The Philosopher's Stone
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The Philosopher's Stone
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Narrated by:
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Roger L. Jackson
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By:
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Colin Wilson
About this listen
Howard Lester, a young scientist, becomes obsessed with the problem of death and begins a series of unconventional experiments aimed at increasing human longevity. In the course of their research, Lester and his friend Sir Henry Littleway make a startling discovery: A simple, harmless operation on the brain's prefrontal cortex results in vastly expanded consciousness and mental powers.
After undergoing the procedure themselves, Lester and Littleway develop remarkable abilities, including "time vision", a means of seeing backwards into time. They begin by looking at the relatively recent past - the 18th century and Shakespeare's England. But they soon find they can see much further back, to the days of Stonehenge and the Mayans, and even earlier.
But as they get closer to uncovering the beginnings of human existence, they make a terrifying discovery. Something ancient and immensely powerful, long asleep, has been awakened by their activities, and it is determined to stop them at all costs.
In The Strength to Dream (1962), Colin Wilson had criticized the works of H.P. Lovecraft, the American writer of weird tales, which led to Lovecraft's publisher August Derleth daring Wilson to write one better. This novel The Philosopher's Stone (1969) was the result of a fascinating blend of science fiction, horror, and philosophy, told within the framework of Lovecraft's mythos.
Praise for the book:
"An important literary achievement." (Library Journal)
"Colin Wilson has a narrative style that can make the pursuit of any idea seem like exciting detective work." (The Times)
"Colin Wilson's best novel to date." (The Spectator)
©1969 Colin Wilson (P)2020 Valancourt Books LLCListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about The Philosopher's Stone
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Seagull
- 13-04-21
Unusual and good
It's difficult to pigeonhole this book, other than a kind of blend of philosophy and science fiction. I first came across it in the 1970s, and so was delighted to find that despite the gap of several decades, the book was just as absorbing as I'd remembered. However, one warning to readers: political correctness was not high on the agenda when this book was published, and this is occasionally reflected in the writing. On the whole the narrator does an excellent job, apart from the odd distracting mispronunciation of perfectly ordinary words. .Am very pleased with this purchase.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Simon B
- 03-06-20
Great Adventure!
This is one of the best of Wilson's Novels and has all the ingredients we associate with his 'Mysteries' genre. along with the 'Mind Parasites,' this book is part of the Lovecraft theme he took up at the suggestion of HP Lovecraft's publisher August Derleth. Both books are great and make engaging audio-books. I would be fascinated to see Wilson's 'The Occult' and 'Mysteries' being made into audiobooks, monumental works that deserve a new audience.
The narration is good by Roger L Jackson and not knowing who he was I thought he must be an old British actor, but in fact, he's American, 'Roger Labon Jackson is an American voice actor. He is known for his work by voicing Ghostface in the Scream film series, where E! ranked him as #46 on Best Kept Secrets of Hollywood.'
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Steven Ryan
- 28-11-24
Exceptionally well written book with great narration
This book is written in a way which grips you from the start. The story itself is like nothing I’ve read/listened to in the past and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
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