• Downward to the Earth by Robert Silverberg - Fehmerling Books
  • The back cover of 'Downward to the Earth' by Robert Silverberg, featuring a dark, textured background with evocative white text. It describes protagonist Edmund Gundersen's return to the alien world of Belzagor to witness the mystical nildoror rite of rebirth, a ceremony few Earthmen have ever lived to describe.
  • Side-angle view of 'Downward to the Earth' resting on a neutral background. The spine prominently displays the author's name and the Signet 451-T4497 publisher code, highlighting the well-kept condition of this 1970s science fiction collectible.
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Robert Silverberg | Alien Contact and Philosophical Science Fiction

Downward to the Earth by Robert Silverberg

Downward to the Earth by Robert Silverberg

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A Hugo-Nominated Sci-Fi Masterpiece of Alien Rebirth, Colonial Guilt, and Spiritual Transformation

Former Terran colonial administrator Edmund Gunderson returns to the tropical jungle planet Belzagor (formerly Holman's World) years after Earth relinquished corporate rule to its native sentient species—the elephant-like Nildoror and ape-like Sulidoror. Haunted by past acts of colonial exploitation, Gunderson seeks personal redemption.

Gunderson embarks on a dangerous pilgrimage into Belzagor's uncharted mist-country to witness the Nildoror's sacred, secret rebirth ritual. Participating in the alien spiritual metamorphosis, Gunderson experiences a profound transformation of human consciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Grand Master Robert Silverberg crafts a brilliantly written, Joseph Conrad-inspired science fiction masterwork exploring anti-colonialism, alien spirituality, and redemption. Essential reading for fans of Ursula K. Le Guin, Frank Herbert, and Philip K. Dick.

Edition & Specifications

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 176

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: 1971

ISBN: 

Condition Note:

Condition & Grading Guide

How We Grade Our Books

  • 📸 True-to-Life Photos: For all vintage and pre-loved books, the photos on the page are of the exact physical copy on our shelf. Brand-new books feature official publisher cover art.
  • New: Direct from the publisher; immaculate, unread condition.
  • Like New: Pristine condition with minimal to no shelf wear; looks unread.
  • Very Good: Lightly read with minor shelf wear or light cover creasing. Pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked with a tight binding. (Our baseline standard for pre-loved books.)
  • Good: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear or page aging, but fully intact and structurally sound.

Packaging & Shipping

Shipping Details & Delivery Speeds

  • FREE Domestic Shipping: Standard shipping is free on all U.S. orders $50+.
  • Standard Flat-Rate Shipping: Orders under $50 ship at flat, weight-based rates starting at $6.99.
  • Tracking Included: You will receive an automated tracking link via email as soon as your order is packed and labeled.
  • Expedited Shipping Available: Need it faster? UPS 2nd Day Air is available at checkout (ships out the next business day).

Read our full shipping policy here

The Fehmerling Guarantee

Our Guarantee & Return Policy

  • 14-Day Returns: Unread books and unopened tea packages can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
  • Damaged in Transit? If your shipment arrives damaged or incorrect, email us within 72 hours of delivery scan at customerservice@fehmerlingbooks.com. We’ll evaluate it immediately and provide a prepaid return label and replacement or full refund.
  • Hassle-Free Support: To start a return, simply email us with your order number.

Read our full return & refund policy here

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$14.00 USD
$14.00 USD
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