The State of the Art

Iain M. Banks' Sci-Fi Mastery in Your Ears

Written byIain M. Banks

Narrated byPeter Kenny

Length6h22m

Release dateApril 2, 2024

GenreLiterature & Fiction, Anthologies & Short Stories, Short Stories

Languageenglish

★★★★★ 4.0 (165 ratings)

Listen Free on Audible

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Available Worldwide

Listen Free

Listen to a Sample

Hear Peter Kenny's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

Quick Facts

Author	Iain M. Banks
Narrator	Peter Kenny
Runtime	6h22m
Published	April 2, 2024
Rating	★★★★★ 4.0 / 5 (165 ratings)
Categories	Literature & Fiction, Anthologies & Short Stories, Short Stories, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, Space Opera
Format	Audiobook (Digital)
Platform	Audible

Featured Audiobooks

Handpicked listeners' favorites this week

Drownproof

by Andy Stumpf

★★★★☆ 4.5

The Correspondent

by Virginia Evans

★★★★☆ 4.8

The Butcher's Masquerade

by Matt Dinniman

★★★★☆ 4.9

About This Audiobook

Experience the visionary mind of Iain M. Banks through this curated collection of his short stories, where speculative fiction meets profound exploration. Each narrative twists reality and imagination into thought-provoking tapestries that challenge your perceptions. Narrator Peter Kenny brings Banks' vivid worlds to life with a blend of gravity and whimsy, ensuring every piece resonates deeply in its own unique way.

Tags: science fictionshort storiesthought-provokingIain M. Banksnarrative

Why Listen to The State of the Art?

Expert narration by Peter Kenny brings every character and scene to life across 6h22m of immersive audio.
Bestseller-quality story from Iain M. Banks, rated 4.0 stars by 165 listeners.
Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.

Start Listening Free

Editor's Review ★★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

Peter Kenny's narration is the perfect conduit for Iain M. Banks’ intricate storytelling. His ability to modulate voice and emotion keeps each tale compelling from start to finish. 'The State of the Art' isn't just about science fiction; it’s a journey through complex societal constructs and ethical dilemmas, all framed in Bank's characteristic sharp wit. While some stories can feel dense with ideas, Kenny navigates these waters effortlessly, making even the most cerebral narratives accessible. A standout piece is 'A Soft Space,' where his delivery perfectly balances the narrative's somber tone with moments of levity. The pacing is just right, allowing each story to breathe and develop its unique themes without feeling rushed. Overall, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of science fiction and those seeking engaging, intellectually stimulating narratives.

Download: The State of the Art

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Free Download on Audible USA

The State of the Art by Iain M. Banks is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Peter Kenny with a runtime of 6h22m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.