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Spider World #1-3
The Tower
Vintage paperback
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
23 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Colin Wilson
429 books1,289 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Colin Henry Wilson was born and raised in Leicester, England, U.K. He left school at 16, worked in factories and various occupations, and read in his spare time. When Wilson was 24, Gollancz published The Outsider (1956) which examines the role of the social 'outsider' in seminal works of various key literary and cultural figures. These include Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, Hermann Hesse, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, William James, T. E. Lawrence, Vaslav Nijinsky and Vincent Van Gogh and Wilson discusses his perception of Social alienation in their work. The book was a best seller and helped popularize existentialism in Britain. Critical praise though, was short-lived and Wilson was soon widely criticized.
Wilson's works after The Outsider focused on positive aspects of human psychology, such as peak experiences and the narrowness of consciousness. He admired the humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow and corresponded with him. Wilson wrote The War Against Sleep: The Philosophy of Gurdjieff on the life, work and philosophy of G. I. Gurdjieff and an accessible introduction to the Greek-Armenian mystic in 1980. He argues throughout his work that the existentialist focus on defeat or nausea is only a partial representation of reality and that there is no particular reason for accepting it. Wilson views normal, everyday consciousness buffeted by the moment, as "blinkered" and argues that it should not be accepted as showing us the truth about reality. This blinkering has some evolutionary advantages in that it stops us from being completely immersed in wonder, or in the huge stream of events, and hence unable to act. However, to live properly we need to access more than this everyday consciousness. Wilson believes that our peak experiences of joy and meaningfulness are as real as our experiences of angst and, since we are more fully alive at these moments, they are more real. These experiences can be cultivated through concentration, paying attention, relaxation and certain types of work.
Colin Henry Wilson was born and raised in Leicester, England, U.K. He left school at 16, worked in factories and various occupations, and read in his spare time. When Wilson was 24, Gollancz published The Outsider (1956) which examines the role of the social 'outsider' in seminal works of various key literary and cultural figures. These include Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, Hermann Hesse, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, William James, T. E. Lawrence, Vaslav Nijinsky and Vincent Van Gogh and Wilson discusses his perception of Social alienation in their work. The book was a best seller and helped popularize existentialism in Britain. Critical praise though, was short-lived and Wilson was soon widely criticized.
Wilson's works after The Outsider focused on positive aspects of human psychology, such as peak experiences and the narrowness of consciousness. He admired the humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow and corresponded with him. Wilson wrote The War Against Sleep: The Philosophy of Gurdjieff on the life, work and philosophy of G. I. Gurdjieff and an accessible introduction to the Greek-Armenian mystic in 1980. He argues throughout his work that the existentialist focus on defeat or nausea is only a partial representation of reality and that there is no particular reason for accepting it. Wilson views normal, everyday consciousness buffeted by the moment, as "blinkered" and argues that it should not be accepted as showing us the truth about reality. This blinkering has some evolutionary advantages in that it stops us from being completely immersed in wonder, or in the huge stream of events, and hence unable to act. However, to live properly we need to access more than this everyday consciousness. Wilson believes that our peak experiences of joy and meaningfulness are as real as our experiences of angst and, since we are more fully alive at these moments, they are more real. These experiences can be cultivated through concentration, paying attention, relaxation and certain types of work.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 23, 2015
Spider World, yahoo! this is so much better than the series' title sounds.
the author is one of a kind. he has been many things: surveyer of iconoclasts (The Outsider) and analyst of charisma gone astray (Rogue Messiahs: Tales of Self-Proclaimed Saviors); a chronicler of diseased mentalities and disturbing crimes (Schoolgirl Murder Case, Lingard); a philosopher grounded in both intellect and mysticism (The Philosopher's Stone); and a genre specialist transforming his visions of humanity and beyond into YA adventure novels (Spider World) and phantasmagoric horror sci-fi (The Mind Parasites, The Space Vampires). if there isn't a cult built around colin wilson, there really should be - he's a visionary.
the author is one of a kind. he has been many things: surveyer of iconoclasts (The Outsider) and analyst of charisma gone astray (Rogue Messiahs: Tales of Self-Proclaimed Saviors); a chronicler of diseased mentalities and disturbing crimes (Schoolgirl Murder Case, Lingard); a philosopher grounded in both intellect and mysticism (The Philosopher's Stone); and a genre specialist transforming his visions of humanity and beyond into YA adventure novels (Spider World) and phantasmagoric horror sci-fi (The Mind Parasites, The Space Vampires). if there isn't a cult built around colin wilson, there really should be - he's a visionary.
November 12, 2019
I read this a million years ago and it changed my world. Totally influenced who I am as a reader today.
Also helped me pass a Grade 7 spot test about insects, after which the teacher thanked me in front of the whole class for doing my homework, even though actually I'd spent the previous evening reading this book #truestory.
Sure it ruined my (non-existent) street cred at the time, but that's how well researched this shite is.
So giving it all the historical love.
Also helped me pass a Grade 7 spot test about insects, after which the teacher thanked me in front of the whole class for doing my homework, even though actually I'd spent the previous evening reading this book #truestory.
Sure it ruined my (non-existent) street cred at the time, but that's how well researched this shite is.
So giving it all the historical love.
September 5, 2009
4.0 stars. Great premise and a very original novel. The society developed by the spiders and their integration of humans as servants was very well handled. The concept of the spider's "will force" was also very interesting. Recommended.
November 10, 2017
This is a compilation of the first three books of series set in a dystopian far future Earth ruled by spiders. I remembered enjoying it a lot as a sci fi obsessed teen so I picked it up again. Plus it has an amazing cover: a decaying metropolis dominated by twin skyscrapers connected by a giant spiderweb. Cool!
Of the three parts, the first one, "The Desert," is probably a solid 4 stars. Great world building, moments of suspense and fear and you really bond with the characters (well some of them not so much...Ingeld! Amirite?). The second and third parts have their moments but especially by the end it starts to get a bit repetitive. Of course now I'm hooked so I ordered a used copy of the fourth book on Amazon.
Of the three parts, the first one, "The Desert," is probably a solid 4 stars. Great world building, moments of suspense and fear and you really bond with the characters (well some of them not so much...Ingeld! Amirite?). The second and third parts have their moments but especially by the end it starts to get a bit repetitive. Of course now I'm hooked so I ordered a used copy of the fourth book on Amazon.
January 13, 2014
كتاب جيد ممل في البداية مشوق في نهايته
يطرح قضايا فلسفية في صورة قصة خيالية تجذب القاريء
الجيد في الكتاب انه يلفت الإنتباه ان الإنسان غارق لأبعد مدى في ماديته و مستسلم لعالمه لأبعد الحدود لا يريد ان يذهب أبعد مما تراه عيناه و ما يهيئه له الوقع
يطرح قضايا فلسفية في صورة قصة خيالية تجذب القاريء
الجيد في الكتاب انه يلفت الإنتباه ان الإنسان غارق لأبعد مدى في ماديته و مستسلم لعالمه لأبعد الحدود لا يريد ان يذهب أبعد مما تراه عيناه و ما يهيئه له الوقع
October 25, 2013
Remember reading this as a kid and was completely mesmerized by the genre. Would have to read it again to make sure though.....
September 27, 2013
I liked the idea of a world full of giant insects and the Mr Wilson does a good job or portraying it. The book does get a bit up itself in certain points, like the entire chapter detailing the psychological evolution of man from biblical times to the middle ages.
I personally think if you are writing a book about giant, man-eating, psychic spiders then just go for it.
The descriptive elements of reading someone's mind are at first vivid and enthralling but get a bit repetitive.
This book has a bit of an identity crisis it flits from post apocalyptic thriller to Science Fiction to Fantasy to whimsical Science-fantasy.
There is lots of action, the world is interesting and the main character is likeable; it is not as good as I expected but am moving on to the second book with some anticipation.
I personally think if you are writing a book about giant, man-eating, psychic spiders then just go for it.
The descriptive elements of reading someone's mind are at first vivid and enthralling but get a bit repetitive.
This book has a bit of an identity crisis it flits from post apocalyptic thriller to Science Fiction to Fantasy to whimsical Science-fantasy.
There is lots of action, the world is interesting and the main character is likeable; it is not as good as I expected but am moving on to the second book with some anticipation.
May 13, 2014
Interesting ideas, beautiful and awe-inspiring descriptions of wildlife. It filled me with renewed joy of discovery of all things that consist nature. Also, it neatly aligned with my efforts to practice mindfulness meditation.
This is an interesting journey of constant wonder and path of self-actualization. It's more philosophical than action-based, though.
There is some filibustering on evolution and sexist tone (the ladies never do anything remotely interesting, and are overall a bore/irritating/an ornament).
But overall, good stuff!
This is an interesting journey of constant wonder and path of self-actualization. It's more philosophical than action-based, though.
There is some filibustering on evolution and sexist tone (the ladies never do anything remotely interesting, and are overall a bore/irritating/an ornament).
But overall, good stuff!
August 25, 2012
((.. ان البشر يكونون في افضل احوالهم عندما يحصلون على قدر محدد من الحرية ..ثم يقاتلون ويناضلون لنيل مزيد من الحرية ...!!
واذا نال البشر فجاة "وانتبهوا " فجاة قدرا كبيرا من الحرية فانهم يشعرون بالحيرة والاضطراب ويفقدون احساسهم بالغرض من صراعهم
واذا نال البشر فجاة "وانتبهوا " فجاة قدرا كبيرا من الحرية فانهم يشعرون بالحيرة والاضطراب ويفقدون احساسهم بالغرض من صراعهم
January 12, 2015
رغم أن الرواية تحتوي أفكاراً جيدة إلا أنها ضائعة تماماً الأحداث .. من الصفحة الأولى تجد نفسك بين شخوص ووصوف لا تدري ما هي .. في عالم عناكب وحشرات وصحراء مقفرة .. لكنها غير منطقية التصور لأنك لا تملك المعطيات الصحيحة.
June 10, 2013
من كتبي المفضلة
April 23, 2014
عالم ساحر من الفانتازيا ينقلك لتقاتل مع البشر فى مواجهة عناكب الموت
فنتازيا عالية المستوى رائعة !!!
فنتازيا عالية المستوى رائعة !!!
May 10, 2017
بدأ التاريخ مع اختراع الموت، فلعل النار هي التي ولدت الانفجار العقلي منذ نصف مليون سنة، إذ أنها أجبرت الإنسان على العيش في مجتمعات مندمجة، واضطرته إلى تعلم قواعد النظام وأن يكون اجتماعياً.
وان البشر الذي أقاموا الحضارة تعلموا أنه من الأسهل سرقة حبوب وماشية الجيران من زراعتها وتربيتها. وهذا هو سر احتياجهم للقتل والقتال سواء كان في الدفاع أو الهجوم...
لقد ولدت الجريمة والحضارة في وقت واحد.
الحضارة إنجاز له أهميته البالغة، وهي أعظم خطوة حققها الإنسان في سعيه نحو السيطرة على حياته. وفي رغبته بتحقيق أي تطور ملحوظ في حياته، وكان له ذلك، إلا أن الحروب والصراعات وتطور الأسلحة،،، حالت دون تقدم الإنسان بالشكل الصحيح، فكانت هذه المعارك الدموية هي التي قضت على الكثيرين وبددت الكثير من الجهود في سبيلها، وهذا ما أوصل في نهاية المطاف إلى الكارثة...
مع ذلك نجد ان الحياة لا بد أن تستمر، فتقوم بإحداث تخلخلات معينة تؤدي إلى تطورات غير متوقعة في عدة مجالات، فنجد أن حادث بسيط مؤذٍ وضار بكل المقاييس، يؤدي إلى تغيير كبير في نفس وعقل إنسان ما يتميز بعقل منفتح وبتفكير سليم، مما يؤدي بدوره إلى انعكاس في المستقبل يغير مجرى الاحداث بشكل ملحوظ وراسخ، لايقبل الشك أن القدر يخبئ لهذا الإنسان أمراً خاصاً...
وان البشر الذي أقاموا الحضارة تعلموا أنه من الأسهل سرقة حبوب وماشية الجيران من زراعتها وتربيتها. وهذا هو سر احتياجهم للقتل والقتال سواء كان في الدفاع أو الهجوم...
لقد ولدت الجريمة والحضارة في وقت واحد.
الحضارة إنجاز له أهميته البالغة، وهي أعظم خطوة حققها الإنسان في سعيه نحو السيطرة على حياته. وفي رغبته بتحقيق أي تطور ملحوظ في حياته، وكان له ذلك، إلا أن الحروب والصراعات وتطور الأسلحة،،، حالت دون تقدم الإنسان بالشكل الصحيح، فكانت هذه المعارك الدموية هي التي قضت على الكثيرين وبددت الكثير من الجهود في سبيلها، وهذا ما أوصل في نهاية المطاف إلى الكارثة...
مع ذلك نجد ان الحياة لا بد أن تستمر، فتقوم بإحداث تخلخلات معينة تؤدي إلى تطورات غير متوقعة في عدة مجالات، فنجد أن حادث بسيط مؤذٍ وضار بكل المقاييس، يؤدي إلى تغيير كبير في نفس وعقل إنسان ما يتميز بعقل منفتح وبتفكير سليم، مما يؤدي بدوره إلى انعكاس في المستقبل يغير مجرى الاحداث بشكل ملحوظ وراسخ، لايقبل الشك أن القدر يخبئ لهذا الإنسان أمراً خاصاً...
November 29, 2025
the only reason I've rated this as highly as I have is because of the first half (so like til halfway through book 2). I really enjoyed The Desert - the slower pacing, the setting, even the characters were great! But then you get about 300 pages in and the ever-present misogyny Really starts to set in - he tries to make it seem like it's not gonna be misogyny but it's misogyny - and Colin Wilson's ideas on slavery, and freedom, and human history, basically all his politics Really begin to rear their heads (you even get a whole lecture about it) and you find yourself wondering if eventually there's gonna be some kind of based twist where it turns out everything he's been preaching is fairly stupid and selfish. But I doubt it. And yet I can't stop reading.
Colin Wilson wants an ages 13-30 harem soooo bad
Colin Wilson wants an ages 13-30 harem soooo bad
November 18, 2018
كتاب رائع ذكرني بكتاب 1984
January 30, 2025
Hectic. (Proper review will come just being lazy)
August 17, 2016
القصة تحكي على عالم تسيطر فيه عناكب كبيرة الحجم على الارض و لديها قدرة خاصة تستطيع من خلالها بث الخوف في نفوس البشر و تصطادهم و تتغذي عليهم و يعيش البشر في جحور تحت الارض خوفأ منها وبعد ان يقع بطل الرواية " نيال " في الأسر من قبل العناكب , يكتشف انه يتمتع بقوة عقلية مثل العناكب او اقوي
, اقل ما يقال عنها انها تخليك تعيش في عالم ثاني
رواية رائعة جدأ لي كولن ولسن و انصح بيها قراء رويات الخيال العلمي
و كالعادة لا يخلو اي كتاب لي كولن ولسون بدون فلسفته عن قوة تطور العقل البشري و مدي الإجرام الذي يلحق بيه في خط متوازي مع التطور
برغم من انها 408 صفحة و ليها جزء ثاني لكن حبكة القصة تخليك تقراهم في يومين
, اقل ما يقال عنها انها تخليك تعيش في عالم ثاني
رواية رائعة جدأ لي كولن ولسن و انصح بيها قراء رويات الخيال العلمي
و كالعادة لا يخلو اي كتاب لي كولن ولسون بدون فلسفته عن قوة تطور العقل البشري و مدي الإجرام الذي يلحق بيه في خط متوازي مع التطور
برغم من انها 408 صفحة و ليها جزء ثاني لكن حبكة القصة تخليك تقراهم في يومين
February 14, 2011
I loved this book! Post-apocalypse, monsters (mainly, but not limited to spiders), strange mutations, new human cultures, expansive writing... this novel has everything that a post-apocalypse fan could want.
June 19, 2011
good novel set in the future, not like his other novels like Adrift in Soho Wilson here storngly employs his paranormal beliefs. its good bed time entertainment. if your girlfriend was away, and nothing on tv. and you are in no mood to go out. and.. no to be fair its a good novel :)
October 24, 2008
So far, this book is pretty interesting. It is about in the future, when spiders take over the world.
Read
October 25, 2013من أروع ما قرأت .... تزيد في الإنسان الثقة بالنفس ، و أن لديه طاقة كامنة يمكن أن يغير بها العالم ...
October 28, 2013
Despite taking ages to begin reading this book because I was put off by the idea of giant spiders, I absolutely loved it!
October 11, 2015
الى الدلتا
January 4, 2022
Visai smagu dar kartą perskaityti - šita man įdomiausia iš visos serijos
March 15, 2016
See my other reviews of the series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews