Starfarers

When evidence of an advanced civilization is discovered by SETI astronomers, an expedition into the far reaches of the galaxy is planned and an eclectic team of scientists is chosen to make the trip. But because the origin of the alien signals is thousands of light-years away, the crew will age only a few years while millennia pass on Earth. And though they are ready to face the ramifications of such a voyage, none of the starfarers are prepared for what awaits them at the outer edge of the cosmos--or back at the planet they once called home.

"One of the field's greatest writers." --"Orlando Sun-Sentinel"
"Anderson, far more than many newer science fiction writers, takes the trouble to envision a genuinely strange, complex future for mankind." --"The Washington Post"
"The winner of seven Hugos and three Nebulas returns with a spectacular novel written in his classic manner...To longtime fans, this novel will closely recall one of his greatest, "Tau Zero, "and for newcomers it provides a valuable introduction to one of the towering figures of modern SF and fantasy." --"Publishers Weekly" (starred review)
"One of science fiction's most revered writers." --"USA Today"