Customer Reviews
Timeless! 
2008-11-15
I first heard about "The Martian Chronicles" when I read Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" a number of years ago. Back then, I was under the impression that the "Chronicles" was actually a series of books, or at least a very long book. This is not so. The "Chronicles" is a fairly brief collection of short stories that fit into an overarching fictional history, starting in 1999 and ending in 2026.
The book was initially published in 1946 - right after WWII - a time in which the year 2000 must have still seemed a long way off. Due to the specific time frame of the book, it is somewhat dated and less convincing than it must have been in the 1940s. After all, we *live* in the time Bradbury depicts, and the world is of course not the same as in his fiction.
But the dates in the book are the only thing that's dated, because the stories themselves are timeless. And I don't say this lightly. For me, the predicate "timeless" is one of the highest praises I can bestow on a book. This one deserves it.
It is most emphatically *not* a science-fiction book per se, and it is not even remotely about technological gadgets. Bradbury himself has likened the book to mythology rather than science-fiction, and I think he's right.
Not technology, but human identity and the experience of the ironic - this is the golden thread that runs through the book. From the beginning when men first arrive on Mars and do not at all experience the kind of welcome they expected, to the very end when - well, but let me not tell you how the book ends. Suffice it to say that is full of the ironic. Often it is tragic irony, but always thought-provoking and delightful.
Bradbury touches on other themes too: religion, the effect of science on humanity, racism, illusions vs. reality, etc.
It's only the second book by Bradbury I've read, so I can't compare it to his other works. But for all those who crave the timeless, this is the real thing.
- Jacob Schriftman, Author of the "The Crack Beneath the Worlds"
not even close to Bradbury's best form 
2008-10-16
As with most early science fiction efforts, with 'The Martian Chronicles' it is best to accept its overall preposterous aspects and enjoy it for other qualities, such as astute observations and criticisms of mankind. But in 'The Martian Chronicles', a somewhat loose collection of short stories involving humans (from Earth) colonizing Mars, this reader was left wanting for something insightful or special. Instead I found this collection of stories to be very readable, at times interesting, but also at times rather bland. And at no time did I sense this book deserved to be considered a classic. This would be an insult to its author who has indeed written classics (eg, 'Fahrenheit 451').
Bottom line: a somewhat forgettable book that seems to have garnered more readership than it deserves. A near miss.
Youthful Perspective 2008-08-18
I loved F451 by Bradbury and wanted to read more of his work. Being a huge sci-fi buff, I figured "The Martian Chronicles" would be a great place to start. The book is definitely well worth the read, and its effects are surprising.
I have to admit that I had trouble with the story at first. Because of the lack of knowledge on the "Red Planet" when the story was written, I had to forget quite a bit of facts (I'm 25). Luckily enough, the story grabs you and keeps you turning pages so that facts don't matter. The book also has an almost romantic quality in its depiction of the future. For example, in 2030+ there are malt shops, soda fountain shops and people still use wired telephones (no cell phones or wireless homephones).
The dialogue is also what you'd expect from a 40's and 50's movie. Again, its sort of romantic. I have to admit tho, this book brought with it an amazing array of emotions... Bradbury is one of the few who was actually able to make me laugh out loud (a spectacle to my co-workers). The authors talent also inspires other emotions in the reader.
Like F451, "The Martian Chronicles" has a message for and about humanity, albeit a different message. I'll never regret reading this book, and I bet you won't either.
Classic Bradbury 2008-08-02
I read the Martian Chronicles growing up in the early 70's. Bradbury was on of my favorite authors. The book does not disappoint if you love Sci Fi. I purchased this book for my 18 yr old son. He couldnt put the book down and read it through in 3 days. Very unsual for him to stick with a book like that. He raved about the book and is asking for Bradbury's other works.
more twilight zone than anything else 2008-07-31
Not sure how this qualifies as sci-fi. A collection of short stories, criticism of the government, wars, racism, relation with foreign creatures. Ghost stories, horror, and everything but science. Of course, I'm writing this on the 50th anniversary of NASA, and some of the stories in this book outdate that by 10 years. Worth looking into, but not for everyone. If there is any science, it's the ugly side (atom bombs, etc).
Masterpiece 2008-05-07
Leaving behind a world on the brink of destruction, man came to the Red planet and found the Martians waiting, dreamlike. Seeking the promise of a new beginning, man brought with him his oldest fears and his deepest desires. Man conquered Mars—and in that instant, Mars conquered him. The strange new world with its ancient, dying race and vast, red-gold deserts cast a spell on him, settled into his dreams, and changed him forever. Here are the captivating chronicles of man and Mars—the modern classic by the peerless Ray Bradbury.
A great indroduction to Bradbury's work. 2008-03-19
Ray Bradbury is a timeless author. His storytelling borders on poetic. The Martian Chronicles was the first book of his I had ever read. After 15 years I just completed my second reading and am no less moved by his work.
A lot is accomplished in this short work of science fiction and fantasy. Its opening chapters center around Earthmen attempting to land on Mars and communicate with its not so welcoming inhabitants. As the book progresses war on Earth makes Mars either a refuge or an asylum, depending upon one's point of view. The final chapter of this book is particularly moving. The final page, the final few paragraphs send shivers down my spine and cause me to pause in wonder.
As an added side note, there is one chapter titled Usher II and involves a man who constructs a house replete with images and scenes from Edgar Alan Poe's stories. This is just an added bonus to us Poe fans.
I do recommend this to anyone, especially as an introduction to Bradbury's work. While not hardcore science fiction, it definitely has many similar elements that make the genre so compelling.
I admit, I'm biased 2008-02-25
That said, I think I would like this book even if I weren't. Ray Bradbury's writing technique is a unique one. Take some short stories with similar themes and characters, sting them together with some editing and release it as a novel.
Although technically inaccurate, the stories are enjoyable.
Although the dialogue fits in your head but not in your mouth, it's fun to read.
Although it's Ray's first, it shows the style he later refined in Dandelion Wine and others.
Although Ray never went to college or learned to drive, he can with talent, take you to places you never been before.
Bottom line - This isn't the real universe but it is Ray's universe, or at least his Mars.
Find a good recliner, kick back and be prepared to blast off.
Short stories I actually enjoyed 2007-11-20
I typically don't like short stories because I find that they are usually over before I am drawn into them. However, Bradbury delievers short stories in such a way that I found myself unable to put the book down. This stories are tied together thematically in that they collectively tell the story of the colonization of Mars. There is humor, tragedy, social commentary and more in this amazing collection. I appreicate how Bradbury uses the sci-fi genre as a platform to make some profound observations about human nature. This was my first exposure to Bradbury and I can't wait to try out some of his other works. Highly recommended.
I really give it 4 1/2 stars 
2007-11-01
I've never read Bradbury prior to picking up this book for a class. Very intriguing stuff, and I'll definitely read more of his work if I get the chance. It makes for some great comparisons/discussions on imperialism, colonization and all that good stuff, while also immersing you in a completely new world. One of my favorite chapters was "There Will Come Soft Rains," in which an abandoned house on Earth continues its daily routine of making food, cleaning the house, alerting its (former) occupants of the time and events, etc. Only towards the end do we see the silhouettes of the occupants as the only remaining paint on the side of the house; everything else has been seared away. An interesting look at what Earth could become, and the role that Mars or any other planet may play.
