West of the Sun

By Edgar Pangborn

Book Overview

Journey into a speculative future with Edgar Pangborn's "West Of The Sun," a thought-provoking exploration of utopian ideals challenged by dystopian realities. This classic science fiction novel delves into themes of societal structure and the human condition, offering a powerful vision of a world transformed.

A cornerstone of dystopian and fantasy literature, "West Of The Sun" presents a compelling narrative that transcends time. Pangborn's work examines the complexities of human ambition and the potential pitfalls of even the most well-intentioned societies. Discover a world where the line between utopia and dystopia blurs, raising profound questions about the nature of progress and the cost of control.

This meticulously prepared print edition allows readers to experience the enduring power of Pangborn's vision. A must-read for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction, "West Of The Sun" continues to resonate with its insightful commentary on society and the enduring human spirit.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102337255X
• ISBN13: 9781023372558
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 178 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Classic Novel of First Contact

This is the first volume in the reprinting of ALL of Edgar Pangborn (includig such hard to find non-sf as "The Trial of Calista Blake" and the next to impossible to find "Wilderness of Spring") by Old Earth Books. Comes with great quotes from Harry Tutledove ("Edgar Pangborn was one of the really great ones."), Kim Stanley Robinson ("One of the greatest American science fiction writers.") and John Clute ("It takes us away to a better world, where it leaves us. Today, we need this.")So, what is the novel about?A spaceship crashes on a planet the crew names: Lucifer - Son of Morning. Full of hope and excitement, the six explorers encounter an alien world full of bat-winged monsters, painted witches, and armies of pygmy cannibals. But for each threat, objects of great beauty await them: blue fireflies, red-green forests, vast mountains and deep seas. With ever dwindling supplies, and a war in the making, these adventurers emabark on one of the most fascinating journeys of survival in science fiction . . . somewhere West of the Sun.

Great Novel of First Contact

The reprinter of E E Smith's Lensman series - Old Earth Books - has begun reissuing all of Pangborn in classy carefully proofread editions. This is the first one in the program. The new edition has praise from Harry Turtledove, Kim Stanley Robinson, and John Clute. Well worth owning.

Delightful story of three different species interacting.

I first read this book at the age of 10 or so and loved it.The first human ship to explore another solar system crash lands on a planet which is home to two intelligent species. One species is gorilla-like---large, gentle, peace-loving. The other is a female-dominated race of warlike cannibalistic pygmies. A basic theme is that intelligent species should think alike and have similar emotional makeup. It explores the way individuals within species can be enemies and looks at the formation of inter-species alliances.Good character development. Some very heart-warming episodes. But the story follows very predictable lines.