# Planet of the Apes

> 1963 French novel by Pierre Boulle

**Wikidata**: [Q2418926](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2418926)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_of_the_Apes_(novel))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/planet-of-the-apes-q2418926

## Summary
*Planet of the Apes* is a 1963 French science fiction novel by Pierre Boulle, adapted into the iconic 1968 film franchise. The book explores themes of civilization, power, and human nature through the lens of a future society ruled by intelligent apes, while humans are enslaved. Boulle's work is notable for its socially conscious narrative and influence on science fiction literature and cinema.

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Pierre Boulle (1912–1994), French novelist and engineer.
- **Publication Date**: January 1, 1963.
- **Genre**: Science fiction, post-apocalyptic fiction.
- **Publisher**: Éditions Julliard (French publisher).
- **Country of Origin**: France.
- **Adaptation**: Adapted into the 1968 film *Planet of the Apes*, which launched a major media franchise.
- **Awards**: Boulle won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *The Bridge over the River Kwai* (1952), though *Planet of the Apes* itself did not receive similar recognition.
- **Literary Work Classification**: Subclass of "work of art" and "written work," distinct from general written works.
- **Related Identifiers**:
  - Open Library ID: OL1319418W
  - Wikidata ID: Q7725634
  - Google Knowledge Graph ID: /m/01fjmk
- **Language Availability**: Translated into multiple languages, including French, English, and Japanese.
- **Influence**: Pioneered socially conscious science fiction, inspiring multiple film series, TV shows, and cultural references.

## FAQs
**What is *Planet of the Apes* about?**
*Planet of the Apes* is a science fiction novel that explores a future society where intelligent apes have evolved into a dominant civilization, while humans are enslaved. The story examines themes of power, civilization, and human nature through the lens of a dystopian future.

**Who wrote *Planet of the Apes* and when was it published?**
*Planet of the Apes* was written by Pierre Boulle and published in 1963 by Éditions Julliard. Boulle was a French novelist and engineer known for his work in both literature and engineering.

**How did *Planet of the Apes* influence popular culture?**
The novel was adapted into the 1968 film *Planet of the Apes*, which launched a major franchise and became one of the most influential science fiction media franchises. Boulle's work pioneered socially conscious science fiction, inspiring generations of writers and filmmakers.

**What awards did Pierre Boulle receive for his work?**
Boulle won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *The Bridge over the River Kwai* (1952), though *Planet of the Apes* itself did not receive similar recognition. He also received numerous French military decorations for his service in World War II.

**What genres does *Planet of the Apes* belong to?**
The novel is classified under science fiction and post-apocalyptic fiction, reflecting its themes of societal collapse and evolution.

**How is *Planet of the Apes* distinct from other literary works?**
As a literary work, *Planet of the Apes* is defined by its artistic and intellectual value, composed of text, and created through writing. It is distinct from general written works and is part of the broader field of literature.

**What is the relationship between the novel and its film adaptation?**
The novel was adapted into the 1968 film *Planet of the Apes*, which became a major media franchise. The film expanded on the novel's themes and introduced new characters, further cementing the work's cultural impact.

## Why It Matters
*Planet of the Apes* matters as a foundational work in science fiction literature and cinema. Boulle's novel explored themes of civilization, power, and human nature in a way that resonated with audiences and inspired generations of writers and filmmakers. The 1968 film adaptation launched a major franchise, shaping the landscape of science fiction media. Boulle's work also reflects the broader cultural and political climate of the 1960s, making it a significant piece of 20th-century literature. Its influence persists through ongoing adaptations, remakes, and cultural references, ensuring its place in literary and cinematic history.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Science Fiction**: One of the earliest and most influential works of socially conscious science fiction.
- **Major Film Franchise**: Adapted into the 1968 film *Planet of the Apes*, which launched a long-running media franchise.
- **Academic Recognition**: Boulle won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *The Bridge over the River Kwai*, though *Planet of the Apes* itself did not receive similar recognition.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired multiple film series, TV shows, and cultural references, making it a cornerstone of science fiction literature.
- **Genre-Blending**: Combined elements of adventure, philosophical inquiry, and social commentary, making it a distinctive voice in French literature.
- **Military and Literary Legacy**: Boulle's wartime experiences influenced his writing, and his literary career spanned over four decades, producing works that crossed genre boundaries.

## Body

### Definition and Nature
*Planet of the Apes* is a 1963 French science fiction novel by Pierre Boulle. The book explores a future society where intelligent apes have evolved into a dominant civilization, while humans are enslaved. Boulle's work is notable for its socially conscious narrative and influence on science fiction literature and cinema. The novel is classified as a literary work, distinct from general written works, and is part of the broader field of literature.

