One of the most influential science fiction writers of the 20th and 21st century, Arthur C. Clarke is the author of over 100 novels, novellas, and short story collections that laid the groundwork for the science fiction genre. Combining scientific knowledge and visionary literary aptitude, Clarke's work explored the implications of major scientific discoveries in astonishingly inventive and mystical settings.
Clarke's short stories and novels have won numerous Hugo and Nebula Awards, have been translated into more than 30 languages, and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Several of his books, including 2001: A Space Odyssey and 2010: Odyssey II, have been adapted into films that still stand as classic examples of the genre. Without a doubt, Arthur C. Clarke's is one of the most important voices in contemporary science fiction literature.
In 1968, Arthur C. Clarke's best-selling 2001: A Space Odyssey captivated the world-and was adapted into a now-classic film by Stanley Kubrick. Fans had to wait fourteen years for the sequel-but when it came out, it was an instant hit, winning the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1983.
Nine years after the ill-fated Discovery One mission to Jupiter, a joint Soviet-American crew travels to the planet to investigate the mysterious monolith orbiting the planet, the cause of the earlier mission's failure-and the disappearance of David Bowman. The crew includes Heywood Floyd, the lone survivor from the previous mission, and Dr. Chandra, the creator of HAL.
What they find is no less than an unsettling alien conspiracy-surrounding the evolutionary fate of indigenous life forms on Jupiter's moon Europa, as well as that of the human species itself. A gripping continuation of the beloved Odyssey universe, 2010: Odyssey II is science-fiction storytelling at its best.
The Garden of Rama picks up the story of three astronauts trapped in the labyrinthine alien spaceship bound for deep space at the end of the previous book in the series, Rama II. The three trapped humans must use all their wits and resources to survive aboard the ship.
There are other alien species aboard-some hostile, and some benevolent. But the three astronauts face the greatest danger from other humans-after a group of violent convicts is brought on board from Earth. In the meantime, the spacecraft is hurtling toward a rendezvous with a Raman base, and a meeting with the mysterious craft's creators. Finally, the astronauts will meet their enigmatic captors face to face-and learn the true purpose behind the mysterious craft.
In the middle of the 21st century, a team of scientists develops the ultimate protective weapon-a device that causes all nitrate-based bombs and explosives nearby to detonate automatically. It seems like a benevolent invention-one that will protect mankind against weapons of mass destruction. But as the scientists struggle to ensure their invention is used only for peaceful purposes, it becomes increasingly clear that even protective weaponry comes with its own moral trade-offs.
Dr. Jeffrey Horton, the device's lead inventor, must fight to keep the weapon out of violent hands-and soon finds that not even those with the best intentions can be trusted. This riveting story of action, suspense, and science is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat-and turning the page.
