Lem is dead

[MaKS]

Stanisław Lem
12.ix.1921 — 27.iii.2006

lem.pl/

[MaKS]

" <...> I'm pretty sure without Lem the history of XX century were deserving regrets even more. The void of stupid things he made fun of in advance, mankind didn't make yet. <...>
But Lem wasn't a satirist in a mere sense of this word. He've been laughing on questions, the best minds of the century were forcelessy crying about. They cryed, and he laughed, in the same time making fun of their cryings and turning the questions backside up, like a rissole on a frying pan. He knew the best approach to a problem often means more, than its solving. Solving is particular; approach is a method. If it works with one problem, it will work with another.
His approachs became classic long ago. In fiction. In philosophy. In politics. He didn't necessary guessed the way, sometimes his resolutions were too graceful, his logic - too flawless, whilst reality avoids perfect ways. Although he wrote about that too. And about unknowability too. "Solaris", "Eden"...
<...> I have no recepies to understand Lem. But what I do certainly know is that in thirty-fourty years thoughts he've been throwing into us get devoured, grow upto mind and become a commonplace. And athough in the process "Futurologists congress" became "The Matrix", losing ninety percents of its sharpness, because of that the general conception get to so many people.
And the world changes. A little.
Step by step."
- Sergey Berezhnoy, barros.livejournal.com/633356.html
the horrible translation by me ^^

[panpredseda]

Stanislaw Lem isn't dead. Stanislaw Lem lives in his books and in our hearts, and maybe... we could met him on Solaris

[blue]

Solaris is the only book by Lem that I’ve read. It’s of course very good. Does anybody know any other book by him that can be recommended to a non-fan of sci-fi?

Thanks

[MaKS]

Look through the official site, there's English section.

There's virtually no a worthless Lem's book. Yet, you may start with his brilliant short stories from "The Cyberiad", "Adventures of Trurl and Klapaucius", "Voyages of Ion Tichy", "The Tales of the Robots"; his novels, such as "The Futurological Congress", "His Master's Voice","Peace on Earth","Return from the Stars".

It's such a shame arguable the most important futurology work of the century, "Summa Technologiae", haven't been translated into English yet. It makes me pity for English-speakers...

[The Ferret]

There are no words.

Human race will miss LEM and his supreme genius forever.

There are no adequate words, again.

[blue]

Look through the official site, there's English section.

There's virtually no a worthless Lem's book. Yet, you may start with his brilliant short stories from "The Cyberiad", "Adventures of Trurl and Klapaucius", "Voyages of Ion Tichy", "The Tales of the Robots"; his novels, such as "The Futurological Congress", "His Master's Voice","Peace on Earth","Return from the Stars".

It's such a shame arguable the most important futurology work of the century, "Summa Technologiae", haven't been translated into English yet. It makes me pity for English-speakers...


Thanks for the info, Maks. I think I’ll start with some of his short stories.

[MaKS]

You're welcome ^^ I hope, it's going to be useful.

[The Ferret]

I'm going to buy a copy of a specific 'SOLARIS' Italian edition I've searched for a long time --- I've spoiled it among many other old books. Only for 4.00 £, which is a ridiculously affordable price.
It will be the very first time I read 'SOLARIS' (the novel) and - generally - one of LEM's books.

[blue]

admin said:

I'm going to buy a copy of a specific 'SOLARIS' Italian edition I've searched for a long time --- I've spoiled it among many other old books. Only for 4.00 £, which is a ridiculously affordable price.
It will be the very first time I read 'SOLARIS' (the novel) and - generally - one of LEM's books.

Then you will notice the different approach Lem has to the “subject” compared with A. T. The book is much more philosophical, in a scientific way. The story also has a stronger focus on the planet Solaris. Tarkovsky, on the other hand, tells us the story about a man and his conscience. But with the intention of not spoiling your reading we should say no more. Enjoy your reading!

[MaKS]

And share your thoughts afterwards.

[The Ferret]

maks said:

And share your thoughts afterwards.

Of course. I intend to scan the cover, too. I'll post it as soon as I could. It's very atmospheric and creepy.