Who Published Star The Book And When Was It Released?

Del Rey dropped 'Star' in 1980, and it's low-key one of their most underrated releases. Sargent's writing was ahead of its time—way more nuanced than typical space operas back then. The book's exploration of generational trauma in space still hits hard today.

a powerhouse in sci-fi and fantasy, back in 1980. It's wild to think how this novel flew under the radar for so many fans of the genre. The author, Pamela Sargent, crafted this epic generational ship story before a lot of the modern tropes got stale. What's fascinating is how the book's themes still feel fresh today—colonialism, AI ethics, and human adaptation. Del Rey was taking big swings in the 80s with feminist sci-fi, and 'Star' was part of that wave. The cover art alone is a time capsule of that era's aesthetic: bold colors, cosmic landscapes, and that distinctive Del Rey logo. I always recommend it to fans of 'The Expanse' or 'Battlestar Galactica' looking for deeper cuts.

Fun fact: The original print run wasn't huge, which makes first editions weirdly hard to find. There's a whole subculture of collectors who hunt for the 1980 paperback with the Michael Whelan illustration. Later reprints by other publishers changed some key elements, so purists argue the Del Rey version is the only 'true' one. The timing of its release matters too—1980 was peak Star Wars mania, yet 'Star' dared to be a slower, more philosophical take on space exploration. It's the kind of book that makes you wonder how many other gems from that era got overshadowed by flashier titles.