Kindle
$9.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$26.58
Paperback
$19.69
Buy new:
$26.58
FREE delivery Monday, May 13 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: TimelessGreen
$26.58
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 13 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 9. Order within 10 hrs 52 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$26.58 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$26.58
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Sold by
TimelessGreen
Sold by
TimelessGreen
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$9.19
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, May 11 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 9. Order within 10 hrs 52 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$26.58 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$26.58
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Terry Pratchett
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Long Cosmos: A Novel (Long Earth) Hardcover – June 14, 2016

by Terry Pratchett (Author), Stephen Baxter (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 3,613 ratings
Editors' pick Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$26.58","priceAmount":26.58,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"26","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"58","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"xO1K19GP%2B6L9EYsLioWIeTqrC3SjkLvBk2PGURhGVnJh3ScOuofucHCjvVTQPcaIVkUYFRmLFtEeuNaCJcd2xjftk7a4w9r5XE5P%2FcEC2cELyt2G0Jj72Y2gKJuD%2B6vCmWG5fhkuQVotJQO9ZsGrlExBCQj1fpE%2BcJ5wUDtN%2FpbE1bJvzs3XQXldLrxOchEQ","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$9.19","priceAmount":9.19,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"19","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"xO1K19GP%2B6L9EYsLioWIeTqrC3SjkLvB%2B3BSUaKtTPFgPyx2wHR9KgZ742%2BfT93vx9GgPdA9ajyiwT%2BuW%2FSJxh04nyBRrFUGYMNnutDYbj1PNX7URc%2FfVQ%2BAiTzbv0kjTIZBFNUBI%2Fotb2yQxwhZwr%2B67%2BVamp7sOH1HZDfX3KlmZYkuo2tGs1%2F99b5Z7%2B7w","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

The thrilling conclusion to the internationally bestselling Long Earth series explores the greatest question of all: What is the meaning of life?

2070-71. Nearly six decades after Step Day, a new society continues to evolve in the Long Earth. Now, a message has been received: “Join us.”

The Next—the hyper-intelligent post-humans—realize that the missive contains instructions for kick-starting the development of an immense artificial intelligence known as The Machine. But to build this computer the size of an Earth continent, they must obtain help from the more populous and still industrious worlds of mankind.

Meanwhile, on a trek in the High Meggers, Joshua Valienté, now nearing seventy, is saved from death when a troll band discovers him. Living among the trolls as he recovers, Joshua develops a deeper understanding of this collective-intelligence species and its society. He discovers that some older trolls, with capacious memories, act as communal libraries, and live on a very strange Long Earth world, in caverns under the root systems of trees as tall as mountains.

Valienté also learns something much more profound . . . about life and its purpose in the Long Earth: We cultivate the cosmos to maximize the opportunities for life and joy in this universe, and to prepare for new universes to come.

Previous page
  1. Book 5 of 5
    The Long Earth
  2. Print length
    400 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Harper
  5. Publication date
    June 14, 2016
  6. Dimensions
    6 x 1.25 x 9 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0062297376
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0062297372
  9. See all details
Next page
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

The Long Cosmos: A Novel (Long Earth)
$26.58
Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by TimelessGreen and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
The Long Utopia: A Novel (Long Earth)
$24.55
Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Emin Bookstore and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
The Long Mars: A Novel (Long Earth, 3)
$18.96
Get it as soon as Monday, May 13
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by The BAP Goods and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Long Mars: “Panoramic and fascinating...” — Kirkus Reviews on THE LONG MARS

Praise for The Long Earth: “The Long Earth is a brilliant Science Fiction collaboration with Stephen Baxter: a love letter to all Pratchett fans, readers, and lovers of wonder everywhere… This novel is a gift to be shared with anyone who loves to be amazed.” — Io9 on THE LONG EARTH

“Stay tuned for the next episode of a very old-fashioned sf quest yarn (think Jules Verne and 2001) that, since Pratchett is involved, is crammed with scientifically informed amusement.” — Booklist on THE LONG EARTH

“In this thought-provoking collaboration, Pratchett (the Discworld series) and Baxter (Stone Spring) create an infinity of worlds to explore… fascinating premise…” — Publishers Weekly on THE LONG EARTH

From the Back Cover

2070-71. Nearly six decades after Step Day, a new society continues to evolve on the Long Earth.

The Next—the hyper-intelligent post-humans—realize that the missive contains instructions for kick-starting the development of an immense artificial intelligence known as The Machine. But to build this computer the size of an Earth continent, they must obtain help from the more populous and still industrious worlds of mankind.

Meanwhile, on a trek in the High Meggers, Joshua Valienté is saved from death when a troll band discovers him. Living among the trolls as he recovers, Joshua learns something profound about life and its purpose in the Long Earth . . .

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper; First American Edition (June 14, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062297376
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062297372
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.33 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.25 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 3,613 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Terry Pratchett sold his first story when he was fifteen, which earned him enough money to buy a second-hand typewriter. His first novel, a humorous fantasy entitled The Carpet People, appeared in 1971 from the publisher Colin Smythe. Terry worked for many years as a journalist and press officer, writing in his spare time and publishing a number of novels, including his first Discworld novel, The Color of Magic, in 1983. In 1987 he turned to writing full time, and has not looked back since. To date there are a total of 36 books in the Discworld series, of which four (so far) are written for children. The first of these children's books, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, won the Carnegie Medal. A non-Discworld book, Good Omens, his 1990 collaboration with Neil Gaiman, has been a longtime bestseller, and was reissued in hardcover by William Morrow in early 2006 (it is also available as a mass market paperback (Harper Torch, 2006) and trade paperback (Harper Paperbacks, 2006). Terry's latest book, Nation, a non-Discworld standalone YA novel was published in October of 2008 and was an instant New York Times and London Times bestseller. Regarded as one of the most significant contemporary English-language satirists, Pratchett has won numerous literary awards, was named an Officer of the British Empire “for services to literature” in 1998, and has received four honorary doctorates from the Universities of Warwick, Portsmouth, Bath, and Bristol. His acclaimed novels have sold more than 55 million copies (give or take a few million) and have been translated into 36 languages. Terry Pratchett lived in England with his family, and spent too much time at his word processor. Some of Terry's accolades include: The Carnegie Medal, Locus Awards, the Mythopoetic Award, ALA Notable Books for Children, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, Book Sense 76 Pick, Prometheus Award and the British Fantasy Award.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
3,613 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jessica East
5.0 out of 5 stars goo goo gaga
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
very good book.
i need 15 more words so i liked the characters and the universe/plot of the story. W rizz
Helpful
 Report
Nicholas Doles
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Ending to a Good Series
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2016
Verified Purchase
The Long Earth was a fantastic concept that has been executed very well by Baxter and the much missed Terry Pratchett. The series to me has been somewhat uneven, I thought there was plenty to explore on the long Earth without adding Mars and the rest of the galaxy which happened in this novel. I also always found Joshua's character a little muddled. In general characters to me quite often acted out of character because well this is how they needed to act or what they needed to do to forward the plot. That's the only reason though for the 4 stars instead of 5. I still really, really liked this series and was NOT let down by the ending as I have been by countless other series. It was an end. It wasn't lazy, no one woke up from a dream. It wasn't a betrayal of the concept, like all of a sudden no one could step. I liked it. Not perfect but what is.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jacey
5.0 out of 5 stars From stepping between Earths to stepping beyond the Cosmos
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2016
Verified Purchase
I love this concept.
What if you could step to another analog of your local Earth, but couldn't take much in the way of technology with you, then step again, and again ... That is the 'what if' principle upon which The Long Earth was written.
In The Long Cosmos, several characters from the original novels get together again some years later. They (everyone, that is; trolls, humans, 'Next' - post-humans) receive the invitation: 'Join Us'. With overtones of Sagan's 'Contact', the Next have decoded blueprints for a device (as big as a State) to make it possible for ??? to happen. But (since both Baxter and Pratchett are writers of people rather than about tech), a small craft is constructed for a few key (and familiar) characters to take a reconnaissance tour.
The writing owes more to Baxter than to Pratchett, but there are a few nice touches in Joshua and Lobsang's repartee. A couple of nice back stories to the main idea are developed. Why a bunch of sixty-year-olds (one a cripple) is vital to the mission when there are planets full of able-bodied Navy types available is never really explained. And there is plenty of room for a 'what next?' that will never be realized. But all-in-all a good read for those with a healthy suspension of disbelief.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Steven Woodcock
3.0 out of 5 stars A Somewhat Uneventful Ending (?) to the Series
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2016
Verified Purchase
I dare say I was a bit disappointed by this novel, presumably the last in the Long Earth series.

This book picks up a couple of decades after the last novel and as such all of our favorite characters are much older and a bit more jaded than they were before. There is talk of a new expedition interleaved with some kind of "message" that people up and down the Long Earth are receiving, but it's frankly never explorer to my satisfaction. I just felt the book was more filler than substance, and perhaps fleshed out in large from by Stephen Baxter.

