A Canticle for Leibowitz (Walter M. Miller, Jr.)

It's very difficult, when starting a sci-fi/fantasy review blog, to select the first novel/movie/media for the first post. After all, there are so many out there - and even more that I haven't experienced - each one of them as good as the next. The following novel is not exactly my favorite, but it's a classic of the genre and sooner or later cannot be avoided if any of you consider yourselves a fan of science fiction. A definitive piece of work, that withstands the test of time, I think it was the right choice to begin with... and I hope you do too.



As you find yourself perusing the 320 pages of A Canticle for Leibowitz don't forget to bring along a dictionary. Written... rather meticulously... by Walter M. Miller, Jr. and first published in 1960 (and never out of print since) Canticle tracks the evolution (or "re-volution" - more on that later) of a religion sprung out of a post-apocalyptic scenario. In three parts, each six centuries apart, the reader is treated to a vision of a fictional distant future of humanity - and yet one can't help but reflect on the very real past of civilization and notice the parallels.

To say that Miller paid attention to detail would be an understatement. From cover to cover the novel is littered with theology, science, philosophy, Latin, and much more - significantly more than the short stories the three parts - "Fiat Homo" (Let There Be Man), "Fiat Lux" (Let There Be Light), "Fiat Voluntas Tua" (Let Thy Will Be Done) - are based on.

The most striking aspect of this book is the language. Intricately written, with a sometimes dull scholarly approach to the story, the plotline may be somewhat difficult to follow for someone without a very strong grasp of the English language and structures inherent. With much the same approach to how it was written, the reader is encouraged to go through this novel slowly. Make sure to understand all the concepts presented before moving on to the next part, as it is very easy to get lost amidst the superfluous sentences. Once that particular barrier is conquered, the story is a worthy read.

The entertainment value is two-fold. The first being very much on the surface - Miller doesn't stray away from reality. In a post-nuclear environment the human race has moved away from the "evils" of technology and elements that have led to the destruction of the world around it (ironically enough literary objects - books - included). Because of this setting, there is no need for creation of a new world, or civilization of a distant galaxy/planet - something of a staple of modern science fiction. Instead the story centers on a small monastic order in a southwestern US desert in Utah, living an oversimplified and rudimentary lifestyle as they preserve the writings of one Isaac Edward Leibowitz - a technitian at a nearby military base before the nuclear war, and the founder of the "Albertian Order of Leibowitz" afterwards. We follow the re-evolution of society and re-invention of objects (such as a lightbulb) already commonplace these days - making the storyline that much more believable and enthralling. Apart from the mutants, yes mutants, things don't get too crazy until the third installment of the novel. The other factor will be more pleasing to scholars, especially theologians - and anyone with a real interest in religion. Granted, most of the facts presented would have to be double-checked, but it would be interesting to find out just how closely the evolution of the Order of Leibowitz resembles that of the Roman Catholic Church itself. Also if the rituals presented, for example the canonization of I. E. Leibowitz himself, are con-current with the modern Church.

It's difficult to pick up the book again. The strength of the writing and details are very taxing on the mind. The amount and quality of information to sort through, and organize so the reader understands the story clearly, is vast. However it is highly recommended that the novel is experienced multiple times, and especially at latter stages in life - when a few more ideas and aspects will certainly become clearer with maturation and experience. Each read becomes easier and more astounding.

I first picked up Canticle when I was fifteen years old with an (yet) incomplete vocabulary and knowledge of religion, science, etc... I didn't make it past the second part. It made for a completely different novel when I read it again at twenty four. With an improved appreciation and respect I simply cannot wait to read it again at thirty four, fifty, and so on.

You can purchase of copy pretty much anywhere books are sold. I also found this nifty study guide on Washington State University's website: http://www.wsu.edu:8001/~brians/science_fiction/canticle.html