“Intriguing . . . Engrossing and well-told . . . Ursula Le Guin is more than a writer of adult fantasy and science fiction . . . she is a philosopher; an explorer in the landscapes of the mind.”—Cincinnati Enquirer

Ursula K. Leguin’s award-winning classic science fiction novel—a profound and thoughtful tale of anarchism and capitalism, individualism and collectivism, and one ambitious man’s quest to bridge the ideological chasm separating two worlds

Shevek, a brilliant physicist, has always felt alone amid the communal, nonauthoritarian civilization of his home world Annares. A bleak moon settled by rebel anarchists, Annares has purposely isolated itself from other worlds, including Urras, its mother planet—a world defined by warring nations, great poverty, and immense wealth.

Now, the ambitious scientist is determined to reunite the two planets divided by centuries of distrust. He will seek answers, question the unquestionable, and attempt to tear down the walls of hatred that have kept them apart. Accomplishing the unthinkable will require great sacrifice, risks Shevek willingly accepts to visit Urras—to learn, to teach, to share. But soon, his gift becomes a threat, and in the profound conflict that ensues, Shevek must re-examine his philosophy of life even as he ignites the fires of change.