Science Fiction· United States
Ubik
by Philip K. DickAggregate Editorial Score39/100
TIME 100 Best Novels
Published 1969224 pagesEnglish
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Philip K. Dick's Ubik (1969) stands as one of the most significant works of science fiction of its era. A group of telepaths and anti-psychics are stranded on the moon and find themselves caught in a collapsing reality where time is running backward. Dick's most bewildering and brilliant novel is an inquiry into the nature of reality itself. Themes of reality, time, death run through the work. The book has received recognition from TIME 100 Best Novels 1969.
Book Details
About the Category
🚀 Science Fiction
Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.
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🇺🇸 United States
This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from United States →Editorial Assessment
First published in 1969, Philip K. Dick's Ubik is a work of science fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with reality, time, death, consciousness gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre.
The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: TIME 100 Best Novels 1969. Its aggregate editorial score of 39/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals.
The appeal of Ubik lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of reality, time, death, consciousness is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page.
Ubik reflects Philip K. Dick's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
TIME 100 Best Novels
notable · global
196913
Philip K. Dick is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of science fiction.
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