A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
"A Canticle for Leibowitz" is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel that explores the cyclical nature of history through the lens of a Catholic monastery in the American Southwest. After a devastating nuclear war, the monks of the Albertian Order of Leibowitz work to preserve the remnants of mankind's scientific knowledge until the world is again ready for it. Over the course of centuries, civilization rises and falls, wars are fought, and scientific advancements are rediscovered and then lost again. The novel is a poignant commentary on the potential for humanity to repeat its mistakes.
The 3683rd greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 35th on Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books (NPR)
- 40th on Top 200 Science Fiction Books (Pre-2000) (Sci-Fi Lists)
- Select 100 (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
- Hugo Award for Best Novel (Hugo Awards)
- Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels (David Pringle)
- 100 Main Fantasy and Science-Fiction Books (www.mirf.ru (Russian))