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Last and First Men
- Narrated by: Stephen Greif
- Length: 14 hrs and 48 mins
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Last and First Men
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Summary
One of the most extraordinary, imaginative and ambitious novels of the century: a history of the evolution of humankind over the next 2 billion years. Among all science fiction writers Olaf Stapledon stands alone for the sheer scope and ambition of his work. First published in 1930, Last and First Men is full of pioneering speculations about evolution, terraforming, genetic engineering and many other subjects.
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What listeners say about Last and First Men
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Helen Wilson
- 20-05-21
Wonderful Read
Brilliant, a wonderful sci-fi narrative that explores the realms of the possible. Truely immersive and captivating. One of the great forebears of science fiction.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- jack whittle
- 02-03-23
Philosophy, Poetry and Speculative Biology.
Although a long read and at times sparse in details a modern audience might crave this is an exquisite and original work of future history. A believe the parsity of details, far from being a true negative, only adds to the poetic and bittersweet theme this novel abounds in when humanity attains its peaks and surveys its nadirs.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 17-11-16
One of the more unusual books I have read.
Breathtaking in span a book without characters. It is dated but worth it. A unique view on mankind.
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Jose
- 14-07-17
impressive but not interesting
Impressive scope and foresight for a book that was written in 1930,
but ultimately not interesting enough for my taste.
No story or characters, just a bunch of concepts and small events explaining the long story of humanity across 18 civilisations ...
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wakeman
- 01-12-20
An essential for any fan of science fiction
I first read this book too many years ago; even then, its opening chapters, written before WWII, had dated badly. However, you should persevere, as the conclusion to the history of the First Men is surprisingly prescient. The description of the way the planet’s resources are relentlessly exploited, to the point of causing mass extinction, has a more than contemporary feel.
After this, the narrative’s scope, told from the perspective of 2 billion years in the future, switches from centuries, to millennia and greater steps of time. A large number of ideas, philosophies and future science are covered. Many of these you will recognise as the basis for a range of science fiction epics of the last century, genetic manipulation, giant brains grown and housed in concrete honeycombs not being the least.
The only downside is the slightly flat narration. Otherwise, highly recommended.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr S
- 22-09-21
Enjoyed the last quarter the most
An interesting read, how a visionary man saw the distant future in 1930. Author combined his futuristic vision with some great spiritual and philosophical ideas, which makes this book very unique
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Patrik
- 05-12-18
Probably ahead of its time
This is very slow and tiresome reading, and only has the occasional interesting idea mixed in with endless verbal diarrhoea. I would suggest reading the origin trilogy by Stephen baxter which is truly imaginative and looks at the long term.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Colin Davey
- 23-01-24
Dull
It was recommended. Wait until I see him next. I found it awful and dull.
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