A Voyage to Arcturus


Read by Mark Nelson

(3.7 stars; 191 reviews)

A Voyage to Arcturus is a novel by Scottish writer David Lindsay, first published in 1920. It combines fantasy, philosophy, and science fiction in an exploration of the nature of good and evil and their relationship with existence. It has been described by critic and philosopher Colin Wilson as the "greatest novel of the twentieth century" and was a central influence on C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. (Introduction from Wikipedia)

Chapters

Chapter 1 - The Seance 30:19 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 2 - In the Street 12:29 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 3 - Starkness 10:32 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 4 - The Voice 12:25 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 5 - The Night of Departure 15:15 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 6 - Joiwind 38:19 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 7 - Panawe 35:03 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 8 - The Lusion Plain 21:25 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 9 - Oceaxe 48:01 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 10 - Tydomin 50:33 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 11 - On Disscourn 21:17 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 12 - Spadevil 37:27 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 13 - The Wombflash Forest 13:54 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 14 - Polecrab 35:36 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 15 - Swaylone's Island 44:35 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 16 - Leehallfae 50:20 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 17 - Corpang 47:33 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 18 - Haunte 46:46 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 19 - Sullenbode 39:40 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 20 - Barey 39:59 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 21 - Muspel 23:59 Read by Mark Nelson

Reviews

really great reading of a bizarre tale


(5 stars)

PLOT SPOILERS.....you've been warned. I'll waste some space by saying that I doubt I would have seen this story to the end without the great skill and abilities of our intrepid reader. I think this is the weirdest, most bizarre, thematically incoherent sci fi story I've ever listened to. What was the point? As a philosophical exercise, it was just a downer. Luckily I kept pretending to myself that it was a real story. That kept me going. By the time I got close to the end, it was minding me of Nietzsche, whom I believe was mental. The beginning is a total red herring. Halfway through the end I was totally ready for our anti-hero to die. What a ****. Still....five stars because I didn't read it myself and this is one of the very best readers of science fiction on Librevox. Thanks for reading!

Fantastic Piece of Allegory/Philosophy


(5 stars)

I've listened through this three times now, and it won't be the last. Mark Nelson does a great job giving distinct voices to a wide array of characters in this highly underrated fantasy story. Set in a beautifully and uniquely composed world, the imagery of Arcturus as well as the dialogue between the protagonist and the various inhabitants therein pose to the reader some of the most worthy questions one can encounter regarding love, pain and purpose. It is the furthest thing from a light read (listen), but absolutely worth the challenge.


(5 stars)

I have listened to this recording of A Voyage to Arcturus numerous times. It is the most inspirationally imaginative work of strange fiction ever written. Some people do not like the cryptic plot, metaphysical themes and hallucinogenic style, but if you go in with an open mind, you will be taken on a wonderful and unique journey through a beautiful, alien vision of the mysterious experience of consciousness, morality, and quest for meaning. It is especially interesting given how ahead of its time the novel is - covering themes of sexuality, gender, and moral confusion which feel remarkably modern. It defies comparison and this reading is truly excellent. A must read.


(5 stars)

Unbelievable that this was written when it was. The even more amazing thing to me is that someone published this book. There are some comments about sexuality, religion and society that could not have benn common for the time in any book, let alone a science fiction book. Wonderfully imaginative story that has more to offer upon each re-reading. Mark Nelson, the best Librivox reader, does a wonderful job as always.

Fascinating mysticism


(4 stars)

Definitely not pulp sci fi which is what I was expecting from an antique novel published in 1920. Very engaging story of a man's surreal journey through an alien world which is also a metaphorical journey through mystical, spiritual and philosophical concepts. Light misogyny of course given when it was written but fortunately not too bad. Very well narrated. Definately worth reading or listening to.


(2.5 stars)

Wow! Should be titled a Voyage to Tedium. Very dark psychological mess. Although Mark Nelson did a splendid job, Mr Lindsay was smoking something when he write it. Really disappointed. Don't waste the MANY hours it took off my life.

A journey of awareness


(5 stars)

We understand what we experience. If you are on the journey of individual awareness this novel is a beautiful expression of it. if not, it will seem a bit out there. Thank you to the narrator.

book admired by Inklings


(5 stars)

This book was well regarded by C.S. Lewis and Tolkien. It is deep and difficult. For example, one would not rate Kant with one star because he was hard to understand.