The Fountains of Paradise

Renowned structural engineer Dr. Vannevar Morgan conceives of a space elevator—a structure that would connect Earth to an orbiting satellite 22,300 miles above the planet's surface. By lifting interstellar spaceships into orbit without rockets, the elevator would make space travel easier and more cost-effective. The only suitable location for the elevator's base is atop a mountain inhabited by an ancient order of Buddhist monks who oppose the project. Morgan must overcome their resistance along with significant technical, political, and economic obstacles to realize his vision. This novel spans twenty decades and follows Morgan's ambitious undertaking to link Earth to the stars. It won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards.