2001

A Space Odyssey

By: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

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

Simple great storytelling.

I found no reason not to give it give stars. just a good story without indulgence.

Ahead of time

explain everything in depth. i watched the movie before this. now the movie also makes so much sense. and the whole story is very ahead of time.

Blown away by the ending

Thought the first 2/3 was fairly routine and slightly aged sci fi, though wonderfully written. The last 1/3 will stay with me forever, I was completely absorbed. Awesome experience.

Book explains the movie

This is a amazing book and really makes you think about your place in the universe. helps you understand the Stanley Kubrick movie better.

A superb story & decent narration

Like many readers, I was first exposed to 2001 through the excellent Kubrick film. While that film remains an absolute masterpiece of cinematography and visual tone, its artistic quality leaves quite a bit of ambiguity, especially regarding the final act of the story. Arthur Clarke's book version explores the plot (and universe itself) in greater detail and stands alongside the film version as a superb piece of science fiction. Clarke's prose does an excellent job of evoking awe at the utter strangeness of the cosmos, leading the reader on a fantastical voyage across the millennia. And although both versions of the story share the same core plot (and almost sterile characterization), there is enough different in the book to justify a read/listen.

I also appreciated Dick Hill's performance of the work. His narration occurs at an appropriate speed and tone for a work designed to let the reader dwell in the story's cosmic images. He also gives each character their own voice, which keeps the performance fresh. Of course the long shadow of the film looms over the performance, perhaps most clearly in the case of HAL, whom he performs quite similarly to the film version (this is not a bad thing either).

Listeners should note that this audiobook is a well-performed but rather miniscule audio adaptation. There are no audio effects or music, and (outside of an introduction by Clarke) the book is read by a single performer. But for readers (such as myself) who prefer solitary readings over dramatic performances, this recording comes highly recommended.

Always loved this book!!!

Been decades since I read book. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to it this time around.

I've never seen the movie

and I've never heard of the book before I was listening to a podcast and they refr

Still holds up after all these years.

Supurb book. Clarke and Kubrick were geniuses. Read it or read it again. It is still about people and something wonderful.

Fun sci fi story

This book is a lot of fun and takes your imagination on a wild ride.

Great story about the vastness of space

The overall book is for sure 5 stars. I was still expecting more detail at some points, but that just may be me listening to certain very detailed authors. Dick did a good job at the performance, sometimes a little breathy but not anything annoying. I think the ending is supposed to be open for some sort of interpretation, not sure what to think of it but I really enjoyed it.