• 2001

  • A Space Odyssey
  • By: Arthur C. Clarke
  • Narrated by: Dick Hill
  • Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (12,284 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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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Being a classic - good but not outstanding

Yet another SF story of space exploratiom and human advancement, not far from what Asimov wrote on Robots. The narrative makes the movie finally understandable to me after about two decades since I first saw it.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Dated yet Timeless

Although this novel was written before man landed on the moon it is very prescient and stands the test of time. It truly delivers the reader through a Space Odyssey which is quite remarkable. Well written, beautiful in scope and tone, and packed with meaningful themes of what it means to be human. I am looking forward to reading the next novel in the series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Eye opening

Blew my mind. It was even more interesting than the movie, and revealed much more about the film than I could have anticipated. It made me wonder about the nature of life, and how our species should define it in the present and future!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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One of the best of all time.

The only thing better than this book is how well it's sequel continued the story. Easily one of my top five favorite science fiction books. I just wish that the movie could have contained more that was in the book.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good but not as good as I expected

I can see how much it impacted Science Fiction in 1968, but since I read it after so many others, I was unfortunately expecting more and that's what made me give one less star than what I initially thought I would give. It is a great story nonetheless.

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Classic must listen for sci-fi fans

I am hesitant to listen to or read old horror and sci-fi because it is outdated and lacks the appeal it had when it was fresh. There is a reason some books/movies become “classics.” They endure time. The original Star Wars trilogy is one example. The original Dune series books are another. 2001 (the whole book series) is also a classic. This is a must-read/listen.

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one of the best audio books I have ever enjoyed

I've listened to 100s of audiobooks and this may be my favorite of all time!

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personal favorite

I'm not a book reviewer but I love this book. 15 words need to be put here

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Mesmerizing

Like taking a trip into the far reaches of our Solar System and the cosmos beyond. I listened every chance I got, It was always difficult to turn off. The narrator did an amazing job, but all credit goes to Arthur C. Clarke for this fantastic tale of science fiction.

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Great movie, even better book.

The movie is one of my all time favorites but after watching it all these years things were still unclear to me. With this book it was able to go into much greater depeth and was able to enjoy it even more.

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