• 2001

  • A Space Odyssey
  • By: Arthur C. Clarke
  • Narrated by: Dick Hill
  • Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (12,291 ratings)

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2001  By  cover art

2001

By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Dick Hill
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Publisher's summary

It has been 40 years since the publication of this classic science-fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man adventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.

This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for director Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.

©1968 Polaris Productions, Inc.; 1968 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2000 Brilliance Audio

Featured Article: The Best Sci-Fi Book-to-Film/TV Adaptations


Beyond raising fascinating possibilities, the best works of science fiction ask big questions: What does it mean to be human? What will the future look like? What mysteries does the universe hold, and what do they mean for life on Earth? Whether you choose to escape via audiobook, movie, or television, these science fiction stories are truly out of this world—in all their incarnations.

What listeners say about 2001

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it!

Loved it! Epic story by an legendary writer! Think I'll have to read more books by Arthur C Clarke

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One of the classic "geek" books of all time

This is one of the classic sci fi books of all time. Worth a read just to notice the things that have and have not happened in space exploration. I thought it was hilarious that the author thought that a space shuttle would have a stewardess.

When you consider the time in which the book was written, you realize what a visionary Arthur C. Clarke really was. Interesting to notice the space ship names and compare them with the names of the Space Shuttles and the vehicles NASA was developing under the Constellation Program - this is why I call this book a "classic geek book".

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Great Story

The book does help explain the movie and what was going on, even though, there are changes with the movie.

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quite a bit better than the film.

still a full of mystery and imagination but at least the book makes sense and connects the relationship between each section of the story. a true classic

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Seeing the film & later reading the book expanded my mind

Provocative vision by Clarke and pictured by Kubrick! This books ask the fundamental question of who are we and what are we doing here and what does life mean.

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Book Before Movie

Although the book and the movie were created at the same time, I'd still read the book first. Intriguing science fiction! I'd rate it PG, as there were only a few curse words.

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Enlightening

The narration is calm, yet passionate; appropriate for a story that reaches beyond the human scale. This tale is the stuff that kindles the fires of inspiration and hope for mankind's future. The stars won't look quite the same again.

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genuine classic

Written as the basis of the classic movie, 2001 became the foundation for much of popular science fiction which we still enjoy today. This is a thoughtful novel which will bring the listener an expanded idea of the origins of the human race and our ultimate destiny in the universe.

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A better understanding

This was my first exposure to the book version. The movie is in it's own way beautiful. The book accentuates the visuals and aids my interpretation. Wonderfully read. The descriptions are more detailed than the film. Brilliant.

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Good book

very good. i enjoyed the 1960's lexicon.
Made more sence then the movie.
why is there a word minimum? it's like school.

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