• 2001

  • A Space Odyssey
  • By: Arthur C. Clarke
  • Narrated by: Dick Hill
  • Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (12,290 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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  • 3 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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Very good book

A must listen. This book is a classic. I wish they had women voice femail character lines though. It kind of creeps me out when men try to sound like women.

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hated the first half, really liked the 2nd

hated the first half. but the rest had me hooked.. really liked the second half.

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Powerful

I read this when I was a kid. Listening to it 25 years later was a true joy. Wonderfully read, this was a great listen

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Greaaaat!

I seen the film a few times, however it really is incomplete without the book. I finished it in one day because the narrator kept me thoroughly engaged.

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Finally

Ok, nooooow the movie makes sense. Wish I had read or listened to this years ago. Dick Hill’s reading is great - definitely recommend.

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Epic

Arthur C. Clark is a master at imagining humanities next step and 2001 is a fantastic dive into what could be next for our species.

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A modern Odyssey

First, I would like to highlight the introduction and discussion of the film production and writing of this book by Arthur C. Clarke. I developed a strong understanding of what went behind the two and an appreciation of the author.
The story itself, while written in the 60s, is far from dated. Here in 2018, I still feel like this was a refreshing science fiction work that far exceeds some other works produced in the past decade. The concepts, storytelling, and characters are all written well, making this a well-balanced story.
Dick Hill's performance was excellent and his HAL voice is spot on. I never felt bored hearing him, despite the detail put in by Clarke into some of the settings.

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A long overdue must read/hear

An amazing book about humanity, the universe and technology. The narrator may be a bit monotone but i felt it fit in with the cold rational tone of the setting.
A must read for any human, doubly so if you’re into sci-fi ;)

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Great listen

I really liked this book. This topic fascinates me and it was my first time reading it (listening to it). It’s insane the author wrote it so long ago as it is way ahead of its time.

Totally worth the credit.

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Excellent narration

This is one of my all time favorite stories and the narration is possibly the next I’ve heard on Audible. Amazing.

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