How can life develop in a society whose representatives, completely human beings, are androgynous, but at the same time not sterile, being neutral most of the time, only in certain periods randomly acquire “male” or “female” sexual roles?... in a society in which any person can “become pregnant,” that is, can act as both a father and a mother; in which there is no Oedipus complex in principle?... in a society where there are no such concepts as the “strong” and “weak” half of the human race, and which is not divided into categories such as protectors - protected; dominant - subordinate; masters are slaves; active - passive?...in a society in which it is unacceptable to impose on a specific person either the role of a woman or the role of a man and build your behavior towards him depending on your own ideas about his gender?...in a society where, although seduction exists and debauchery, but no violence in principle?...in a society in which there are no wars and civil strife?...in a society where everyone is equal in their rights: any inhabitant of the planet Gethen can do anything, take on any business, master any profession?...in a society that, in its daily functioning and existence, appears to be completely genderless and therefore everyone is respected and valued only in accordance with their human qualities? This question was posed by the wonderful American writer Ursula Le Guin in her novel “The Left Hand of Darkness,” which was awarded two top US awards for works in the genre of science fiction: Nebula'69 and Hugo'70. The hero of the novel Genli Ai (an ordinary person, a man) arrived on Gethen as a Messenger of the Ekumen (or the League of Worlds - a coordinating union of different planets) to establish contact and invite Gethen to join to the League. According to the ethical standards of the League, mutual understanding between cultures and civilizations must begin with mutual understanding between people. Overcoming her prejudices and prejudices, Genli Ai finds a friend, ally, and lover - the local nobleman Estraven, who, on his part, also has to overcome cultural barriers and thought patterns. They have a long way to go...

Full proofreading was carried out (based on the new edition of 2007) - more than 500 errors were corrected; added fb2 interior (cover, edition, translator, etc.); world maps have also been inserted, footnotes and notes have been added, and a new cover - Soshial (02/21/2008).