Science fiction
The Martian Chronicles
A linked collection of stories follows human settlers to Mars, from the first failed expeditions to the towns that follow. Ray Bradbury writes it as a poetic meditation on loss, memory and what people carry to a new world.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1950
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 182
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like lyrical, wistful science fiction made of short pieces more than a single plot.
Skip this if you want hard science or a single continuous storyline.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Martian Chronicles
- What is The Martian Chronicles about?
- A linked collection of stories follows human settlers to Mars, from the first failed expeditions to the towns that follow. Ray Bradbury writes it as a poetic meditation on loss, memory and what people carry to a new world.
- Who should read The Martian Chronicles?
- Read it if you like lyrical, wistful science fiction made of short pieces more than a single plot. Skip it if you want hard science or a single continuous storyline.
- How long and how fast is The Martian Chronicles?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 182 pages, first published in 1950.
- Does The Martian Chronicles have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death, War.
- Can I borrow The Martian Chronicles for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Martian Chronicles; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Martian Chronicles?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Fahrenheit 451, Solaris, Station Eleven.
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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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