The Crucible of Time

The Crucible of Time is a fix-up science fiction novel by John Brunner. It was first published in 1983.

The Crucible of Time

First edition
Author	John Brunner
Cover artist	Don Dixon
Language	English
Series	Time[1]
Genre	Science fiction
Publisher	Del Rey/Ballantine
Publication date	Sep 1983
Media type	Print (Hardcover)
Pages	288 pp
ISBN	0-345-31224-4
Dewey Decimal	823' .914
LC Class	PR6052.R8C78
Followed by	The Tides of Time

Serials

Parts 1 and 2 appeared in Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine as "The Fire is Lit" (Sep 1982) and "Fusing and Refusing" (Jan 1983).

Plot

The novel deals with the efforts of an alien species to escape their homeworld and integrate into a new society. In the novel, the plot beings with the system passing through a cloud of interstellar debris, resulting in a high rate of in-falling matter. The species' unique biology and biological technology complicate matters. The book starts with the tale's beginning and then shifts toward the structure of the imagery surrounding the suns, moons, and comets. Then the plot continues on an individual's life and the cultivation culture.

Awards

• Locus Award 1984, Best SF Novel (13th place)^[2]