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A Canticle for Leibowitz

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A Canticle for Leibowitz

By: Walter M. Miller Jr.
Narrated by: Tom Weiner
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About this listen

Hugo Award Winner, Best Novel, 1961

Winner of the 1961 Hugo Award for Best Novel and widely considered one of the most accomplished, powerful, and enduring classics of modern speculative fiction, Walter M. Miller’s A Canticle for Leibowitz is a true landmark of 20th-century literature - a chilling and still-provocative look at a post-apocalyptic future.

In a nightmarish, ruined world, slowly awakening to the light after sleeping in darkness, the infantile rediscoveries of science are secretly nourished by cloistered monks dedicated to the study and preservation of the relics and writings of the blessed Saint Isaac Leibowitz. From there, the story spans centuries of ignorance, violence, and barbarism, viewing through a sharp, satirical eye the relentless progression of a human race damned by its inherent humanness to recelebrate its grand foibles and repeat its grievous mistakes.

Seriously funny, stunning, tragic, eternally fresh, imaginative, and altogether remarkable, A Canticle for Leibowitz retains its ability to enthrall and amaze. It is now, as it always has been, a masterpiece.

©1959 Walter M. Miller, Jr. (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Classics Dystopian Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Witty Funny Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

“Chillingly effective.” (Time)
All stars
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I was drawn to this title when I found out it was the basis for the Brotherhood of Steel in the Fallout series. I doubt I'd have read far if I'd gone with the book version, but Tom Weiner's masterful performance is perfectly suited to the monastic theme running throughout, complete with ecclesiastical Latin to boot.

Definitely worth a try x

Thought-provoking story from the nuclear age

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Utterly prescient and humble storytelling that sinks you into a spectator seat that transports you freely over the ages, and brings you the very edge of grief in a bittersweet acknowledgement of humanities pridefulness.

Classic and brilliant

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Narrator was good and varied. He gave the book a lot of character.
The story was really well crafted and darkly funny at times. Made me think too.

Enticing story

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If you could sum up A Canticle for Leibowitz in three words, what would they be?

Original, cautionary and brave

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the unusual fact that this story doesn't take place during one setting but over a period of time thats set in the future but features settings that can be considered ancient, medieval and futuristic. In some ways its tragic but talks about human nature in a way that often makes people uncomfortable.

Any additional comments?

I think its refreshing to find a book in a sci-fi setting that incorporates sincere religious belief not just as a feature but as a central tenant to the novel.

Those who don't learn from histories mistakes

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For how much of a classic it is considered, I didn't find it very good. The concept and the way the story is told is somewhat unique, and its influence on later work is definitely obvious. But I couldn't really connect with the characters, possibly because we spend so short a time with each of them. It is performed very well, but even so I found it a little tedious.

Misses the mark a bit

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The story is both interesting and thought-provoking. It gradually becomes more contemplative, and at moments is even mystical. It isn't for everyone, however. It shows its age, and its ideological underpinnings may be problematic for some readers. The book is deeply Catholic (apart from one Wandering Jew, no other religions are mentioned) and male-dominated. On the gates of the monestary on which the novel centers there is a sign forbidding women entrance , and this seems to apply to the novel too (apart from a short, intriguing moment towards the end.) The Catholics are the undisputed good guys; atheism, even when well-meaning, leads to ruin. If the reader can accept this and suspend her disbelief, the book is recommended.

Interesting

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I absolutely loved this! Can't believe I hadn't found this earlier. Took a little while to get used to the reader but really grew on me as he went on. The story is just incredibly interesting (and given its vintage has been really influential) and has really stuck with me since finishing due to many layers of story and some surprising conclusions (as I read them anyway). Also surprisingly funny despite the dark subject matter. Highly recommended.

Brilliant!

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Where does A Canticle for Leibowitz rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was the first one I downloaded with my initial free credit and it is still the best I've listened to.

What other book might you compare A Canticle for Leibowitz to, and why?

Any of those genre of sci-fi books that I call post-apocalytica. So Earth Abides by George R. Stweart or I Am Legend by Richard Matheson but also future history novels like H.G. Wells the time machine or Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon.

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't heard anything else he's done but I would certainly like to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end of brother Francis' story made me gasp.

Any additional comments?

I love this book. Despite spanning many centuries and dealing with big issues, it manages to be about individual characters wants and needs. One of those rare Sci-Fi pieces that combines the cerebral with the personal successfully.

Loved it

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This is one of the best books I've listened too in some time.
A profound argument for pacifism and faith.
Wonderful and sweeping; spanning centuries.

An absolute classic

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I read this book many years ago. I was going to a party and took the book with me. I was so enthralled I spent the night reading curled up in other people coats. This book is a classic and has stood the test of time. May I recommend it and the narrator. Enjoy

Fantastic

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