieval legend and allegory for the climax to the story of Ransome.
The book is suffused throughout with Lewis' Christian beliefs and philosophy but don't let that put you off - as an agnostic bordering on atheist myself I can assure you that it doesn't detract from the book.
That Hideous Strenght was one of the first SF books I bought and is at least in part responsible for the five crammed bookcases which now house my collection.
Lewis has blended classical, Arthurian, medieval legend and allegory for the climax to the story of Ransome.
The book is suffused throughout with Lewis' Christian beliefs and philosophy but don't let that put you off - as an agnostic bordering on atheist myself I can assure you that it doesn't detract from the book.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This book is often unfairly maligned as being the 'weakest' of the three books in the science fiction trilogy. In my humble opinion it is the best. Superlatives will have to suffice: a plethora of superbly sketched characters; a bizarre plot deftly handled with the separate elements woven together nicely at the end; moments of true horror and terror; I could go on and on but - read this book! The influence of Charles Williams' thrillers on 'That Hideous Strength' have been noted before now. In my opinion they are eclipsed by this, a definate curates' egg in English Literature.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Lewis' apocolyptic vision of where mankind is headed hits far closer to the mark than the more widely read visions such as Brave New World and 1984. This is because Lewis recognizes that the evil lies not in technology or even politics but in the human heart.
Lewis also shows a deeper understanding of how society functions -- as an investigative researcher I can vouch for the accuracy of his portrayal of how nefarious organizations manipulate the press, for example. He grasps what other writers never even seem to comprehend -- that it is the small choices made daily that lead down the path to Hell.
As philosophy, as social commentary, or as a rolicking good story, That Hideous Strength is a compelling read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Between Belbury and St.Annes-on-the-Hill...
The Perennialist metaphysician and authority upon the Religio Perennis, Professor James Cutsinger is reported as having summed up this novel, (referencing Rene Guenon's... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Nigel C. Jackson
Readable but philosophically flawed
Much more interesting than the previous two volumes in CSL's "Space Trilogy", mainly because its set on Earth with a large cast of human characters. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Aquilonian
Science fiction at its best.
One of the most extraordinary things about this masterpiece (and the word is not used lightly) is the fact it could have been written yesterday and the book is as pertinent today... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Xpress
Lewis's Space Trilogy
Not as well know as the "Narnia" series, he wrote the trilogy ending with this book in 1945. As is usually true of Lewis, no matter how well hidden, he is circling a serious point... Read more
Published 8 months ago by RR Waller
a bit of a letdown as there is nothing new, but well written
This is the end of the trilogy, for the first time entirely on earth. It is a fun story of earthy corruption, with lots of Christian details, and some surprise figures like Merlin. Read more
Published 9 months ago by rob crawford
Bought for a friend
I bought these books for a friend to give to a friend. I have read it myself but a long time ago, so can't review it.
Published 14 months ago by E P
The abolition of man
"That hideous strength" is a science fiction/fantasy novel by British writer C.S. Lewis, otherwise mostly known for his children's tales about Narnia. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Ashtar Command
C S Lewis
Any book by C S Lewis is worthy of reading,his insight into Christianity and life is remarkable.
Published on 15 Feb 2010 by P. Jackman
That Hideous Strength
This book started slowly and was clearly of its own era but it became absolutely fascinating as I realised just how much the ideas and imagery had either influenced or were part of... Read more
Published on 27 Dec 2009 by Mrs. K. Davies
Goodness Garnished with Pantheism for a Wilder Ride
Lewis, like his friend and fellow philologist Tolkien, dealt in the creation of realistic myth. This well paced novel culminates his Space Trilogy, commencing with Out of the... Read more
Published on 8 Jan 2009 by Graham Worthington
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