Ivan Antonovich Efremov (1908–1972)

Ruská, respektive sovětská, novela o hledání stop po pravěké návštěvě mimozemšťanů na Zemi. Svým způsobem příjemné, i když už notně zastaralé čtení, kde převažuje "vědecká" rovina a hlavní postavy vedou košaté vysvětlující dialogy o uspořádání a vývoji Vesmíru na tak trochu verneovský způsob.

This is the fictionalized story of Thais, Greek hetaera to Ptolemy (one of the Generals of Alexander the Great), and eventual queen of Egypt. “Hetaera” loosely translates as courtesan, or high-class and generally well-educated prostitute, who had power over who she would accept as a lover. It’s an ambitious work, attempting to recreate the cultures of the world in ~330 B.C. and describe its mythologies, religions, and rites in great detail.

The translation by Maria K. is clearly a labor show more of love, but it’s also amateurish. Her translation of the book into English is “with an accent”, with occasional grammatical errors, the illustrations she adds to start chapters are not very artistic, and her reader’s reference at the book’s outset would have benefited far more from the inclusion of a map and a basic glossary than what’s in there. Footnotes in the text are few and far between; ancient place names are footnoted at page 500+ in a small bunch; the reader really could have used those throughout to avoid having to turning to the Internet, which I did.

She is a little hampered by the original; too many Greek words are used, almost as if Yefremov was trying to show off his erudition, as opposed to furthering the story line. His transitions in the plot are uneven and abrupt; it’s a raw, unpolished work. Furthermore, while historical fiction is always tough, this one rang false in many places, ascribing too much power and influence to Thais, among other things.

And yet, the blindness of Alexander’s quest comes through, goaded on by poor advice from Aristotle and others on how small the earth was, the book brings forward a feminist message, and one does learn a thing or two about the ancient world along the way. It should have been tightened up considerably on all fronts though, and I’d only recommend it if this era is of particular interest. show less

I love this author and I love this book. I don't remember how many times I've read it over the years, but this is a pure gem.
This is a story of the most famous hetaera of Greece, wife of Ptolemey, who conquered Egypt and a friend and companion of Alexander the Great; she was the woman who burned Persepolis.
The novel was written in 1972, and this is a pure testament to the power of women through the history.
There is mysticism and deep historical research, philosophers and old gods, erotism show more and pure intelligence.
One of those books to read before you die. show less

Роман известного писателя Ивана Ефремова "Туманность Андромеды" - о прекрасном будущем человечества. Из эпохи античности, Древней Индии, Эры Великого Кольца рождается совершенный, прекрасный мир будущего, в который из прошлого перешло все лучшее, что было достигнуто show more человечеством. Это мир духовно красивых и физически совершенных людей, живущих по гуманистическим законам будущего… show less