Binary by Rankine John (9 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Good. Light wear to boards. Content is clean and bright. Good DJ with some edge wear.

Hardcover. Condition: Very good. Hardcover. Very good hardback in a rubbed jacket.

Hard Cover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Book Club (BCE/BOMC). Very slight shelf wear to the dust jacket, cover, and spine. Binding remains tight and pages are clean and unbent. Used Book.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Cover Art: Terry James (illustrator). © 1969: : 3rd in the 'Space Corporation' series of books. 1st printing of 1970 hardback edition. UK SFBC #161:- Synopsis (A.I. generated): A science fiction novel that explores the consequences of contact with an alien civilization, framed within the context of humanity?s potential for both cooperation and conflict. The novel?s central premise revolves around the discovery of an alien race from a binary star system, which holds the key to potentially transforming human society - though not without significant ethical, political, and technological challenges. The story follows an expedition sent to investigate a distant solar system in the process of identifying a binary star, a system that may be home to a species capable of interacting with humanity in ways that could either benefit or endanger them. The discovery of the binary star system, known as "Z", sets the stage for a series of revelations about extraterrestrial intelligence and the broader implications for human civilization. The alien species, whose nature and intentions remain initially shrouded in mystery, pose a complex moral dilemma: should humanity welcome this new intelligence, and if so, at what cost? The novel focuses on the decision-making process that humanity undergoes as it tries to navigate these difficult choices - dealing with the consequences of its curiosity and ambition, while questioning the ethics of their potential interaction with the aliens. In 'Binary Z', Rankine explores themes of diplomacy, the dangers of technological advancement, and the uncertainty that comes with first contact. The novel balances thrilling, action-oriented scenes with philosophical musings on human nature, technological progress, and the moral responsibilities of encountering an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. As the plot unfolds, Rankine raises questions about how humanity would react if faced with a superior intelligence, and whether it would be possible for such a meeting to be truly mutually beneficial. The narrative highlights the complex interplay between trust, fear, and the unknown, exploring the psychological and societal effects of an encounter that could alter the course of history. Ultimately, 'Binary Z' is an exploration of both the potential and the perils of space exploration, framed within the context of humanity?s deep-seated desire for discovery - coupled with the ethical quandaries that arise when faced with something far beyond human comprehension:- (original cost 10').

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Book Club Edition. VG original cloth, in GD slightly soiled DW. Jacket art by Terry James.

Hardback. John Rankine, Science Fiction Book Club, London. Author: John RankineBinding: HardbackPublished: Science Fiction Book Club, London, 1970Condition:Book: GoodJacket: Chipped and worn with some minor damagePages: GoodMarkings: Previous ownerJohn Rankine's "Binary Z" is a compelling work of science fiction that plunges readers into a dystopian future where humanity grapples with the implications of advanced artificial intelligence. The narrative chronicles a world transformed by sentient machines, examining themes of control, consciousness, and the very definition of humanity. This thought-provoking novel presents a chilling vision of technological advancement and its potential consequences, offering a suspenseful and intellectually stimulating experience for fans of speculative fiction. Hardback.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Book Club Edition. NO JACKET. Book Club Hardback 1970. Bright boards have bright lettering. Clean & tight. No inscriptions. NO JACKET. Dispatched ROYAL MAIL FIRST CLASS with TRACKING next working day or sooner securely boxed in cardboard. ref D18.

Cloth. Dust Jacket Included. Terry James (illustrator). Reprint. Cloth. Reprint. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book is very good ++, with bumped top corners, jacket is very good with shelf worn front and rear and rubbed ends, pp 190, Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Book Club Edition. 1970 Science Fiction Book Club (1st in this Edition): near fine clean tight binding in Very good+ dustjacket.