Synopsis
Ursula Le Guin referred to this novel as her "homage a Philip K. Dick." George Orr is a draftsman whose dreams are changing reality. He takes speed to stay awake, and barbiturates so that when he does fall asleep he won't dream. But ultimately he consults with Dr. Haber, a psychiatrist who--delighted at George's talent--hooks him up to a machine and sets about reforming the world. What Dr. Haber does not consider is that when one part of reality is changed--no matter how lofty the goal--other parts must also change as a consequence. When George awakens, he fights Haber's attempts to manipulate him. Nominated for the Hugo and Nebula awards, this novel was the winner of the 1972 Locus Poll Award.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1997-03-01 | | Edition Description: | Reprint |
| Size | | Height: | 8.3 in | | Width: | 5.3 in | | Thickness: | 0.5 in | | Weight: | 5.6 oz |
Publisher's Note
Ursula K. Le Guin has been in the vanguard of science fiction since the publication of her first novel in 1966. Her essays and criticism, short stories and novels, have won numerous literary prizes--including the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Tiptree, and National Book Awards--reverent critical acclaim, and a vast, devoted readership that reaches far beyond the genre. But out of all she has produced--all the brilliant speculations advanced and wondrous new worlds imagined--this is the work which perhaps best endures in the mind, the heart and the conscience.The Lathe of Heaven is George Orr's story--a man who dreams things into being, for better or for worse. It is a dark vision and a warning--a fable of power uncontrolled and uncontrollable--a truly prescient and startling view of humanity, and the consequences of God-playing. It is, quite simply, a masterpiece.
Vibrantly repackaged in a stunning new format, this classic science fiction novel offers "a rare and powerful synthesis of poetry and science, reason and emotion" ("The New York Times"). In the year 2002, George Orr discovers his dreams can--and do--change the world.
Industry Reviews
"[This] is a beautifully wrought [novel]....The author has done some profound research in psychology, cerebrophysiology and biochemistry, and is familiar with some very recent findings in the field of dream research. In addition, her perceptions of such matters as geopolitics, race, socialized medicine and the patient/shrink relationship are razor-sharp and more than a little cutting."
National Review - Theodore Sturgeon (02/04/1972)
"...[P]ractically a primer in Taoist thought."
Algol - Douglas Barbour (11/19/1973)
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