Liu Cixin’s acclaimed science fiction series, Remembrance of Earth’s Past, which inspired Netflix's popular series "3 Body Problem," is set to receive a premium collector's edition. This comprehensive volume, titled "The Three-Body Problem Trilogy: Remembrance of Earth's Past," will combine all three novels into a single 1,344-page book.
The trilogy, originally published in China between 2006 and 2010 and later translated into English by Ken Liu, has achieved international acclaim, including Hugo and Locus Awards, with millions of copies sold. The upcoming edition aims to offer fans a deluxe reading experience.
Artist Matt Griffin, known for his work on "Star Wars" and "Dune" books, has contributed to the collector's edition, creating 15 color illustrations and three black and white title-page spreads. The volume also includes an introduction by Liu Cixin that has not been previously published in English, as well as a bookplate signed by both Liu and Griffin.
The series' titular "Three-Body Problem" refers to an astrophysical concept used in the novel to depict the unpredictable orbital mechanics of celestial bodies. In the narrative, an alien civilization from a planet with three unstable suns makes contact with Earth, seeking solutions to their environmental crises while some among them eye Earth for colonization. Griffin has incorporated actual three-body simulations, generated using an MIT program, into the book's design.
James Rose, an editor at Folio Society, described the work as a "science-fiction phenomenon," noting its vast scope, which spans from Earth's Cultural Revolution to millions of years into the future. He highlighted the story's exploration of humanity's struggle and a civilization's fight for survival, posing the fundamental question of whether humanity is alone in the universe. Griffin's artwork is cited as a key element in bringing this narrative to life.
"The Three-Body Problem Trilogy: Remembrance of Earth's Past" will be available for purchase at $780 through the Folio Society's website starting September 8 at 11 a.m. ET. This pricing places it among other high-end collectible editions; a similarly premium edition of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" previously sold out rapidly.