41 pages • 1 hour read
Walter M. Miller Jr.A Canticle For Leibowitz
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr. is a 1959 science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic future and centers on a Catholic abbey in the southwestern United States. The abbey's monks preserve books and knowledge through a Dark Age following a nuclear holocaust. The story unfolds in three parts, depicting their efforts over thousands of years as they encounter rediscovery, enlightenment, and new technological advancements. The book includes themes of violence and religious persecution.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Walter M. Miller Jr.'s A Canticle For Leibowitz offers a compelling exploration of cyclical history and faith in a post-apocalyptic setting. Critics praise its deep philosophical themes, rich characterization, and intricate narrative structure. However, some find its pacing uneven and the heavy religious undertones challenging. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and impactful read.
Who Should Read A Canticle For Leibowitz?
Readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction with deep philosophical themes will appreciate Walter M. Miller Jr.'s A Canticle for Leibowitz. It's ideal for fans of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and George Orwell's 1984, as it explores the cyclical nature of history and the preservation of knowledge in a dystopian future.