Book · 1937 · Fiction, general
Star Maker
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You and I were both fans of Olaf Stapledon who wrote the dual classics Last and First Men and Star Maker.
Tyler Cowen · Conversations with Tyler · May 2024 Listen at 8:52 The best things said about it
And he in 1937, well not 1937, he in the 1960s was reading a book from 1937 called Star Maker. From uh science fiction author Olaf Stapleton.
Why people recommend it
Star Maker by Olaf Stapledon is a visionary 1937 science fiction novel that explores the history of life across the cosmos, scaling from planetary civilizations to the creation of the universe itself. The book's profound influence on science and literature was explored across several podcasts. Josh Clark discussed on Stuff You Should Know how physicist Freeman Dyson drew direct inspiration for his futuristic stellar engineering concepts from Stapledon's imaginative work. Meanwhile, Tyler Cowen analyzed the author's broader literary legacy on Conversations with Tyler, debating the merits of Stapledon's bibliography with guests like Michael Nielsen and Dana Gioia. While some intellectuals favored alternative titles like Last and First Men, Cowen and his guests consistently recognized Star Maker as a foundational classic of speculative fiction that pushed the boundaries of cosmic philosophy. The podcast conversations highlighted how Stapledon's mid-century ideas continue to captivate scientists, economists, and science fiction enthusiasts alike.
Every mention
Tyler Cowen You and I were both fans of Olaf Stapledon who wrote the dual classics Last and First Men and Star Maker. 2
“You and I were both fans of Olaf Stapledon who wrote the dual classics Last and First Men and Star Maker.”
“You know, my friend Dan Wang thinks Last and First Men is better than Starmaker, though virtually all critics prefer Starmaker.”
Josh Clark And he in 1937, well not 1937, he in the 1960s was reading a book from 1937 called Star Maker. From uh scie… 1
“And he in 1937, well not 1937, he in the 1960s was reading a book from 1937 called Star Maker. From uh science fiction author Olaf Stapleton.”