This is an okay book and if you're a fan of seeing how the series wraps up it's worth getting. It's simply not as interesting or as filled with "new ideas" as the previous books were. I don't really see how there will any more in the series unless they pick up the pace a bit, but we'll see.
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Richard Irwin
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2017
Verified Purchase
This is the final book in the Long Earth series. This series is unique, well-written, and a good mixture of fun, drama, adventure, and humor. It must be considered an instant classic. This final book is a worthy finale bringing the series to its logical conclusion.

The book starts with the receipt of a message to come and "JOIN US". This message is received by all sentients in the Long Earth including humans, the Next, and trolls. The Next also used other electromagnetic detectors to obtain the entire text of the message and determined it was a set of instructions for building some kind of thinking machine. The Next then debated whether to build it. Would contact with advanced aliens lead to the annihilation or to the enlightenment of humanity.

The main focus of the book is on Joshua Valiente, but we also meet a slew of characters from the previous books in the series including Lobsang, Sister Agnes, Nelson Azikiwe, Roberta Golding, and Maggie Kauffman.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Taylor Ellwood
4.0 out of 5 stars Kind of an ending
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2018
Verified Purchase
The Long cosmos wraps up a lot of loose ends, but also leaves a few untied up. It's a good ending to the series, but there's enough left hanging that it doesn't answer that it doesn't really feel conclusive, so much as wrapped up as best it can be. That said, good story and enjoyable for the vision of the multiple Earths and the characters.
Helpful
 Report
Jamie
5.0 out of 5 stars Happily he and Stephen Baxter left us this very satisfying
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2016
Verified Purchase
The Long Cosmos (The Long Earth, #5) by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

How do you say goodbye? Especially to a beloved author who is now in the next realm. Sir Terry Pratchett, (who had numerous works to his name) left us in 2015. Happily he and Stephen Baxter left us this very satisfying, and yet bittersweet conclusion tho the series.
I would decidedly recommend that you do read the entire series, in order, before this. Otherwise, you simply won't get the full emotional impact of the book.
Our old, dear friends have one last tourney to make, and hopefully answer an invitation to all sentient beings in the Long Earth cascade. How they do what they do, and the interaction of these people are what keeps this book so close to the heart.
So, in the wise words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, be happy that it happened!"
10 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
tkea
4.0 out of 5 stars Feels rushed a bit.
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
Feel like the other books were slower and this one realized they had to wrap it up. Feels hasty on the back end. Long term characters get lazy send offs. By now you should know what things are and mean, but the writers insist on over explaining everything like you just started reading on that page. Needed more refinement before pushing out top the public. Still a good series.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Music Collector
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than 3 & 4
Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2021
Verified Purchase
This final volume is a great improvement on numbers 3 and 4. It is a shame that we had to wait for this volume before Sancho is introduced. Previous volumes would have benefited greatly from this character. As such, this last volume is the best of the series.
One person found this helpful
 Report
M. C. Millard
5.0 out of 5 stars The last book of the series is probably the best.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
The Long Earth series is the serious SF novel that Pratchett had planned even before he began the Discworld series, but hadn't had the time to develop earlier in his career. From the writing style & contents the novels seem much more like Pratchett than Baxter- perhaps Baxter deliberately kept his contributions low key, knowing this work was effectively Sir Terry's swansong? However this final book probably owes more to Baxter than Pratchett. These novels are not overtly humourous, though there is certainly irony & satire woven in. (Some of the Discworld novels were also quite serious, for example 'Small Gods', though many people didn't notice this serious aspect of Pratchetts writing at the time.) The series starts slowly, but is packed with ideas & is well worth reading to the end, both if you like hard SF & you are a fan of the works of Pratchett or Baxter.
2 people found this helpful
 Report
LAURENS
3.0 out of 5 stars long...
Reviewed in France on August 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
C'est une série avec des idées supers mais elle traîne en longueur... on sent bien que Pratchet est mort et que Baxter a exploité le filon... dommage condensé en un tome cela aurait été génial
Report
Dr. Erik Maronde
5.0 out of 5 stars Würdiges Ende der Long Earth Serie.
Reviewed in Germany on August 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
Für mich immer wieder erstaunlich wie eine Kombination zweier sehr eigenewilliger Autoren ein solch flüssiges und schlüssiges Werk ergeben kann. Es macht mich um so mehr traurig, dass Terry Pratchett nach seinem Tod 2015 nicht mehr für solche Werke zur Verfügung steht. Ein grosses Lesevergnügen und ein würdiges Ende der Saga!
2 people found this helpful
 Report
Peter Holian
4.0 out of 5 stars a good read, somewhat un-eventful
Reviewed in Australia on August 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
a good read, somewhat un-eventful, did not really explain or explore the outcome, of ring world , obelisks etc.
Report