Winner of the Hugo Award • The future of Earth will rely upon one man’s sense of right and wrong. . . .

Father Ruiz-Sanchez is a dedicated man—a priest who is also a scientist, and a scientist who is also a human being. He has found no insoluble conflicts in his beliefs or his ethics . . . until he is sent to Lithia. There he comes upon a race of aliens who are admirable in every way except for their total reliance on cold reason; they are incapable of faith or belief.

Confronted with a profound scientific riddle and ethical quandary, Father Ruiz-Sanchez soon finds himself torn between the teachings of his faith, the teachings of his science, and the inner promptings of his humanity. There is only one solution: He must accept an ancient and unforgivable heresy—and risk the futures of both worlds . . .

This antique hardback book is in fair condition. The reason being is because the inside spine of the book is coming apart, but it is still holding itself together. Copyright 1958 hardback edition. Weighs 10.9 oz.