Out of the Silent Planet

Ransom Trilogy, Book 1

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Out of the Silent Planet is the first novel of the Cosmic Trilogy, considered to be C.S. Lewis' chief contribution to the science fiction genre. The trilogy concerns Dr. Ransom, a linguist, who, like Christ, was offered a ransom for mankind. The first two novels are planetary romances with elements of medieval mythology. Each planet is seen as having a tutelary spirit; those of the other planets are both good and accessible, while that of Earth is fallen, twisted, and not known directly by most humans. The story is powerfully imagined, and the effects of lesser gravity on Martian planet and animal life is vividly rendered.

©1938, 1944, 1945 by C.S. Lewis Pte Ltd. (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A delightful fantasy." (New York Herald Tribune)

"C.S. Lewis...is a master of fantasy." (Saturday Review)

Reading va hearing

I've read this at least ten times, but not for several decades. What a revelation it is to hear it again as an old woman vs a young one! Hearing allows a different relationship with the text. Thanks to all.

Very good

This book was my 2nd favorite in the series. I've listened to it twice now, and recommened it for any Christian. The narrator does a nice job. The book is engaging and well written, though a little dated, because it was pretty early for SciFi. This series is not as fun as the Narnia series, but has more theology and christian philosophy. It was sometimes challenging to think about what Lewis was teaching at the same time as following the story, but well worth it.

hands down my favorite series of all time

this book begins my favorite series of books ever. Lewis's best work in my opinion

SciFi Backdrop for Theological Revelation

What did you love best about Out of the Silent Planet?

C.S. Lewis does it again! I am amazed at his ability to think of technologies and civilizations that he had yet to encounter for this story.

What did you like best about this story?

The best part is that the story isn't even about scifi! It's about us, humanity, and how we have been deceived. He incorporates the Heavens in a way that explains angels, God, and the Big Picture.

Which character – as performed by Geoffrey Howard – was your favorite?

Obviously Dr. Ransom was the main (90%) of the dialogue.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but it did make me think and that's better than both.

Any additional comments?

Geoffrey Howard and C.S. Lewis must have been good friends or maybe he is an avid admirer of him b/c he is the only person I have heard read Lewis.

Classic C.S. Lewis

This book has amazing descriptions of space considering it was written in 1938. Lewis is very creative in imagining a space ship and space travel, and what the earth looks like from space. The story is vintage Lewis, creative fiction with theological implications. We, the people of earth, are "bent" by the king of our world, and live in a planet that is "silent" while the rest of the heavens has a kind of communication. It feels like old-fashioned sci-fi because there's a great deal of talk and description rather than plot and action. For instance, there's significant discussion that earthlings are people of fear, because we create fear.

Ransom is Canonc

I heard the first chapter of this book read out loud by a cool dude who read to us. Narnia and the first scary ass chapter of this book. It starts of scary wait till you read the third book. Willy Wonka Psychedelic.

I had no idea this book existed!

I love the Narnia series but had no idea he tried sci fi also! The concepts are ahead of his time and can see the h. g. wells influence. the mc is a scientist so his evaluation of a new world is often dry and analytical but he's not an astronomer or an engineer so his view of the 'how' is usually a vague guess. dryness aside tho the concepts and larger world view that comes into play are amazing and everything I love about science fiction.

the narrator was very even toned and at times droned on but he matched the tone of the book I think and his pronunciations were good especially for the extra challenge of a Martian language thrown in.

altogether I will be looking for more of these sadly unknown classics

exceptional

Loved this story, reallly made you realize how precious all life is. whether on earth or any ither planet.

Philosophy with Big, Loveable, Otter-People

I loved the philosophical, anthropological, and other themes explored through this format of story with unearthly peoples and characters.

Fabulous Start to the Trilogy

Suspenseful story. Wonderful images! Very thought provoking about religion and our place in the universe. Recommending it to my family members.