The Listeners - by James Gunn (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Haunting Tale of Humanity's Quest to Connect with the Cosmos.

In James Gunn's timeless science fiction classic, humanity strains its ears toward the heavens, yearning for a signal from another world. Set against the backdrop of the Arecibo Observatory, The Listeners explores the profound implications of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, challenging our understanding of belief, perseverance, and what it truly means to be human.

As scientists dedicate their lives to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), they grapple with the emotional and philosophical weight of their mission. Will they find a message of hope, or will they discover that we are alone in the universe? This thought-provoking novel, perfect for fans of hard science fiction and philosophical exploration, asks:

• What are the costs of dedicating one's life to a seemingly impossible goal?
• How would humanity react to the knowledge that we are not alone?
• Can science and faith coexist in the face of the unknown?

Review Quotes

"A fascinating . . . view of the many responses of mankind to the coming confrontation with intelligent aliens . . . First rate science fiction." --Publishers Weekly


"A must for any library whose readers look beyond their feet." --Library Journal "One of the finest books of speculative fiction ever written . . . strong, thoughtful, marvelously human, and . . . without flaw . . . An unforgettable experience. --Harlan Ellison


"One of the very best fictional portrayals of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence ever written." --Carl Sagan

About the Author

James Edwin Gunn was an American science fiction writer, editor, scholar, and anthologist. His work as an editor includes the six-volume Road to Science Fiction anthology series. He won the Hugo Award for "Best Related Work" in 1983 and he has won or been nominated for several other awards for his non-fiction works in the field of science fiction studies. He was inducted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2015. He was a professor emeritus of English and the Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Science Fiction at the University of Kansas.