Others have written science fiction on the theme of immortality, but in The Boat of a Million Years, Poul Anderson made it his own. Early in human history, certain individuals were born who live on—unaging, undying—through the centuries and millennia. This story follows them over two thousand years, up to our time and beyond—to the promise of utopia and to the challenge of the stars.
As time goes on, these unique individuals must learn to cope with—and hide—their true nature. Facing suspicion by the mortals around them, they become wanderers, disconnected even from their families. But hope lies ahead.
A milestone in modern science fiction and a New York Times Notable Book when first published in 1989, this is one of a great writer’s finest works.
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"Good mix of historical and science fiction. Gets nice and trippy at the end. Of course since he is a science fiction author he lays on the bullshit libertarianism a little thick at a few points, but still a really good read." — Chris (4 out of 5 stars)
"Good mix of historical and science fiction. Gets nice and trippy at the end. Of course since he is a science fiction author he lays on the bullshit libertarianism a little thick at a few points, but still a really good read."
“Succeeds admirably.”
“Anderson brings proven storytelling abilities and research skills to chronicles that range from 310 BC to a centuries-distant future.”
“Ambitious in scope, meticulous in detail, polished in style.”
“An unforgettable novel, with a cast as big as mankind and an adventure that charts the course of time. Read it, enjoy it, savor it.”
“This is the book we’ve all been waiting for!”
" Fascinating story. Immortal, but not impervious to violence, several characters maneuver through all of human history, and well into the future, in order to survive. "
" Probably worth the extra half a star the average is at right now. "
" not as good as the hype but still very good. it left me wanting to know what happens next. "
" Very well written story with three or four interwoven storylines that only come together in the last third of the book. It has many of the same issues that plague many Poul Anderson books, notably his heavy handed application of libertarian themes and concepts. "
" this was a good book. it definitely made think. what fun is immortality if there is nobody to share it with and if there is no goal other than survival? "
" A fantastical and grandiose ideas that is marred by Anderson's political interjections and an unwieldy plot. The characters were all distinct and complicated, but the limp ending makes the journey a wild goose chase for all but the biggest fans. "
" Favorite book about immortals - would love to see this as a movie some day. The movie Hanncock could have been partially based off a segment of this story. "
" This work of scifi is boring I could not finish the book because it did not even come close to grasping my interest. From page 1 it is not interesting, the only interest was the title. Reading this piece of work is a challenge for me but I will try to read it again. "
" Good, not great sci-fi. It tends to drag at the end. Fans of Highlander might enjoy. "
" As I've said elsewhere, I only like this book until the story reaches "present day". After that it's not very interesting anymore. "
" I listened to this as an audiobook and couldn't bear to finish it. The story just seemed like garbage. This is simply science fiction drivel. If you were trapped in a prison cell this might be pretty cool but if you have any options at all there is no reason to choose this. "
" Probably one of my favorite books of all time. I can still remember many of the scenes from this book vividly, something that is very rare for me with books I have only read once. "
" I really really love this book. I've read it a zillion times or so. The themes it explores, such as the logistics of immortality, are realistically and beautifully dealt with. One of the best books I've read in years. "
" Tedious stuff, I couldn't be bothered to finish it. "
" The boat of a million years is a very neatly done work about people who don't age. Not immortal, because they can die. They just don't age. It's an amazing and large-scope story. "
" I want to write the screen play of this book. I have read it 3 times...so far. "
" It should have ended about 100 pages prior to when it actually did "
" Not one of his better stories, but still worth reading. "
" An interesting story of a group of immortals and their trek through the centuries. Some science fiction is good like Arthur C. Clarke and this book is one of them. "
" Even the masters stumble sometimes. "
" Should have been better--good premise, following long-lifers/possible immortals through different eras, describing their eventual meetings...came across as ponderous and pretentious to me, and I hate to say something like that about an author I like. "
" The book had promise, but it tailed off toward the end. I was almost 100 pages from the end when I stopped reading - I just didn't care any more. "
" Mind blowing, its a fabulous idea. "
" El libro en general es muy bueno, pero un final que quiso ser muy ambicioso terminó por decepcionar. "
" the ending was hard to swallow "
Poul Anderson (1926–2001) was one of the most prolific and popular writers in science fiction. He won the Hugo Award seven times and the Nebula Award three times, as well as many other awards, including the Grand Master Award of the Science Fiction Writers of America for a lifetime of distinguished achievement. With a degree in physics and a wide knowledge of other fields of science, he was noted for building stories on a solid foundation of real science, as well as for being one of the most skilled creators of fast-paced adventure stories. He was author of over one hundred novels and story collections, several hundred short stories, and several mysteries and nonfiction books.
Tom Weiner, a dialogue director and voice artist best known for his roles in video games and television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Transformers, is the winner of eight Earphones Awards and Audie Award finalist. He is a former member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
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