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Cover of Startide Rising
Science Fiction· United States

Startide Rising

by David Brin
Aggregate Editorial Score78/100
★Hugo Award★Nebula Award
Published 1984462 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 1984, Startide Rising established David Brin as one of the defining voices in science fiction. A crew of humans and uplifted dolphins aboard the Streaker have discovered an ancient fleet of derelict spaceships and are being hunted by half the galaxy as a result. Brin's Hugo and Nebula Award winner is a thrilling space opera set in a universe where patron species 'uplift' client species to sentience. Themes of uplift, dolphins, space opera run through the work. The book has received recognition from Hugo Award 1984 and Nebula Award 1984.

Book Details

AuthorDavid Brin
Published1984
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages462
Category🚀 Science Fiction
ISBN9780553274080
Editorial Score78/100
About the Category

🚀 Science Fiction

Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1984, David Brin's Startide Rising is a work of science fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with uplift, dolphins, space opera, evolution gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Startide Rising among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Hugo Award 1984; Nebula Award 1984. Our aggregate score of 78/100 is compiled from 2 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to Startide Rising for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of uplift, dolphins, space opera, evolution is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. David Brin's role in the literature of United States is well established. Startide Rising can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Hugo Award
winner · genre
198442
Nebula Award
winner · genre
198442
✍️
About the Author
David Brin
United States
View Author →

David Brin is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of science fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Startide Rising about?

A crew of humans and uplifted dolphins aboard the Streaker have discovered an ancient fleet of derelict spaceships and are being hunted by half the galaxy as a result. Brin's Hugo and Nebula Award winner is a thrilling space opera set in a universe where patron species 'uplift' client species to sentience.

Who wrote Startide Rising?

Startide Rising was written by David Brin, from United States. First published in 1984.

What awards has Startide Rising won?

Startide Rising has received the following awards and honours: Hugo Award 1984; Nebula Award 1984.

Is Startide Rising worth reading?

Startide Rising is a widely acclaimed work with strong critical consensus, with an aggregate editorial score of 78/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in uplift, dolphins, space opera.

Where can I buy Startide Rising?

You can buy Startide Rising on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Startide Rising?

Startide Rising is classified as Science Fiction. Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.

What country is Startide Rising from?

Startide Rising originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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