A Voyage to Arctus is a fantasy and philosophical novel about an interstellar voyage in the orbit of the imaginary star system Arcturus, which consists of two stars, Branchspell and Alppain. While traveling between the stars, the protagonist passes through different philosophical systems or states of mind. The whole journey is a metaphor for searching for the meaning of life. Some critics considered this book as the best in the 20th century. Moreover, it has inspired Tolkien the creation of legendary trilogy.

A Voyage to Arcturus - The story is set at Tormance, an imaginary planet orbiting Arcturus, which, in the novel is a double star system, consisting of stars Branchspell and Alppain. The lands through which the characters travel represent philosophical systems or states of mind, through which the main character, Maskull, passes on his search for the meaning of life. Described by critic and philosopher Colin Wilson as the "greatest novel of the twentieth century", it was a central influence on C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy, and through him on J. R. R. Tolkien, who said he read the book "with...

The two strangers remained standing by the door, which was closed quietly behind them. They seemed to be waiting for the mild sensation caused by their appearance to subside before advancing into the room. Maskull was a kind of giant, but of broader and more robust physique than most giants. He wore a full beard. His features were thick and heavy, coarsely modelled, like those of a wooden carving; but his eyes, small and black, sparkled with the fires of intelligence and audacity. His hair was short, black, and bristling.Night-spore was of middle height, but so tough-looking that he appeared...