The Left Hand of Darkness

by Ursula K. Le Guin

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Hardcover

$25.00

Mass Market Paperback

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Book Overview: The Left Hand of Darkness

A deluxe hardcover edition of the queen of science fiction’s trailblazing novel about a planet full of genderless beings–part of Penguin Galaxy, a collectible series of six sci-fi/fantasy classics, featuring a series introduction by Neil Gaiman

Winner of the AIGA + Design Observer 50 Books 50 Covers competition

A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary’s mission to Winter, an unknown alien world whose inhabitants can choose–and change–their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely dissimilar culture that he encounters. Exploring questions of psychology, society, and human emotion in an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of science fiction.

ISBN-13	978044147812597804410073189780143111597
ISBN-10	044147812304410073170143111590
Publisher	Ace BooksAcePenguin Classics
Publication Date	198720002016
Edition	ReissueReissueN/a
Language	enenen
Pages	304336288
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“One of the coolest gifts you can get for your favorite sci-fi geek . . . You’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but these new Penguin Galaxy hardcovers make it really hard.” — Gizmodo

“Serious science fiction and fantasy readers cannot resist the classics. . . . That’s what makes the Penguin Galaxy series so appealing. . . . Each of the novels here has earned their place in the halls of literary history. . . . Their small form factor and minimalist covers call out to readers and make them fun to read all over again.” — Kirkus Reviews

“[A] science fiction masterpiece.” — Newsweek

“No single work did more to upend the genre’s conventions than The Left Hand of Darkness.” — The Paris Review

“A jewel of a story.” — Frank Herbert, author of Dune

About the Author

Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin, a prolific author best known for her science fiction and fantasy works, was born in Berkeley, California, in 1929. As the daughter of an anthropologist and a writer, her upbringing fostered a deep curiosity about human nature, culture, and social structures which significantly influenced her literary aspirations. She attended Radcliffe College and Columbia University where she acquired her master’s degree in 1952. Le Guin’s distinguished career as a novelist began in the 1960s, and she soon earned recognition as a groundbreaking author, notably for her integration of intricate sociological contexts into her unique blend of speculative fiction.

Her literary accomplishments, comprising more than fifty novels and hundreds of short stories, distinctly echo themes of balance, connection, compassion, and tolerance. Le Guin’s most iconic works, such as “The Left Hand of Darkness” and “The Dispossessed,” form part of “The Hainish Cycle,” a renowned science fiction series that revolutionized the genre by challenging gender norms and exploring anarchy and utopian societies. Her fantasy series, “Earthsea,” also garnered extensive commendation for its thought-provoking exploration of mortality and the intricate interplay between life and death.

Throughout her illustrious career, Ursula K. Le Guin amassed numerous literary accolades including multiple Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards. Her transformative writing in both the science fiction and fantasy genres left an indelible mark on literature, effectively transcending the confines of genre classifications. Le Guin passed away in 2018, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of groundbreaking narratives and profound human insight that continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike.