Father Ramon Ruiz-Sanchez S.J., is a part of a four man scientific commission to the planet Lithia, there to study a harmonious society of aliens living on a planets which is a biologist's paradise. He soon finds himself troubled: how can these perfect beings, living in an apparent Eden, have no conception of sin or God? If such a sinless Eden has been created apart from God, then who is responsible?
Winner of the Hugo Award for best novel, 1959.
Read MoreBlish brings to this case of conscience one of the most powerful intellects - and one of the most diverse stories of knowledge, I would say - ever to apply itself to science fictionBrilliants as fireworks - Sunday Times