The Dark Light Years

Brian W. Aldiss

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Fiction Fiction - Science Fiction General Library - Science Fiction and Fantasy Life on Other Planets Novel Science Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Science Fiction - General _isfdb

Publisher: Signet

Published: Jun 2, 1964

Magazine: The Dark Light-Years

Description:

The human species has begun to racket about the galaxy. When they reach the planet Grudgrodd, they come across another space-faring species. It's a case of instant dislike. The Utods do not feel pain, they change sex as the planet changes suns, they live long pleasurable lives, free of stress. They wallow in their own middens. But 'Civilisation is the distance man has placed between himself and his excreta'. So the carnage begins.

Product Description

The Utods are a highly advanced alien species from whom the human race might learn much, with superior technology and a profound philosophy. But when they meet, their customs and conventions are far beneath what humankind considers to be civilized. Brian Aldiss's satirical depiction of the first encounter and subsequent violent conflict between mankind and a gentle, intelligent race which it cannot understand was first published in 1964, but its archly ironic message of cultural misunderstanding and the potential for catastrophe it entails resonates as strongly today. 'Flies straight to its mark with hardly a word wasted: a treat for the fans and required reading for anyone seriously interested in the fiction and ideas of today.' Kingsley Amis

About the Author

Brian Aldiss