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The Language of the Night: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy

Description:

Featuring a new introduction by Ken Liu, this revised edition of Ursula K. Le Guin’s first full-length collection of essays covers her background as a writer and educator, on fantasy and science fiction, on writing, and on the future of literary science fiction.

“We like to think we live in daylight, but half the world is always dark; and fantasy, like poetry, speaks the language of the night.” —Ursula K. Le Guin

Le Guin’s sharp and witty voice is on full display in this collection of twenty-four essays, revised by the author a decade after its initial publication in 1979. The collection covers a wide range of topics and Le Guin’s origins as a writer, her advocacy for science fiction and fantasy as mediums for true literary exploration, the writing of her own major works such as A Wizard of Earthsea and The Left Hand of Darkness, and her role as a public intellectual and educator. The book and each thematic section are brilliantly introduced and contextualized by Susan Wood, a professor at the University of British Columbia and a literary editor and feminist activist during the 1960s and ’70s.

A fascinating, intimate look into the exceptional mind of Le Guin whose insights remain as relevant and resonant today as when they were first published.
Read more

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Even before her death, Ursula K. Le Guin had become one of the literary world’s secular saints. Since her passing, her halo has only grown brighter.” —The Washington Post

"There are few sci-fi and fantasy writers more brilliant (and revered) than Ursula K. Le Guin... I won’t be missing this collection."—New Scientist

"Le Guin's essays are astute and informative. Her insights are personal, intriguing, and worth paying attention to. She is not just a great, reflexive practitioner of art as exemplified by the more personal essays, she is also a damn fine critic of SFF whose words still ring powerfully four decades later. The Language of the Night is a must-read.” —Tor.com

"If you want evidence that people are thinking and writing about science fiction with sophistication and good sense, you need go no further than this volume… The essays are eloquent examples of an unashamed humanism rarely encountered.” —Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929–2018) was the celebrated author of twenty-three novels, twelve volumes of short stories, eleven volumes of poetry, thirteen children’s books, five essay collections, and four works of translation. Her acclaimed books received the Hugo, Nebula, Endeavor, Locus, Otherwise, Theodore Sturgeon, PEN/Malamud, and National Book Awards; a Newbery Honor; and the Pushcart and Janet Heidinger Kafka Prizes, among others. In 2014, she was awarded the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2016 joined the short list of authors to be published in their lifetimes by the Library of America. Le Guin was also the recipient of the Association for Library Service to Children’s May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award and the Margaret A. Edwards Award. She received lifetime achievement awards from the World Fantasy Convention, Los Angeles Times, Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, and Willamette Writers, as well as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Grand Master Award and the Library of Congress Living Legend Award. Her website is UrsulaKLeGuin.com.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author Deeper

P.B. · May 20, 2015

The series of essays in this book give great insight not to just Ursula K. LeGuin's mind and heart on many matters from feminism to history, but also on the process of writing. Her dedication to the word, to storytelling, and to sharing that voice with others is inspiring and helpful. A must read for anyone who enjoys going deeper into an author or wondering what writing is about.

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth it for one essay alone

E. · October 26, 2018

This collection of essays was thought-provoking, mostly because I fundamentally disagree with Ursula K. LeGuin on several of the views that feature prominently in the essays therein. This is not to say it is a bad book. She's an excellent author and thinking about how I would defend my own position was a good exercise.All that said, this book is worth getting for one essay alone. "From Elfland to Poughkeepsie" is a wonderful gem, and I could hardly do it justice in a review. I suggest you go read it for yourself. While you're at it, go read the entire section "On Fantasy and Science Fiction" - while I may not agree with all her conclusions, LeGuin had remarkable insight into why we want fantasy, and what the best of it has the potential to do for the reader, and by extension, for the world.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration for writers

H.J.F.P. · June 22, 2024

If you want to write (i.e., "be a writer"), then read good writing, and read about good writing from good writers. it's that basic. Good examples: Ursula Le Guin's essays (they are not just about SciFi, by the way), and maybe (definitely!) Bradbury's 'Zen in the Art of Writing'. Surely there are more, you can find them if you look. But listen to them. Le Guin's reflections on writing are inspiration, not rules. You want rules, she says? Get that from Strunk and White.Then write.

5.0 out of 5 stars From father to son

C. · November 10, 2010

I first read this book when it came out in the late '70s--and a number of times since then. My copy is underlined and annotated to a great extent. I ordered this edition from Bolo because I wanted to share what Le Guin had to say with my son, who also has an interest in Science Fiction and writing. The copy I received from Bolo to send to him was in perfect condition. I couldn't tell if had ever been opened, let alone read. As for the contents: Anyone with an interest in Science Fiction, Fantasy, writing, and gender identity should not miss reading Le Guin. The essays, transcriptions of speeches and talks, and introductions to her works collected in this volume are both enlightening and inspiring for any reader in the fields of Science Fiction and Fantasy, indeed in any literary field.Chronicles of the Black Company

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic collection of essays about writing in general and about ...

