The Best Of Arthur C Clarke

Six decades of fascinating stories from the legendary “colossus of science fiction” and creator of 2001: A Space Odyssey gathered in one compendium (The New Yorker). Arthur C. Clarke, along with H. G. Wells, Isaac Asimov, and Robert A. Heinlein, was a definitive voice in twentieth century science fiction. A prophetic thinker, undersea explorer, and “one of the true geniuses of our time,” Clarke not only won the highest science fiction honors, the Nebula and Hugo Awards, but also received nominations for an Academy Award and the Nobel Peace Prize, and was knighted for his services to literature (Ray Bradbury). Now, more than one hundred works of the sci-fi master’s short fiction are available in the “single-author collection of the decade” (Booklist, starred review). This definitive edition includes early work such as “Rescue Party” and “The Lion of Comarre,” classics like “The Nine Billion Names of God” and “The Sentinel” (which was the kernel of the later novel and movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey), and later works including “A Meeting with Medusa” and “The Hammer of God.” Encapsulating one of the great science fiction careers of all time, this immense volume “displays the author’s fertile imagination and irrepressible enthusiasm for both good storytelling and impeccable science” (Library Journal). “One of the most astounding imaginations ever encountered in print.” —The New York Times “As his Collected Stories helps to demonstrate, there has been no popular writer since the days of C S Lewis and Charles Williams whose disposition is more nakedly apocalyptic, who takes greater pleasure in cradling eternity in the palm of his hand.” —The Guardian

Arthur C Clarke is without question the world's best-known science fiction writer, enjoying a career of unequalled success. Clarke has always been celebrated for his prophetic vision, which is fully on display in this audiobook, but there are also many stories which show his imagination in full flight. This is the fifth and final volume in the collection, and includes some of Clarke's most accomplished work, including Dog Star, The Light of Darkness and The Hammer of Gods. Track Listing: CD 1: Dog Star read by Mike Grady Track 2 to 5, 16' 34 Maelstrom II read by Nick Boulton Track 6 to 13, 35' 54 An Ape About the House read by Buffy Davis Track 14 to end of Disc 1, 20' 48 CD 2: The Shining Ones read by Roger May Track 1 to 11, 45' 30 The Secret read by Mike Grady Track 13 to 14, 14' 45 Dial F for Frankenstein read by Nick Boulton Track 15 to end of Disc 2, 15' 08 CD 3: The Wind From the Sun read by Sean Barrett Track 1 to 13, 49' 00 The Food of the Gods read by Roger May Track 14 to 16, 12' 56 The Last Command read by Mike Grady Track 17 to end of Disc 3, 6' 20 CD 4: The Light of Darkness read by Nick Boulton Track 1 to 4, 14' 47 The Longest Science-Fiction Story Ever Told read by Sean Barrett Track 5, 1' 36 Playback read by Roger May Track 6 to 7, 7' 52 The Cruel Sky read by Mike Grady Track 8 to end of Disc 4, 48' 52 CD 5 and 6: Herbert George Morley Roberts Wells, Esq read by Nick Boulton Track 1 to 2, 5' 29 Crusade read by Sean Barrett Track 3 to 5, 13' 00 Neutron Tide read by Roger May Track 6, 4' 52 Reunion read by Mike Grady Track 7, 4' 46 Transit of Earth read by Nick Boulton Track 8 to 15, 33' 52 A Meeting With Medusa read by Sean Barrett Track 16 to Track 6 of Disc 7, 108' 32 CD 7: Quarantine read by Roger May Track 7, 2' 42 SiseneG read by Mike Grady Track 8, 0' 53 The Steam-Powered Word Processor read by Nick Boulton Track 9 to 11, 12' 07 On Golden Seas read by Sean Barrett Track 12 to 14, 10' 19 The Hammer of Gods read by Roger May Track 15 to Track 4 of Disc 8, 34' 10 The Wire Continuum read by Mike Grady Track 5 to 17, 54' 28 Improving the Neighbourhood read by Nick Boulton Track 18 to end of Disc 8, 3' 50

Travel by wire -- Retreat from Earth -- The awakening -- Whacky -- Castaway -- History lesson -- Hide and seek -- Second dawn -- The sentinel -- The star -- Refugee.

Short stories from the science fiction master—including the tale that inspired 2001: A Space Odyssey. These stories present a brilliant showcase of Arthur C. Clarke’s many-layered approach to the moral dilemmas of scientific advancement—from the thrilling and brutal “Breaking Strain” to the more poetic and thoughtful “Second Dawn.” Also included is “The Sentinel”—the basis for the classic Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey. This outstanding collection reminds us that the author of Childhood’s End was not only a giant in the world of science fiction, a recipient of multiple Nebula and Hugo Awards, and an incomparable storyteller, but also a “skilled literary artist” (Hartford Courant). “I do not know of any short story that has moved me more than Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth.’” —The Christian Science Monitor

LEAP INTO THE FUTURE, AND SHOOT BACK TO THE PAST H. G. Wells’s seminal short story “The Time Machine,” published in 1895, provided the springboard for modern science fiction’s time travel explosion. Responding to their own fascination with the subject, the greatest visionary writers of the twentieth century penned some of their finest stories. Here are eighteen of the most exciting tales ever told, including “Time’s Arrow” In Arthur C. Clarke’s classic, two brilliant physicists finally crack the mystery of time travel—with appalling consequences. “Death Ship” Richard Matheson, author of Somewhere in Time, unveils a chilling scenario concerning three astronauts who stumble upon the conundrum of past and future. “Yesterday was Monday” If all the world’s a stage, Theodore Sturgeon’s compelling tale follows the odyssey of an ordinary joe who winds up backstage. “Rainbird” R.A. Lafferty reflects on what might have been in this brainteaser about an inventor so brilliant that he invents himself right out of existence. “Timetipping” What if everyone time-traveled except you? Jack Dann provides some surprising answers in this literary gem. . . . as well as stories by Poul Anderson • L. Sprague de Camp • Joe Haldeman • John Kessel • Nancy Kress • Henry Kuttner • Ursula K. Le Guin • Larry Niven • Charles Sheffield • Robert Silverberg • Connie Willis By turns frightening, puzzling, and fantastic, these stories engage us in situations that may one day break free of the bonds of fantasy . . . to enter the realm of the future: our future. Note: "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury and "I'm Scared" by Jack Finney are not included in this edition.

Photos and text provide a speculative tour of life in the future.

In the Retro Hugo Award–nominated novel that inspired the Syfy miniseries, alien invaders bring peace to Earth—at a grave price: “A first-rate tour de force” (The New York Times). In the near future, enormous silver spaceships appear without warning over mankind’s largest cities. They belong to the Overlords, an alien race far superior to humanity in technological development. Their purpose is to dominate Earth. Their demands, however, are surprisingly benevolent: end war, poverty, and cruelty. Their presence, rather than signaling the end of humanity, ushers in a golden age . . . or so it seems. Without conflict, human culture and progress stagnate. As the years pass, it becomes clear that the Overlords have a hidden agenda for the evolution of the human race that may not be as benevolent as it seems. “Frighteningly logical, believable, and grimly prophetic . . . Clarke is a master.” —Los Angeles Times

Arthur C. Clarke has been a household name since 1968, when the film 2001: A Space Odyssey rocketed him to popular fame. McAleer explores Clarke's personal vision and career as one of the 20th century's most popular and influential writers and reveals the life experiences and creative forces that have shaped the man behind the legend. 30 photographs.