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  • 2001

  • A Space Odyssey
  • Written by: Arthur C. Clarke
  • Narrated by: Dick Hill
  • Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (556 ratings)

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2001 cover art

2001

Written by: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Dick Hill
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Publisher's Summary

It has been 40 years since the publication of this classic science-fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man adventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.

This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for director Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.

©1968 Polaris Productions, Inc.; 1968 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2000 Brilliance Audio

What listeners say about 2001

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

great book. was a little confused by the apemen.

apemen, super space babies. evil robots who fear death. kinda weird. well written. quite good.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Really good

It was an awesome story provokes the mind.
It’s an audiobook I will listen to again

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The preamble by Arthur kinda spoils it

If you have not seen the movie or read this book skip Arthurs starting words.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Transcendent

This is just a magical performance of a monumental work and I could not recommend it more highly.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good book

Good book, fantastic narration. There’s something to be desired compared to the movie. I liked the ambiguous nature of the film, and I find Arthur over-explains some aspects of the story. Still a great listen for another perspective on the same story

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    5 out of 5 stars
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2001

This timeless classic was A thoroughly pleasing listen. it has encouraged me to revisit more of Clark's brilliant and insightful novels

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

monkey monolith

good performance, cool to know where the iconic scene of the monkey monolith comes from

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Makes "those parts" of the movie make sense

A must for any sci-fi fan! Brilliantly written and well performed. Having narrations for the ape scenes and ending (flashing light, hospice, space-baby) makes this a much more evocative and less confusing affair than the Kubrick film without removing the value of the movie. If anything, it demands a rewatching of the movie after finishing the book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

From Man's Origin to Space

I gave this a listen before I watched the movie. I knew about HAL 9000 from general cultural references, but I got shivers when HAL said his signature line. Great visuals, and I can't wait to watch the movie now. #Audible1

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Bite sized story that offers a feast of ideas

A really interesting tale. Arthur C. Clarke's forward was my favorite piece to this whole book. I think it could have been a touch more fleshed out, but I'm used to 20+hrs of a story so I anticipate this is only due to my inexperience with a book of this length.

I think this book feels like three very disjointed tales, and I'd love a longer look at each. the tales were riveting and I had a hard time adapting to the change each time the story shifted.

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