A time-travelling nerd applies Kant with lethal results in this dazzling philosophical adventure...this is really walking the literary high wire, and Roberts not only keeps his balance, he makes the spectacle compelling (The Guardian)
using lit-fic techniques and by not playing by the genre rules, [Roberts] rises to the challenge that Mitchell sets down (SFX)
The Thing Itself is evidence of Adam Roberts' inimitable brilliance. (Tor.com)
I can't think of another such ostentatiously clever novel that is so dramatically successful. (Julian Baggini)
I do appreciate a novel that makes me think while also entertaining me. The Thing Itself marries the two to perfection. There is so much packed within these pages and, without doubt, it's one of those memorable novels that will stand to repeated readings over the passing of time. A book of the year for me, for sure. (For Winter's Nights)
Personally, I found it deeply fascinating...The closest reference point for me was Philip K. Dick's VALIS trilogy which fits in the same general literary area but "The Thing Itself" is definitely much more fun. (Upcoming 4 Me)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Adam Roberts is Reader in English at London University. His first novel, Salt, was nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award. He has also published a number of academic works on both 19th century poetry and SF.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
It seems we are alone in the Universe. How can that be? Adam Roberts brings his own unique literary take to Science Fiction's greatest question.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
A time-travelling nerd applies Kant with lethal results in this dazzling philosophical adventure...this is really walking the literary high wire, and Roberts not only keeps his balance, he makes the spectacle compelling - The Guardian
using lit-fic techniques and by not playing by the genre rules, [Roberts] rises to the challenge that Mitchell sets down - SFX
The Thing Itself is evidence of Adam Roberts' inimitable brilliance. - Tor.com
I do appreciate a novel that makes me think while also entertaining me.
The Thing Itself marries the two to perfection. There is so much packed within these pages and, without doubt, it's one of those memorable novels that will stand to repeated readings over the passing of time. A book of the year for me, for sure. - For Winter's Nights
--This text refers to the
paperback edition.
From the Publisher
Adam Roberts is commonly described as one of the UK's most important writers of SF. He is the author of numerous novels and literary parodies. He is Professor of 19th Century Literature at Royal Holloway, London University and has written a number of critical works on both SF and 19th Century poetry. He is a contributor to the SF ENCYCLOPEDIA.
--This text refers to the
paperback edition.