User Guide

dated aspects of Asimov’s book are well addressed at this site. It contains plenty
of current statistics and other data, covering much more than just Alpha Centauri
(a good place to start might be their search engine, at www.nasa.gov/search/). It
also includes an “Ask the Astronomer” question-and-answer forum, plus an
archive of previous answers, that can fill you in on just about anything you want
to know astronomical (at image.gsfc.nasa.gov/poetry/astro/qanda.html).
PALE BLUE DOT Carl Sagan; Ann Godoff (editor)
Random House, 1994, 1995; Ballantine Books, 1997
Sagan’s clear vision of humanity’s future in space makes this worth reading
cover to cover, not to mention the great pictures.
FICTION
Much inspiration for Alpha Centauri came from reading classic works of sci-
ence fiction. For those interested in reading some great books, Alpha Centauri
Designer Brian Reynolds offers the following suggested reading list.
THE JESUS INCIDENT Frank Herbert
A speculative and philosophical tour de force by my favorite science fiction
author. You’ll probably have to search used bookstores for this one, but it’s
well worth it. My favorite science fiction novel ever. A clear inspiration for the
story of Planet.
DUNE Frank Herbert
Herbert’s more famous masterpiece. If you enjoy stories of human factions
tearing at each others’ throats, you’ll love this.
A FIRE UPON THE DEEP Vernor Vinge
A far future epic which includes one of the more interesting alien races I’ve
encountered as well as some really original future concepts and a surprise end-
ing which brings it all together. Also includes some pretty hilarious parodies of
internet newsgroups.
A NEW SUN
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