davyK wrote:Any books people have struggled with over the years?
davyK wrote:Have only read Solaris by Lem. Enjoyed it. Was lured there by the films. I actually enjoyed both - the Clooney version is under rated. Must read more.
hylian_elf wrote:Haven’t seen Soderbergh’s Solaris, but will give it a crack at some point. Tarkovsky’s version was just brilliant.Have only read Solaris by Lem. Enjoyed it. Was lured there by the films. I actually enjoyed both - the Clooney version is under rated. Must read more.
Trurl and Klapaucius are brilliant (robotic) engineers, called "constructors" (because they can construct practically anything at will), capable of almost God-like exploits. For instance, on one occasion Trurl creates an entity capable of extracting accurate information from the random motion of gas particles, which he calls a "Demon of the Second Kind". He describes the "Demon of the First Kind" as a Maxwell's demon. On another, the two constructors re-arrange stars near their home planet in order to advertise.
The duo are best friends and rivals. When they are not busy constructing revolutionary mechanisms at home, they travel the universe, aiding those in need. As the characters are firmly established as good and righteous, they take no shame in accepting handsome rewards for their services. If rewards were promised and not delivered, the constructors may even severely punish those who deceived them.
Raiziel wrote:Finished Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell last night. It’s a bit of a doorstop, but what a great read. Clarke writes beautifully and with genuine wit and intelligence. It’s a shame she’s not a little more prolific. Somehow managed to not catch the series adaptation of a few years ago, so will be treating myself to the blu-ray to watch over Christmas.
Reading material for the festive season will be a mix of more Lovecraft (started At the Mountains of Madness last night) and some Grimm’s Fairy Tales (read The Golden Bird this morning).
Raiziel wrote:Not reading your Folio edition this year then?
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