Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4130 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Review
"Los Angeles Times"Lewis, perhaps more than any other twentieth-century writer, forced those who listened to him and read his works to come to terms with their own philosophical presuppositions.

Los Angeles TimesLewis, perhaps more than any other twentieth-century writer, forced those who listened to him and read his works to come to terms with their own philosophical presuppositions. -- Review

Review
The New York TimesThis book has real splendor, compelling moments, and a flowing narrative.

The New YorkerIf wit and wisdom, style and scholarship are requisites to passage through the pearly gates, Mr. Lewis will be among the angels.

Los Angeles TimesLewis, perhaps more than any other twentieth-century writer, forced those who listened to him and read his works to come to terms with their own philosophical presuppositions.

From the Publisher
7 1-hour cassettes

Customer Reviews

Certainly worth reading, although could have been more in depth...
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
This is a must read for any Lewis fan and really for anybody. It is excellent and very though provoking.

Welcome to Mars!
I originally read this book back in high school where my naive self was only familiar with Narnia and those wiley devils of the Screwtape Letters. I knew the man could do a twist of fantasy, but Lewis surprised me with this beginning book that could only be called a religious science fiction experience. Two scientists differing in their view on faith are transported to another, close planet to discover it was never how Earth imagined it. Lewis writes much more adult than he did with Narnia and is able to scrape real characters out of everyone. His gift for creating brand new worlds is retained and I was enchanted by the spiritual and secular aspects he put into what could also be simply a great adventure story.