A Voyage to Arcturus by David Lindsay
David Lindsay's "A Voyage to Arcturus" (1920) is a philosophical and psychological novel that explores the nature of reality, consciousness, and the human condition. The story follows a group of characters who embark on a journey to the planet Arcturus, where they encounter strange creatures and experiences that challenge their understanding of the universe. The novel is known for its complex and layered narrative structure, which blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical inquiry. Lindsay's writing style is dense and allusive, drawing on a wide range of literary and cultural references to create a rich and immersive world. Overall, "A Voyage to Arcturus" is a challenging and thought-provoking work that rewards careful reading and contemplation. Its themes of existential inquiry and the limits of human knowledge continue to resonate with readers today.
By David Lindsay · First published 1920 · Genre: Science Fiction, Philosophical, Adventure · 21 chapters · 114,430 words
First lines
On a March evening, at eight o'clock, Backhouse, the medium-a fast- rising star in the psychic world-was ushered into the study at Prolands, the Hampstead residence of Montague Faull. The room was illuminated only by the light of a blazing fire. The host, eying him with indolent curiosity, got up, and the usual conventional greetings were exchanged. Having indicated an easy chair before the fire to his guest, the South American merchant sank back again into his own. The electric light was switched on. Faull's prominent, clear-cut features, metallic-looking skin, and general air of bored impassiveness, did not seem greatly to impress the medium, who was accustomed to regard men from a special angle. Backhouse, on the contrary, was a novelty to the merchant.
What this Textopian page supports
A Voyage to Arcturus is listed on Textopian as a novel by David Lindsay, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: David Lindsay
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Philosophical, Adventure, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy
- Length: 114,430 words
- Structure: 21 chapters, 3,190 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Voyage to Arcturus by David Lindsay
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The novel revolves around a trip to a distant planet, encompassing themes such as space and alien exploration which are classic elements of science fiction.
- Philosophical — The work deeply explores existential and metaphysical questions about reality, human nature, and the meaning of life, common themes in philosophical literature.
- Adventure — The protagonist undergoes a series of adventures on an alien planet, encountering various beings and civilizations like in adventure novels.
- Speculative Fiction — The novel creates a unique parallel universe and explores hypothetical situations and characters, common in speculative fiction.
Tags
science fiction · philosophy · fantasy · adventure · metaphysics · existentialism · allegory · cosmic exploration · surrealism · spiritual journey · otherworldly · imagination
Contents
- THE SÉANCE
- IN THE STREET
- STARKNESS
- THE VOICE
- THE NIGHT OF DEPARTURE
- JOIWIND
- PANAWE
- THE LUSION PLAIN
- OCEAXE
- TYDOMIN
- ON DISSCOURN
- SPADEVIL
- THE WOMBFLASH FOREST
- POLECRAB
- SWAYLONE'S ISLAND
- LEEHALLFAE
- CORPANG
- HAUNTE
- SULLENBODE
- BAREY
- MUSPEL