The Fountains of ParadiseThe Fountains of Paradise
Score Classic
What it's about
In the 22nd century, visionary scientist Vannevar Morgan conceives the grandest engineering project of all time: a space elevator, 36,000 kilometers high, anchored to an equatorial island in the Indian Ocean, which would transform humanity's future in space.
Why it's worth reading
It won both the Hugo and Nebula awards. It's one of Arthur C. Clarke's most visionary novels.
You'll love it if you liked
Rendezvous with Rama
Childhood's End
The MartianGood to know
It's more about engineering and ideas than action.
By the numbers
- Readers26 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics80 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller21 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #126 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #194 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #394 of the 762 classics we rank
- #1340 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Adventurous, Thought-provoking
More by Arthur C. Clarke
Rendezvous with Rama
2001: A Space OdysseyChildhood's EndIf you like this, read next
The Lord of the Rings
Foundation
Ficciones
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Gods Themselves
UbikExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is The Fountains of Paradise worth reading?
Yes. It won both the Hugo and Nebula awards. It ranks #1,340 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 69.6 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Fountains of Paradise about?
In the 22nd century, visionary scientist Vannevar Morgan conceives the grandest engineering project of all time: a space elevator, 36,000 kilometers high, anchored to an equatorial island in the Indian Ocean, which would transform humanity's future in space.
How long does it take to read The Fountains of Paradise?
About 6 hours (257 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has The Fountains of Paradise won?
Hugo Award winner (1980); Nebula Award winner (1979).
What should I read after The Fountains of Paradise?
If you liked it, try Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke, Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke or The Martian by Andy Weir.