Science fiction · Space opera
Babel-17
Rydra Wong, a poet and starship captain, is asked to decode Babel-17, an enemy language during an interstellar war. She finds that the language shapes the thinking of anyone who learns it.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1966
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 193
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you enjoy short, inventive science fiction about language and how it shapes the mind.
Skip this if you want hard technical science fiction or plain, linear storytelling.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Babel-17
- What is Babel-17 about?
- Rydra Wong, a poet and starship captain, is asked to decode Babel-17, an enemy language during an interstellar war. She finds that the language shapes the thinking of anyone who learns it.
- Who should read Babel-17?
- Read it if you enjoy short, inventive science fiction about language and how it shapes the mind. Skip it if you want hard technical science fiction or plain, linear storytelling.
- How long and how fast is Babel-17?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 193 pages, first published in 1966.
- Does Babel-17 have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War.
- Can I borrow Babel-17 for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Babel-17; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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