J. · February 14, 2017

This is a fantastic collection of essays about writing in general and about science fiction and fantasy in particular.If you haven't read Ursula K. LeGuin, you owe it to yourself to read her fiction RIGHT NOW! After that, get this and see what makes her beautiful mind tick. Follow her steps to mysterious worlds. Finally find out why Americans are afraid of dragons.

4.0 out of 5 stars Quite good but a bit repetitive

L. · June 30, 2012

The essays contained in the book were very interesting but a bit repetitive and it ended up being a bit tiresome.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

R. · April 26, 2021

Excellent condition, fast shipping. Thank you!

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but not what I expected

N. · July 28, 2002

I've read about five books by Ursula K. Le Guin, and thought they were outstanding. Although perhaps not the most exciting books I've ever read, they were still . . . encaptivating. Anyway, I got this book expecting it to be essays by Le Guin on the methods, styles, and quirks of writing fantasy (and Sci Fi.) That's not what it is. This book is a collection of speeches made by Le Guin to Sci Fi conventions and other similar groups. Although a great book to explore the many literary ramifications of the "fantastic" fiction groups, this isn't a book for the aspiring writer, it's for the dedicated reader. So if you fall into that category, I recommend it.

Must have!

s. · March 15, 2025

It's great to read a book that helps us understand a little about the creative process of this talented author.

Maravilhosa 😍

A.d.Á. · July 25, 2025

Ursula K Le Guin é maravilhosa! Desde a introdução até seus ensaios sobre escrita, o livro é proveitoso e inspirador. Escrevo aqui para comemora-la, representante de escritores no dia do escritor❤️!

Good Value

J. · December 6, 2019

As described and received within specified delivery window. Good value for out of print reference tome

Mola

D.P.G. · December 16, 2024

mucho

Good content , but low quality printing

A.C. · June 13, 2024

The first copy arrived damaged as it was shipped in an over-large card envelope. It was easy to return and replace, but it was just luck the second was less bent.The book is printed on pulp paper and the cover is not big enough to reach the edge of the pages.But, the essays are really interesting, even though they are decades old.

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The Language of the Night: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy

Product ID: U1668034905
Condition: New

4.6

AED15132

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Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

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Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

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Imported From: United States

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BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

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Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Visit the Scribner Store

The Language of the Night: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy

Product ID: U1668034905
Condition: New

4.6

The Language of the Night: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy-0
Type: Paperback

AED15132

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

Featuring a new introduction by Ken Liu, this revised edition of Ursula K. Le Guin’s first full-length collection of essays covers her background as a writer and educator, on fantasy and science fiction, on writing, and on the future of literary science fiction.

“We like to think we live in daylight, but half the world is always dark; and fantasy, like poetry, speaks the language of the night.” —Ursula K. Le Guin

Le Guin’s sharp and witty voice is on full display in this collection of twenty-four essays, revised by the author a decade after its initial publication in 1979. The collection covers a wide range of topics and Le Guin’s origins as a writer, her advocacy for science fiction and fantasy as mediums for true literary exploration, the writing of her own major works such as A Wizard of Earthsea and The Left Hand of Darkness, and her role as a public intellectual and educator. The book and each thematic section are brilliantly introduced and contextualized by Susan Wood, a professor at the University of British Columbia and a literary editor and feminist activist during the 1960s and ’70s.

A fascinating, intimate look into the exceptional mind of Le Guin whose insights remain as relevant and resonant today as when they were first published.
Read more

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Even before her death, Ursula K. Le Guin had become one of the literary world’s secular saints. Since her passing, her halo has only grown brighter.” —The Washington Post

"There are few sci-fi and fantasy writers more brilliant (and revered) than Ursula K. Le Guin... I won’t be missing this collection."—New Scientist

"Le Guin's essays are astute and informative. Her insights are personal, intriguing, and worth paying attention to. She is not just a great, reflexive practitioner of art as exemplified by the more personal essays, she is also a damn fine critic of SFF whose words still ring powerfully four decades later. The Language of the Night is a must-read.” —Tor.com

"If you want evidence that people are thinking and writing about science fiction with sophistication and good sense, you need go no further than this volume… The essays are eloquent examples of an unashamed humanism rarely encountered.” —Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929–2018) was the celebrated author of twenty-three novels, twelve volumes of short stories, eleven volumes of poetry, thirteen children’s books, five essay collections, and four works of translation. Her acclaimed books received the Hugo, Nebula, Endeavor, Locus, Otherwise, Theodore Sturgeon, PEN/Malamud, and National Book Awards; a Newbery Honor; and the Pushcart and Janet Heidinger Kafka Prizes, among others. In 2014, she was awarded the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2016 joined the short list of authors to be published in their lifetimes by the Library of America. Le Guin was also the recipient of the Association for Library Service to Children’s May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award and the Margaret A. Edwards Award. She received lifetime achievement awards from the World Fantasy Convention, Los Angeles Times, Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, and Willamette Writers, as well as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Grand Master Award and the Library of Congress Living Legend Award. Her website is UrsulaKLeGuin.com.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author Deeper

P.B. · May 20, 2015

The series of essays in this book give great insight not to just Ursula K. LeGuin's mind and heart on many matters from feminism to history, but also on the process of writing. Her dedication to the word, to storytelling, and to sharing that voice with others is inspiring and helpful. A must read for anyone who enjoys going deeper into an author or wondering what writing is about.

