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Cover of The Fountains of Paradise
Science Fiction· United Kingdom

The Fountains of Paradise

by Arthur C. Clarke
Aggregate Editorial Score78/100
★Hugo Award★Nebula Award
Published 1980260 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Arthur C. Clarke's The Fountains of Paradise (1980) stands as one of the most significant works of science fiction of its era. An engineer's quest to build a space elevator from a mountain peak in the equatorial ocean is paralleled by the story of the builder of a garden of paradise two thousand years earlier. Clarke's Hugo and Nebula Award winner is a meditation on human ambition and the conquest of gravity. Themes of engineering, space elevator, ambition run through the work. The book has received recognition from Hugo Award 1980 and Nebula Award 1980.

Book Details

AuthorArthur C. Clarke
Published1980
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages260
Category🚀 Science Fiction
ISBN9780451163103
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 Kingdom

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

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

The Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke sits within the tradition of science fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1980 in United Kingdom, it engages with engineering, space elevator, ambition, technology in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Fountains of Paradise among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Hugo Award 1980; Nebula Award 1980. Our aggregate score of 78/100 is compiled from 2 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Fountains of Paradise lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of engineering, space elevator, ambition, technology is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Fountains of Paradise reflects Arthur C. Clarke's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United Kingdom's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
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
198042
Nebula Award
winner · genre
198042
✍️
About the Author
Arthur C. Clarke
United Kingdom
View Author →

Arthur C. Clarke is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of science fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Fountains of Paradise about?

An engineer's quest to build a space elevator from a mountain peak in the equatorial ocean is paralleled by the story of the builder of a garden of paradise two thousand years earlier. Clarke's Hugo and Nebula Award winner is a meditation on human ambition and the conquest of gravity.

Who wrote The Fountains of Paradise?

The Fountains of Paradise was written by Arthur C. Clarke, from United Kingdom. First published in 1980.

What awards has The Fountains of Paradise won?

The Fountains of Paradise has received the following awards and honours: Hugo Award 1980; Nebula Award 1980.

Is The Fountains of Paradise worth reading?

The Fountains of Paradise 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 engineering, space elevator, ambition.

Where can I buy The Fountains of Paradise?

You can buy The Fountains of Paradise on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Fountains of Paradise?

The Fountains of Paradise is classified as Science Fiction. Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.

What country is The Fountains of Paradise from?

The Fountains of Paradise originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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