Vernor Vinge

Vernor Vinge is an American science fiction author and retired professor of mathematics and computer science. He is known for his Hugo Award-winning novels and for his 1993 essay 'The Coming Technological Singularity,' in which he argues that the creation of superhuman artificial intelligence will mark the point at which human history will be radically transformed.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. A Fire Upon the Deep

    Cover of 'A Fire Upon the Deep' by Vernor Vinge

    In this science fiction epic, a human expedition inadvertently unleashes a malevolent superintelligence in the far reaches of the galaxy. As the entity spreads destruction across civilizations, a diverse group of characters, including a family stranded on a planet with a medieval-level society of dog-like aliens, must navigate complex political landscapes and the vast scales of a universe with zones of thought that dictate the level of technological and cognitive potential. The novel intertwines multiple narratives, exploring themes of consciousness, technology, and communication, while a desperate race against time unfolds to stop the spreading menace before it can reach the High Beyond, where even more advanced societies are vulnerable to its insatiable hunger for power and control.

    The 5905th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Rainbows End

    Cover of 'Rainbows End' by Vernor Vinge

    Set in the near future, the novel explores a world transformed by technological advancements in communication, security, and augmented reality. The protagonist, a man who has recovered from Alzheimer's thanks to new medical technology, struggles to adapt to the fast-paced changes and reconnect with his estranged family. As he navigates this brave new world, he becomes entangled in a complex plot involving an omnipresent surveillance system, a potential global conspiracy, and the power of information control. The story delves into themes of intelligence, consciousness, and the impact of technology on society, questioning the nature of reality in a digitized age.

    The 10265th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. A Deepness in the Sky

    Cover of 'A Deepness in the Sky' by Vernor Vinge

    In this science fiction epic, two rival human spacefaring factions encounter the enigmatic Spider civilization on a distant planet orbiting a variable star. As the humans vie for control over the advanced technology and knowledge of the Spiders, they must also contend with their own political intrigue and the challenges of a harsh environment that cycles between extremes with the star's erratic behavior. The narrative weaves together themes of first contact, the nature of intelligence, and the vast expanse of time, as characters from both species struggle to understand each other and their place in the universe.

    The 10621st Greatest Book of All Time