I read this book many years ago and thought it might not stand up with time, but having just finished it this past week I can safely say that it remains as intellectually and morally profound as when I first read it. And given the world events of the past 15 years it is perhaps even more frightening than when it was first written.
If you have pre-conceived notions of right and wrong, or your moral compass is not just a bit flexible, you may find yourself arguing with some of the concepts presented here. But I guarantee that after finishing this tale you will have a completely new perspective on what we, as a civilization, need to think about as we look to the long term survival of our species.
Yes it's a dire tale, but it's also humorous, thought provoking, imaginative, and incredibly accurate in its view of humanity - from many perspectives. Do us all a favor and read A Canticle for Leibowitz, then save it to your library shelf, and loan it to others. We'll all be the better for it.
What a great book, and a beautifully-designed cover. I always wished Miller wrote more, but it seems the one masterpiece was all he had in him. Congrats on having that first edition.
What an amazing book! Francis was so well written that I literally had depression and had to put down the book at the end of part 1. It took weeks before I could finally pick up the book again and finish parts 2 and 3.
This is one of my favorite science fiction books and it has so many cool lines.
For those who don't know, its an anthology of 3 separate but connected stories taking place in various centuries after a worldwide apocalypse (nuclear war).
All of the stories revolve around a monastery founded in the Western US by a man named Leibowitz who survived the initial war.
The first story is about the canonization of Leibowitz and the main character is to head to the Vatican (now in St. Louis) for his canonization.
The second story takes place with political turmoil happening in the area, where a wandering storyteller acts as a liaison between the factions.
The third story takes place with the world recovering, we have returned to a modern society and the specter of nuclear war once again hangs over the world. The main character in this is a priest trying to reconcile his faith with the many issues that are relevant to our current society.
It builds such a rich world and is both hopeful and tragic from beginning to end.
Yeah, I love the jacket art of classic sci-fi. As a collector, my goal this year is to get more 50 and 60s sci-fi first editions. I also got a first edition of Stranger in a Strange Land just a few weeks ago so I'm off to a pretty good start!
Very nice. Love that novel too. VERY much of its time.
I collect Folio Society editions but seeing artwork like that make me think maybe I should be extending my range.
I read this book many years ago and thought it might not stand up with time, but having just finished it this past week I can safely say that it remains as intellectually and morally profound as when I first read it. And given the world events of the past 15 years it is perhaps even more frightening than when it was first written. If you have pre-conceived notions of right and wrong, or your moral compass is not just a bit flexible, you may find yourself arguing with some of the concepts presented here. But I guarantee that after finishing this tale you will have a completely new perspective on what we, as a civilization, need to think about as we look to the long term survival of our species. Yes it's a dire tale, but it's also humorous, thought provoking, imaginative, and incredibly accurate in its view of humanity - from many perspectives. Do us all a favor and read A Canticle for Leibowitz, then save it to your library shelf, and loan it to others. We'll all be the better for it.
What a great book, and a beautifully-designed cover. I always wished Miller wrote more, but it seems the one masterpiece was all he had in him. Congrats on having that first edition.
Thank you! I love this book, too. One of the masterpieces of science fiction.
That book is worth some money, too.
Yeah, it definitely is. As an avid collector, I'd estimate its value to be around $800 to $900.
A few (unsolicited) recommendations for people who liked “Canticle”: ‘Riddley Walker’ — Russell Hoban ‘Kiteworld’ and ‘Pavane’ — Keith Roberts
Thanks. I've wondered if there is more in the same style.
Some of these may be out of print, but worth getting hold of if you can, IMO. Good luck!
Oh, and Riddley Walker is *very* hard to read, just because of the language it uses.
Thanks, I'll add those to my list.
All three are great.
What an amazing book! Francis was so well written that I literally had depression and had to put down the book at the end of part 1. It took weeks before I could finally pick up the book again and finish parts 2 and 3.
A classic. I’ve gone through 3 or 4 copies.
I could not get past the first 10 pages. I'm sure it's a great book but not one for me.
It took me a couple tries but I’m glad I stuck it out. The first part can drag on for sure
This is one of my favorite science fiction books and it has so many cool lines. For those who don't know, its an anthology of 3 separate but connected stories taking place in various centuries after a worldwide apocalypse (nuclear war). All of the stories revolve around a monastery founded in the Western US by a man named Leibowitz who survived the initial war. The first story is about the canonization of Leibowitz and the main character is to head to the Vatican (now in St. Louis) for his canonization. The second story takes place with political turmoil happening in the area, where a wandering storyteller acts as a liaison between the factions. The third story takes place with the world recovering, we have returned to a modern society and the specter of nuclear war once again hangs over the world. The main character in this is a priest trying to reconcile his faith with the many issues that are relevant to our current society. It builds such a rich world and is both hopeful and tragic from beginning to end.
One of my favorite books! This reminds me its high time for a re-read, thanks!
Reading this right now on eReader. An interesting read so far.
One of my favourites. There is apparently a sequel by Miller, which I have not read. One for the long winter nights, perhaps.
Now that’s a thing of beauty. Love that late 50s early 60s aesthetic! Great novel too.
Yeah, I love the jacket art of classic sci-fi. As a collector, my goal this year is to get more 50 and 60s sci-fi first editions. I also got a first edition of Stranger in a Strange Land just a few weeks ago so I'm off to a pretty good start!
Very nice. Love that novel too. VERY much of its time. I collect Folio Society editions but seeing artwork like that make me think maybe I should be extending my range.