The Man Who Fell to Earth By Walter Tevis

Originally published in 1963 and reissued as part of the SF Masterworks series. The story follows Thomas Jerome Newton, a humanoid alien from the planet Anthea, who arrives on Earth in a desperate attempt to save his dying world by transporting water back home.

As Newton uses his advanced knowledge to amass wealth and build the technology needed for his mission, he becomes entangled in the complex web of human society—experiencing isolation, addiction, love, and betrayal. Ultimately, his alien nature and Earth’s systemic flaws collide, leading to a tragic unraveling.

Both a profound commentary on human weakness and an exploration of what it means to be an outsider, Tevis’s novel is a quietly devastating portrayal of alienation and loss, imbued with melancholy and philosophical insight.

Why Read This Book?

• A Sci-Fi Classic: A foundational work of literary science fiction with enduring relevance.

• Thoughtful and Poignant: Explores themes of loneliness, addiction, and identity with emotional depth.

• Brilliantly Written: Tevis’s prose is spare, lyrical, and deeply human.

• Inspiration for the Film: Adapted into a cult-favorite movie starring David Bowie.

• Part of the SF Masterworks Series: Recognized as one of the most important sci-fi novels of the 20th century.

About the Author

Walter Tevis (1928–1984) was an acclaimed American novelist known for blending speculative and humanistic themes. In addition to The Man Who Fell to Earth, his works include The Hustler, The Color of Money, and The Queen’s Gambit, all of which have been adapted into major films or series. Tevis’s fiction often centers on gifted, troubled outsiders struggling within flawed systems, and he remains celebrated for his compelling storytelling and psychological insight.