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  • 2001

  • A Space Odyssey
  • Written by: Arthur C. Clarke
  • Narrated by: Dick Hill
  • Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (555 ratings)

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2001 cover art

2001

Written by: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Dick Hill
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Publisher's Summary

It has been 40 years since the publication of this classic science-fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man adventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.

This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for director Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.

©1968 Polaris Productions, Inc.; 1968 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2000 Brilliance Audio

What listeners say about 2001

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

From Man's Origin to Space

I gave this a listen before I watched the movie. I knew about HAL 9000 from general cultural references, but I got shivers when HAL said his signature line. Great visuals, and I can't wait to watch the movie now. #Audible1

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3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
  • Lou
  • 2018-04-15

Dry

Unfortunately it was not what I expected. Very dry, 2001 reads like two short stories connected vaguely by the monolith that devolves into what feels like pot-fueled stream of consciousness. That's not to say it's without merit--I quite enjoy the first part focusing on primates--but overall it isn't a purely entertainment read. I would still recommend it to anyone seeking a thoughtful science fiction piece.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow!

An absolutely brilliant book. The movie was one of my favourite films, and now this book has cemented itself within a short list of superb literature I will revisit many times. What an amazing writer.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

I just couldn’t get into it

The writing seemed disjointed and hurried and pretentious. But that could be from the age of the book. The need to stuff as many scientific facts the had at the time into it takes away from the plot. I tried so many times to listen to it and I just couldn’t get into it

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

2001

This timeless classic was A thoroughly pleasing listen. it has encouraged me to revisit more of Clark's brilliant and insightful novels

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Makes "those parts" of the movie make sense

A must for any sci-fi fan! Brilliantly written and well performed. Having narrations for the ape scenes and ending (flashing light, hospice, space-baby) makes this a much more evocative and less confusing affair than the Kubrick film without removing the value of the movie. If anything, it demands a rewatching of the movie after finishing the book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good book

Good book, fantastic narration. There’s something to be desired compared to the movie. I liked the ambiguous nature of the film, and I find Arthur over-explains some aspects of the story. Still a great listen for another perspective on the same story

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Meh

It was ok. I enjoyed the beginning significantly more than the end. it dragged in the middle and only got semi interesting at the end, and of course there is no real end. Save your credit.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Transcendent

This is just a magical performance of a monumental work and I could not recommend it more highly.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A timeless story

Long heard of this sci-fi classic, glad it was not over hyped. An adventure for the mind.

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