Downward to the Earth - Softcover

Robert Silverberg

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0451044975 ISBN 13: 9780451044976

Publisher: Signet (New American Library), 1971

Synopsis

One man must make a journey across a once colonised alien planet. Abandoned by man when it was discovered that the species there were actually sentient, the planet is now a place of mystery. A mystery that obsesses the lone traveller Gundersen and takes him on a long trek to attempt to share the religious rebirthing of the aliens. A journey that offers redemption from guilt and sin. This is one of Silverbergs most intense novels and draws heavily on Conrad's Heart of Darkness. It puts the reader at the heart of the experience and forces them to ask what they would do in the circumstances.

About this title

About the Author

ROBERT SILVERBERG's first published story appeared in 1954 when he was a sophomore at Columbia University. Since then, he has won the prestigious Nebula Award an astonishing five times and the Hugo on four occasions; he has been nominated for both awards more times than any other writer. In 2004, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America gave him their Grand Master Award for career achievement, making him the only SF writer to win a major award in each of six consecutive decades. He remains one of the most imaginative and versatile writers in science fiction.

Review

''Blends mysticism, world-building, and literary references in an inventive mix . . . This is perhaps SF's finest tribute to Joseph Conrad, both in its keen moral sense and its portrayal of a vividly realized alien forest.'' --Time Out

About this edition

• Publisher: Signet (New American Library)
• Publication date: 1971
• ISBN 10: 0451044975
• ISBN 13: 9780451044976
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Illustrator: Gene Szafran