### Classification and Relationships
*Planet of the Apes* is a subclass of "work of art" and "written work," distinct from general written works. It is associated with the following identifiers:
- Open Library ID: OL1319418W
- Wikidata ID: Q7725634
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /m/01fjmk
- Instance of: Q7725634 (Wikidata)
- Genre: Q24925 (science fiction), Q197949 (post-apocalyptic fiction)
- Publisher: Q80265 (Éditions Julliard)
- Country of origin: Q142 (France)

### Properties and Identifiers
*Planet of the Apes* is associated with a wide range of properties for this type, including:
- P18: La planète des singes - couverture.jpg
- P268: 11959900j
- P373: Planet of the Apes
- P436: 2ebf8f24-3fa3-4c42-a27c-2b271d82b727
- P443: LL-Q13955 (ara)-Spotless Mind1988-كوكب القردة.wav
- P646: /m/01fjmk
- P648: OL1319418W
- P691: aun20181012754
- P1085: 60130
- P1274: 877032
- P1417: topic/Planet-of-the-Apes-by-Boulle
- P1476: La Planète des singes
- P1617: 3b944605-dfcf-4d50-b2c0-349fa6d4d7ea
- P2191: 1011336
- P3959: 003507983
- P5571: 3872
- P5737: 人猿星球
- P6221: 62224
- P6900: 猿の惑星
- P7439: 23720
- P8383: 2939507
- P8885: 혹성탈출
- P9818: 16483

### Cultural and Academic Context
*Planet of the Apes* is foundational to the field of science fiction literature and has been studied and preserved in academic and cultural contexts. It is linked to:
- University of Barcelona authority ID: 981060927480506706
- Dictionary of Archives Terminology ID: literary-works
- Encyclopedia of China (third edition) ID: 223088
- Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging ID: 13535
- Thesaurus Linguae Aegyptiae ID: R5CMB55TONDPPKYZCQSNGMQASA

### Maintenance and Curation
*Planet of the Apes* is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also part of the "Category: Literary works" and is associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation.

### Distinction from Other Concepts
*Planet of the Apes* is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. It is also different from "version, edition or translation" and "fiction," which are considered separate entities.

### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives
*Planet of the Apes* is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

### Author: Pierre Boulle
Pierre Boulle was a French novelist, screenwriter, and engineer best known for writing *The Bridge over the River Kwai* and *Planet of the Apes*. His work spanned science fiction and war literature, earning him international acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

### Early Life and Education
Pierre Boulle was born on 20 February 1912 in France. He received his education at Supélec, a prestigious French graduate school of engineering, which provided him with a technical background that would later inform his writing, particularly in his science fiction works.

### Military Service and World War II
Boulle served in World War II, during which he received numerous military decorations including the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, the Resistance Medal, the Medal of deportation and internment for facts of Resistance, the Escapees' Medal, and the Croix du combattant volontaire 1939–1945. These experiences deeply influenced his writing, particularly *The Bridge over the River Kwai*, which drew on his wartime experiences in Southeast Asia.

### Literary Career
Boulle began his writing career in 1950 and continued until his death in 1994. His work period spanned over four decades during which he produced novels that crossed genre boundaries. His writing combined adventure, philosophical inquiry, and social commentary, making him a distinctive voice in French literature.

### Major Works
His 1952 novel *The Bridge over the River Kwai* became an international bestseller and was adapted into the 1957 film that won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. His 1963 novel *Planet of the Apes* was adapted into the groundbreaking 1968 science fiction film that launched a major franchise. Both works demonstrated his ability to create stories with universal appeal that could be successfully translated to the screen.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Boulle received numerous honors recognizing both his literary achievements and his military service. He was named Officer of the Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian distinction. He also received the BAFTA Award for Best British Screenplay, the Colonial Medal, and various commemorative medals for his service during World War II.

### Legacy and Influence
Pierre Boulle's legacy endures through the continued popularity of his adapted works. *Planet of the Apes* remains one of the most influential science fiction franchises, inspiring multiple film series, television shows, and cultural references. His ability to blend entertainment with profound social commentary influenced generations of writers and filmmakers. The themes he explored in his work—the nature of civilization, the consequences of war, and the complexities of human behavior—continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

### Related Projects
*Planet of the Apes* is related to the American science fiction media franchise *Planet of the Apes*, which includes multiple films, TV shows, and other adaptations. The franchise has been expanded and remade multiple times, further cementing the novel's cultural impact.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. MusicBrainz
3. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q206090)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [La planète des singes by Pierre Boulle | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL1319418W/La_plan%C3%A8te_des_singes)
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. BBC Things
8. Goodreads
9. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute