Perelandra (Space Trilogy, Book 2) | 
 enlarge | Author: C.s. Lewis
Publisher: Scribner
Category: Book
List Price: $13.00
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Rating:  90 reviews
Sales Rank: 11169
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 192
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.5
ISBN: 074323491X
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.912
EAN: 9780743234917
ASIN: 074323491X
Publication Date: April 1, 2003
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Product Description
The second book in C. S. Lewis's acclaimed Space Trilogy, which also includes Out of the Silent Planet and That Hideous Strength, Perelandra continues the adventures of the extraordinary Dr. Ransom. Pitted against the most destructive of human weaknesses, temptation, the great man must battle evil on a new planet -- Perelandra -- when it is invaded by a dark force. Will Perelandra succumb to this malevolent being, who strives to create a new world order and who must destroy an old and beautiful civilization to do so? Or will it throw off the yoke of corruption and achieve a spiritual perfection as yet unknown to man? The outcome of Dr. Ransom's mighty struggle alone will determine the fate of this peace-loving planet.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 85 more reviews...
 PERELANDRA August 11, 2008
I am very pleased to purchase this classic in hardcover. The seller provided a wonderful product for a great price,in timely fashion and in terrific condition.
One of the most profound and satisfying works I've ever read June 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I will never forget the first time that I read Perelandra. Having recently finished Out of the Silent Planet, my hopes were high for the second book in C. S. Lewis's space trilogy. However, I was completely suprised by and unprepared for the experience that was to come in this amazing work.
Perelandra is one of those books that is truly great on so many different levels. Lewis's representation of innocence is incredibly deep and very believable. His portrayal of evil, both mentally and physically, is terrifying. The philosophical and theological subjects discussed in the book are many and varied. And Lewis's vision of paradise is one of the most stirring and memorable moments that I have ever had in reading a piece of literature.
Perelandra is like a great symphony, it has the power to raise the soul to new heights. The descriptive and imaginative story, the profoundness in the dialogue with the Green Lady, the diabolical methods and doings of the Un-man, the words screamed to the heavens at the beginning of the final struggle, the unveiling of gender by the Eldils, the glory and wonder of the King and Queen, the mystery of the Great Dance; one could go on and on.
Like all great writings, Perelandra rewards multiple readings. And like a truly great author, C. S. Lewis has conjured up thoughts and images that I will remember for the rest of my life.
The best of the series April 10, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy is easily one of the best series I've ever read, and while each volume is so strong that it's difficult to choose the best, Perelandra, the second book, builds well on the foundation laid by Out of the Silent Planet and, in the end, outshines the final book, That Hideous Strength.
The story begins as Lewis, writing himself into his own story, arrives in the English countryside to visit his old friend Dr. Ransom, with whom he has been corresponding about Ransom's strange journey to Mars, chronicled in the first book of the series. When Lewis arrives, Ransom reveals that the eldils--angelic creatures bound to different planets--of Mars have continuously visited him since his return to Earth, and that he is to leave on another journey that very night. Boxed up in an otherworldly, coffin-like capsule, Ransom is whisked away and doesn't return for over a year. When he does, he narrates his story through Lewis.
Perelandra is the actual name of what we call the planet Venus, and when Ransom crashes through the dense, cloudy atmosphere he finds himself in a world of nothing but ocean, where floating islands of matted plants drift along, providing a place for rest and sleep. There, he meets the Queen of Venus, a green-skinned, naked woman apparently innocent of all knowledge except that told directly to her by Maleldil, or God. She knows the animals and their names, that her husband, the King, is somewhere on the same planet, and that Maleldil has forbidden them both to spend the night on solid land.
Ransom decides that he has been brought to a new Eden, but for what purpose? His question is answered when a familiar-looking spaceship lands on Perelandra and Dr. Weston, the Nietzschean nemesis of Out of the Silent Planet, rows ashore. Weston soon plays host to a devilish tempter and Ransom's duty becomes clear--he must prevent this Eden's fall.
Perelandra is a tour de force for C.S. Lewis. All of his skills are on display and sharply focused--the beautifully-drawn world, the deep resonance of his message and theme, and even the wry, good-natured humor that underlies so much of his work. And the work is far deeper than most scientific or theological fiction--parallels to his own works, such as The Screwtape Letters, and works like Paradise Lost and The Divine Comedy abound. Those to Paradise Lost are perhaps the most pointed, as Lewis dethrones Milton's concept of a high, stately Satan and replaces it with the far more likely childish, vindictive devil that inhabits Weston.
The Space Trilogy is very loosely constructed, which means that any one of the books can be read as either part of the series or as stand-alone entertainment. It may not be necessary to read Out of the Silent Planet prior to this novel, but I'd recommend it and, if you choose not to, you'll want to once you've finished Perelandra. You won't be disappointed.
Highly recommended.
 Lewis is a gift February 23, 2008
This is a journey to Venus science fiction fantasy; the second in a space trilogy. Ransom (Godly) is a scientist sent to Venus (presumably by an angel) for reasons he did not know. He meets an innocent human-like woman upon arriving. She is searching for her King, who until Ransom, were the only people on Venus except for the myriad of unusual interactive animals. Ransom follows her as she makes her way across the floating islands of a water laden planet. As one progresses you will recognize the parallels to the Garden of Eden/Adam and Eve on earth. The forbidden fruit is the fixed, immovable land. Perelandra is a wonderful story, better than the first book, "Out of the silent planet".
The story is told in first person by Ransom's earth friend. Ransom comes to the realization of his purpose for being sent to Venus: shortly after his arrival, his earth protege Weston (an atheist), lands in a ship, only to by seduced by Satan. Weston then begins his vigil to confuse and corrupt the woman----she grows "old". Eventually a long mental and physical battle ensues between Weston and Ransom. Ransom was sent to stop the corruption, but he was losing the battle; he new he had to kill him. Venus would keep its innocence.
In this novel Lewis asks himself questions, then tries to answer them: on origins, life, and spirituality. What an amazingly unique mind----there is no equal----surely a gift.
Wish you well
Scott
An underappreciated classic of Science Fiction February 22, 2008
The trilogy as a whole is brilliant, but yet again, the middle child is the one most often forgot. However, do NOT skip this volume. While perhaps the most esoteric, the quality of prose is there, and the story is as gripping as anything else Lewis ever wrote.
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