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Fiasco

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( 4,818 ratings, 444 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Fiasco by Stanislaw Lem is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the complexities and moral dilemmas of first contact with an alien civilisation. The story follows a team of space explorers attempting to communicate with an enigmatic planet, but facing unexpected challenges and unforeseen consequences. Themes of human ambition, the limits of understanding, and the potentially catastrophic results of misunderstanding are central to this intriguing narrative.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by thought-provoking science fiction that delves into themes of communication, human error, and the complexity of space exploration. The story unfolds with philosophical depth and tension, exploring the enigmatic challenges of first contact with an alien civilisation. If you're intrigued by narratives that blend scientific speculation with profound existential questions, this book is likely to appeal to you.

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Fiasco

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'A stunningly inventive fantasy about cosmic travel' - The New York Times

'There were two kinds of landscape characteristic of the inner planets of the Sun- the purposeful and the desolate.'

The planet Quinta is pocked with ugly mounds and covered by a spiderweb-like network draped from spindly poles. It is a kingdom of phantoms and of a beauty afflicted by madness. The Earth spaceship Hermes arrives on Quinta with the best of intentions towards the humans' 'brothers in intelligence'. But something on the planet has gone terribly wrong...

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Fiasco by Stanislaw Lem is widely regarded as a thought-provoking and intricate science fiction novel. Critics often praise its complex exploration of human flaws and the challenges of communication with alien species. The book is noted for its philosophical insights and detailed depiction of futuristic technology. However, some readers find it dense and challenging due to its heavy themes and technical language.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241334355

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 July 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 246g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Stanislaw Lem (1921-2006) was born in Lviv, then part of Poland. He is probably the most original and influential European science-fiction writer since H.G. Wells. Best known in the West for Tarkovsky's film of his novel Solaris, Lem wrote novels and stories that have been published all over the world. He is credited with anticipating in his writing artificial reality, e-books and nano-technology. His most famous works include The Cyberiad, Mortal Engines, The Star Diaries, The Futurological Congress, Tales of Pirx the Pilot and Solaris.

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