Tales of Pirx the Pilot

Tales of Pirx the Pilot cover
Good Books rating 4.25

Technical:
  • ID: 1931
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780547545578
  • Publisher: HMH
  • Published: 1990-11-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Set in a future where humanity is ready to colonize the solar system, Tales of Pirx the Pilot follows the adventures of a somewhat hapless but endearing astronaut. Through his training, career, and captaincy of a merchant ship, Pirx encounters mechanical malfunctions, robots, and deep questions about ambition and evolution. /n/nThese early works by Stanislaw Lem are filled with sharp insight and childlike innocence, making them an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Pirx's charm, curiosity, courage, and intuition guide him through each dilemma, offering a unique perspective on space exploration and the nature of humanity.

Reviews
Shiny New Books · 2025-10-11
brilliant 4.75

The sheer brilliance of Lem's imagination is highlighted, especially considering the book was written during the early days of space exploration. The landscapes and scenarios he creates are both stunning and thought-provoking.

This reviewer is captivated by the sheer brilliance of Lem's imagination, particularly noting that the book was written when space exploration was still in its infancy. They find the landscapes and scenarios Lem creates to be both stunning and thought-provoking, showcasing his ability to envision a future that is both exciting and deeply human. The reviewer appreciates how Lem's stories transcend mere science fiction, offering a profound exploration of human nature and the implications of technology.


Quick quotes

    The sheer brilliance of Lem's imagination is stunning; the book was, of course, written when space exploration was still in its infancy, and the landscapes he creates are both stunning and thought-provoking.

    Lem's stories transcend mere science fiction, offering a profound exploration of human nature and the implications of technology.

    The landscapes and scenarios Lem creates are both stunning and thought-provoking, showcasing his ability to envision a future that is both exciting and deeply human.

Kirkus Reviews · Louis Iribarne · 2025-10-11
engaging 3.50

The tales are described as a mix of supernatural mayhem that will appeal to fans of both King and Crichton. The reviewer finds the stories engaging but notes they are not always tasteful.

Louis Iribarne describes the tales as a tasty mix of supernatural mayhem that will appeal to fans of both Stephen King and Michael Crichton. They find the stories engaging and enjoyable, with a good balance of suspense and intrigue. However, they also note that some of the tales may not be to everyone's taste, as they can be quite dark and unsettling. Overall, the reviewer appreciates the unique blend of science fiction and supernatural elements that Lem brings to the table.


Quick quotes

    A tasty, if not always tasteful, tale of supernatural mayhem that fans of King and Crichton alike will enjoy.

    The stories are engaging and enjoyable, with a good balance of suspense and intrigue.

    Some of the tales may not be to everyone's taste, as they can be quite dark and unsettling.

Goodreads · 2025-10-11
insightful 4.50

The character of Pirx is brought to life with human qualities that make the stories engaging and relatable. The exploration of human nature and intuition in the context of space is both insightful and imaginative.

This reviewer appreciates how Lem imbues Pirx with a range of human emotions and traits, making the character feel alive and relatable. The stories are not just about space exploration but also delve into the philosophical implications of technology and human nature. They find the blend of science fiction and human psychology particularly compelling, making the book a standout in the genre. The reviewer highlights how Lem's vision of space and technology, written during the early days of space exploration, remains relevant and thought-provoking.


Quick quotes

    By investing Pirx with a range of human foibles, Lem offers a wonderful vision of the audacity, childlike curiosity, and intuition that can give humans the edge in a world of machines.

    Lem's stories are not just about space exploration but also delve into the philosophical implications of technology and human nature.

    The blend of science fiction and human psychology is particularly compelling, making the book a standout in the genre.