| | |  | | Home » Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights | | | | | | | Description: | | Reads L to R (Western Style). Ten billion days--that is how long it will take the philosopher Plato to determine the true systems of the world. One hundred billion nights--that is how far into the future he and Christ and Siddhartha will travel to witness the end of the world and also its fiery birth. Named the greatest Japanese science fiction novel of all time, Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights is an epic eons in the making. Originally published in 1967, the novel was revised by the author in later years and republished in 1973. “‘Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights,’ that's a lot of time, but Ryu Mitsuse covers all of it in under 300 pages, and the result is quite fabulous.” –Alan Cheuse, All Things Considered | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Ryu Mitsuse | | Hardcover:
| 360 pages | | Publisher:
| VIZ Media LLC | | Publication Date:
| November 15, 2011 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 1421539047 | | Product Weight:
| 0.0 pounds | | Package Length:
| 9.06 inches | | Package Width:
| 5.98 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.18 inches | | Package Weight:
| 1.1 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 6 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 6 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 25 found the following review helpful:
 Excellent book! It has aged, but if you love Science Fiction this is one to pick up.Dec 11, 2011
By Four_String
I enjoyed it quite a bit. At times it can be hard to follow, but the book as a whole was excellent! If you don't know even the most common of knowledge about philosophy, Christianity, or Hindu and Buddhist cosmology then a good portion of the books setup phases will be lost on you. The author harshly assumes that you already know a good deal about the historical characters and the events that he uses to introduce them to you. For most readers that wouldn't be a problem. For those who only read SF, you can just wiki the names you don't recognize and you won't lose a thing. Like I said, its hard to follow at times. Later in the book the author is constantly introducing new technology to you that is unique to this story, without explanation. Through repetition you will gradually begin to understand and recognize most of his imaginary devices. The book in its entirety is about the destruction of the universe throughout the uncomprehending measure of existence, and Humankind's desperate and hopeless struggle within it. I highly recommend reading it. The books blend of Philosophy, varying cosmologies add an incredible amount of depth to the story. Not to mention the beautifully executed imagery from known historical locations to unfathomable planets and future civilizations that span over huge leaps in time. Also, book jacket GLOWS IN THE DARK, FOOL!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Broaden your mind.......Jan 24, 2012
By John W. Smith
"Sandburn"
My son and I both heard the review of this book on NPR. He wanted it, and I knew he would want it, so it became a Christmas gift for him...Now....If he would just finish it so I could borrow it....Hmmmmm, might have to go the Kindle route.......
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Biggest theme, a little convolutedJan 24, 2012
By G. Tempel
Whow, I got to admit that quite a bit was beyond me, but what I got, I enjoyed. Where the universe and mankind are heading in the final analysis is an exciting theme. I was hoping the author was going to take me to the end of time. I think he did, but I'm not really sure. He did challenge my imagination, so it was a good read.
Challenging, but Worth the EffortFeb 20, 2012
By Nathan
Wow... So this book is chocked full of more ideas and terminology and description and nuance than you can possibly expect before opening it up. My advice: take your time with it. This isn't an "easy" book to read. And don't expect to read a story that you can then relate to other people. In a way, you shouldn't expect a plot, as such.
As others have said, knowing some basic philosophy (Greek and Buddhist) definitely helps. Go read up on any characters you encounter that you don't know. Also, don't expect this story to actually line up with history. Despite its historical characters, it's still a NOVEL, so suspend your disbelief! It's worth it~
The journey is what it's all about in 10 Billion Days & 100 Billion Nights. Don't be afraid to read and reread and rereread passages. There are a lot of lights, and a lot of colors, and a lot of gadgets, but once you arrive at the destination (which, by the way, is not until the very very end), you will find it to be an inherently intimate and important story. It gets you way down deep in your core (also the commentary at the end by Mamoru Oshii is worth reading, it really makes the crux of the book hit ya hard)
So open it up, hold on, and prepare to sit and think for a long time once you're done!
Big love~
 Very DisappointingJan 25, 2012
By cookalot
This book got a great review on NPR - bought it for my husband as an Xmas present thinking I had hit the jackpot! The book was a huge disappointment and not nearly the page turner is was supposed to be - somethings just don't translate well into other languages...perhaps this book is a good example of that - If the author is supposed to be the best Sci-fi writer in Japan they are way behind the West. I would get it from the library if you want to wade through it, and not waste your money buying it.
See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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