A Canticle for Leibowitz

by Walter M. Miller, Jr., Walter Miller
A Canticle for Leibowitz cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 1150
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780553257496
  • Publisher: Bantam
  • Published: 1984-05-01
  • Reviews: 4

A Canticle for Leibowitz is a groundbreaking work of speculative fiction that explores a world ravaged by nuclear war and the slow rebuilding of civilization. Set in a distant future, the novel follows the story of a monastic order dedicated to preserving the remnants of pre-war knowledge, even as society struggles to recover from its devastating past. /n/n The novel is renowned for its deep philosophical and theological themes, as well as its vivid portrayal of a world grappling with the consequences of technological advancement and human folly. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of faith, knowledge, and the cyclical nature of history.

Reviews
Yggdrasille · 2024-06-27
profound 4.50

The novel is praised for its intricate blend of religious faith and science fiction, offering a profound vision of human civilization's potential trajectory. Its themes of recurrence and the tension between church and state are deeply explored.

This sprawling, intricate post-apocalyptic novel is celebrated for its unique fusion of religious faith and science fiction. It presents a compelling vision of human civilization's potential future, delving into themes of recurrence and the complex interplay between church and state. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and the way it weaves together these elements to create a thought-provoking narrative. The book's exploration of these themes is both profound and timely, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    This sprawling, intricate post-apocalyptic novel blends religious faith with science fiction, and envisions a potential course for human civilisation that's both profound and thought-provoking.

    The novel's themes of recurrence and the tension between church and state are deeply explored, offering a rich tapestry of ideas.

    The book's elegantly pared down prose prevents it from becoming flabby, making it a compelling read despite its epic scope.

Northern Soul · 2024-06-10
balanced 4.00

The book's epic scope is balanced by its elegantly pared-down prose, preventing it from becoming overly flabby. The reviewer appreciates the author's restraint in not straying too far from the main narrative.

The reviewer praises the novel for its epic scope, which is skillfully balanced by its elegantly pared-down prose. This restraint prevents the book from becoming overly flabby, making it a more focused and engaging read. The author's decision to stay close to the main narrative is commended, as it helps maintain the book's momentum and coherence. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes and ideas are compelling, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in post-apocalyptic fiction.

Quick quotes

    Although the book is epic in its scope, the elegantly pared down prose prevents it from becoming flabby.

    Miller is rarely tempted to stray too far from the main narrative, which helps maintain the book's momentum and coherence.

    The novel's world is depicted plainly and purposefully, capturing the tragedy of a post-nuclear holocaust world without sentimentality.

One Reading Nurse · One Reading Nurse · 2024-03-02
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is a challenging but rewarding read that delves into the complexities of faith and the preservation of knowledge. It offers a unique blend of science fiction and religious themes.

This novel is a challenging read, not just because of its dense prose and complex themes, but also because it asks profound questions about the nature of faith and the preservation of knowledge. The story of monks dedicated to safeguarding relics and texts from a bygone era is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The author's exploration of these themes is nuanced and layered, making it a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its deeper messages. The blend of science fiction and religious themes creates a rich and immersive narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the value of knowledge in a post-apocalyptic world. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity, even if it is a challenging read.

Quick quotes

    The novel's exploration of faith and the preservation of knowledge is both intriguing and thought-provoking.

    The story of monks dedicated to safeguarding relics and texts from a bygone era is both intriguing and thought-provoking.

    The blend of science fiction and religious themes creates a rich and immersive narrative that invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the value of knowledge in a post-apocalyptic world.

Ruined Chapel · 2024-01-26
somber 3.75

The book is not a feel-good tale but captures the zeitgeist of the 1950s and '60s with themes of space travel and nuclear war.

Ruined Chapel's review notes that the book is not designed to be a feel-good read but rather a serious exploration of post-nuclear holocaust themes. They appreciate how it captures the essence of the 1950s and '60s zeitgeist, including themes of space travel and the looming threat of nuclear war. The review suggests that the book's somber tone and thought-provoking content make it a significant work in science fiction.

Quick quotes

    The book, in short, is not really a feel-good tale.

    It does include two of the hallmarks of 1950s and '60s zeitgeist: space travel and nuclear war.

    A somber and thought-provoking exploration of post-nuclear holocaust themes.

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