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.
A billion years into the future, Earth's oceans have evaporated, and humanity has all but vanished. The inhabitants of the City of Diaspar believe theirs is the last city, but there is no way to find out for sure. The city is completely closed off by a high wall, and nobody has left in millions of years.
The last child born in the city in millions of years, Alvin is insatiably curious about the outside world. He embarks on a quest that leads him to discover the truth about the city and humanity's history—as well as its future.
The City and the Stars is a rewrite of Clarke's first novel, Against the Fall of Night. While the author assumed that the old version would be replaced by the new version and eventually go out of print, he was surprised to find that the older version was popular enough to stay in wide circulation. Today, both stories are equally popular.
Any fan of Clarke's would find this book a fascinating read, not just for the intriguing story and Clarke's singular futuristic vision, but also for the purpose of comparing his approach to the same story at different points in his writing career. While The City and the Stars shares the general plot of Against the Fall of Night, many details are different—making an interesting study of Clarke's progression as a writer.
Trapped on the enormous spaceship Rama III as it hurtles through interstellar space, a group of humans struggles for survival in what has become a hostile and violent environment. A small group of humans flees into the labyrinthine bowels of the ship, where they become trapped in the domain of the octospiders-technologically advanced beings that may be friend or foe.
Written by Clarke's longtime collaborator Gentry Lee, Rama Revealed marks the climax of the compelling Rama series-in which humans finally encounter the advanced alien intelligences behind the vast and mysterious spaceships, and come to understand their true agenda.
In 1994, a missile mysteriously disappears off the coast of Florida during military testing. While investigating the link between the disappearance and some unusual whale sightings, journalist Carol Dawson finds much more-an enigmatic artifact that may not be of earthly origin.
The artifact may be worth millions-and Dawson and her colleagues must outwit thieves and criminals to keep it safe. But the artifact leads to another, bigger discovery deep beneath the ocean's surface-a discovery that could change the face of humanity forever.