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth it for one essay alone

E. · October 26, 2018

This collection of essays was thought-provoking, mostly because I fundamentally disagree with Ursula K. LeGuin on several of the views that feature prominently in the essays therein. This is not to say it is a bad book. She's an excellent author and thinking about how I would defend my own position was a good exercise.All that said, this book is worth getting for one essay alone. "From Elfland to Poughkeepsie" is a wonderful gem, and I could hardly do it justice in a review. I suggest you go read it for yourself. While you're at it, go read the entire section "On Fantasy and Science Fiction" - while I may not agree with all her conclusions, LeGuin had remarkable insight into why we want fantasy, and what the best of it has the potential to do for the reader, and by extension, for the world.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration for writers

H.J.F.P. · June 22, 2024

If you want to write (i.e., "be a writer"), then read good writing, and read about good writing from good writers. it's that basic. Good examples: Ursula Le Guin's essays (they are not just about SciFi, by the way), and maybe (definitely!) Bradbury's 'Zen in the Art of Writing'. Surely there are more, you can find them if you look. But listen to them. Le Guin's reflections on writing are inspiration, not rules. You want rules, she says? Get that from Strunk and White.Then write.

5.0 out of 5 stars From father to son

C. · November 10, 2010

I first read this book when it came out in the late '70s--and a number of times since then. My copy is underlined and annotated to a great extent. I ordered this edition from Bolo because I wanted to share what Le Guin had to say with my son, who also has an interest in Science Fiction and writing. The copy I received from Bolo to send to him was in perfect condition. I couldn't tell if had ever been opened, let alone read. As for the contents: Anyone with an interest in Science Fiction, Fantasy, writing, and gender identity should not miss reading Le Guin. The essays, transcriptions of speeches and talks, and introductions to her works collected in this volume are both enlightening and inspiring for any reader in the fields of Science Fiction and Fantasy, indeed in any literary field.Chronicles of the Black Company

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic collection of essays about writing in general and about ...

J. · February 14, 2017

This is a fantastic collection of essays about writing in general and about science fiction and fantasy in particular.If you haven't read Ursula K. LeGuin, you owe it to yourself to read her fiction RIGHT NOW! After that, get this and see what makes her beautiful mind tick. Follow her steps to mysterious worlds. Finally find out why Americans are afraid of dragons.

4.0 out of 5 stars Quite good but a bit repetitive

L. · June 30, 2012

The essays contained in the book were very interesting but a bit repetitive and it ended up being a bit tiresome.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

R. · April 26, 2021

Excellent condition, fast shipping. Thank you!

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but not what I expected

N. · July 28, 2002

I've read about five books by Ursula K. Le Guin, and thought they were outstanding. Although perhaps not the most exciting books I've ever read, they were still . . . encaptivating. Anyway, I got this book expecting it to be essays by Le Guin on the methods, styles, and quirks of writing fantasy (and Sci Fi.) That's not what it is. This book is a collection of speeches made by Le Guin to Sci Fi conventions and other similar groups. Although a great book to explore the many literary ramifications of the "fantastic" fiction groups, this isn't a book for the aspiring writer, it's for the dedicated reader. So if you fall into that category, I recommend it.

Must have!

s. · March 15, 2025

It's great to read a book that helps us understand a little about the creative process of this talented author.

Maravilhosa 😍

A.d.Á. · July 25, 2025

Ursula K Le Guin é maravilhosa! Desde a introdução até seus ensaios sobre escrita, o livro é proveitoso e inspirador. Escrevo aqui para comemora-la, representante de escritores no dia do escritor❤️!

Good Value

J. · December 6, 2019

As described and received within specified delivery window. Good value for out of print reference tome

Mola

D.P.G. · December 16, 2024

mucho

Good content , but low quality printing

A.C. · June 13, 2024

The first copy arrived damaged as it was shipped in an over-large card envelope. It was easy to return and replace, but it was just luck the second was less bent.The book is printed on pulp paper and the cover is not big enough to reach the edge of the pages.But, the essays are really interesting, even though they are decades old.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Science Fiction & Fantasy”

Share with

Or share with link

https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1668034905