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Seven Views of Olduvai Gorge by Mike Resnick

Seven Views of Olduvai Gorge by Mike Resnick

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Seven Views of Olduvai Gorge

by Mike Resnick

"The definitive Hugo and Nebula award-winning novella examining the rise and fall of humanity through the lens of a far-future archaeological expedition."

🚀 SPECULATIVE FICTION | ANTHROPOLOGY | FAR-FUTURE SCI-FI

A profound exploration of human legacy, told through seven layers of archaeological strata, uncovering the secrets of a species that once dominated the stars.

Extended Synopsis

In Seven Views of Olduvai Gorge, Mike Resnick presents a masterwork of speculative fiction set eons after the demise of the human race and its sprawling galactic empire. The narrative follows a group of alien archaeologists who descend upon Earth—a dead, silent world—to answer a singular question: how did a single-planet species achieve such overwhelming success, and why did it ultimately vanish?

By excavating the historic Olduvai Gorge, the expedition uncovers seven distinct artifacts, each serving as a window into a specific era of humanity’s existence. From the primitive struggles of early hominids to the height of interstellar expansion and the eventual decay of the species, these "views" provide a comprehensive look at the inherent strengths and fatal weaknesses of humankind. As the alien team digs deeper, they encounter a final discovery that challenges their understanding of the universe and their own place within it.

Author Bio

Mike Resnick was one of the most decorated authors in the history of science fiction, holding a record for the most Hugo Award nominations in short fiction. Known for his "Kirinyaga" series and his deep interest in African history and anthropology, Resnick’s work frequently explores the complexities of colonialism, cultural evolution, and the human condition.

Reader Targeting & Academic Utility

  • Sci-Fi Historians & Scholars: An essential case study in award-winning short fiction and far-future world-building.
  • Anthropology & Sociology Enthusiasts: Offers a unique fictional perspective on the layers of civilization and the permanence of archaeological records.
  • Genre Collectors: A necessary addition for those cataloging Hugo and Nebula "double-winner" masterworks.

Technical Specifications

ISBN-13 9781612421179
ISBN-10 1612421172
Format Paperback
Publisher Arc Manor [Phoenix Pick Booklets]
Publication Date November 2012
Subjects Anthropological Sci-Fi

Accolades & Awards

  • Winner: Hugo Award for Best Novella
  • Winner: Nebula Award for Best Novella
  • International Recognition: Winner of the Ignotus (Spain), Prix Ozone (France), and Futura (Croatia) Awards.
  • "One of the most celebrated novellas ever written, providing a hauntingly beautiful post-human perspective." — Bust Down Books Editorial Review

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