Science fiction · Classics
2001: A Space Odyssey
A mysterious black slab guides early humans toward intelligence, and millions of years later another one is found on the Moon. A spaceship travels toward Saturn with an advanced computer in charge, and something goes wrong.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1968
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 221
- Format
- Book 1 of 4 in Space Odyssey
Read this if you want a clear, cosmic version of one of science fiction's most famous stories.
Skip this if you want a lot of character, since the book values scale and wonder over personality.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about 2001: A Space Odyssey
- What is 2001: A Space Odyssey about?
- A mysterious black slab guides early humans toward intelligence, and millions of years later another one is found on the Moon. A spaceship travels toward Saturn with an advanced computer in charge, and something goes wrong.
- Who should read 2001: A Space Odyssey?
- Read it if you want a clear, cosmic version of one of science fiction's most famous stories. Skip it if you want a lot of character, since the book values scale and wonder over personality.
- How long and how fast is 2001: A Space Odyssey?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 221 pages, first published in 1968.
- Does 2001: A Space Odyssey have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death.
- Can I borrow 2001: A Space Odyssey for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends 2001: A Space Odyssey; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after 2001: A Space Odyssey?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Childhood's End, Solaris.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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