New Releases by Arthur C Clarke

RAMA II Sono trascorsi decenni da quando l''umanità ha avuto il primo contatto con l''astronave aliena Rama. E ora ne sta arrivando un''altra. Scienziati e astronauti selezionati da diverse parti del mondo vengono inviati a esplorare Rama II e a svelarne i segreti. Ma mentre si avventurano all''interno dell''astronave, scoprono mondi e paesaggi surreali e fenomeni che sfidano la comprensione dell''uomo, e intanto sulla Terra e all''interno del loro stesso gruppo si scatenano rivalità e ambizioni. Quella scritta da Clarke e Lee è un''odissea che esplora le profondità dello spazio e dell''animo umano.

Renowned structural engineer Dr. Vannevar Morgan seeks to link Earth to the stars by constructing a space elevator that willl connect to an orbiting satellite 22,300 miles from the planet''s surface. The elevator would lift interstellar spaceships into orbit without the need of rockets to blast through the earth''s atmosphere-- making space travel easier and more cost-effective. Unfortunately, the only appropriate surface base for the the elevator is located at the top of a mountain already occupied by an ancient order of Buddhist monks who strongly oppose the project. Morgan must face down their opposition-- as well as enormous technical, political, and economic challenges-- if he is to create his beanstalk to the heavens. An epic novel of daring dreams spanning twenty decades, this award-winning drama combines believable science with heart-stopping suspense.

De forma magistral, Arthur C. Clarke imagina o futuro distante da humanidade nesta que é considerada uma de suas obras mais visionárias. Ao longo das eras, inúmeras cidades foram erguidas na Terra, mas nenhuma como Diaspar. Por muitos milênios, sua cúpula protetora impediu que a decadência e o perigo do mundo exterior adentrassem suas ruas e muros. Antes de Diaspar, os homens construíram impérios e conquistaram as estrelas. Mas então, como diz a lenda, os Invasores vieram, condenando a humanidade a este último refúgio num planeta onde os oceanos desapareceram e já não existem chances de sobrevivência fora da redoma. Será preciso um homem – um Singular – para romper a inércia sufocante de Diaspar, destruir a lenda e descobrir a verdadeira natureza dos Invasores. Publicado pela primeira vez em 1956, A cidade e as estrelas é uma versão revista, expandida e definitiva de Against the fall of night, um dos primeiros trabalhos de Clarke, publicado originalmente na revista Startling Stories, e é considerado por muitos um dos melhores romances da era de ouro da ficção científica.

Ezer év telt el a titokzatos holdi monolit megszólalása és a Discovery-expedíció szerencsétlensége óta. Az új virágkorát élő emberiség horizontján azonban viharfelhők gyülekeznek. Nyugtalanító felfedezések utalnak arra, hogy az űrben az értelem csodáját elvető idegenek még korántsem tekintik befejezettnek kísérletüket, és végső céljuk a Föld számára akár a pusztulást is jelentheti. Civilizációnk sorsát egyetlen ember tartja a kezében… csakhogy ő már ezer éve halott! A sci-fi nagymestere, Sir Arthur C. Clarke méltó módon, egy letehetetlenül izgalmas és pazar szellemi kalanddal zárta le Űrodisszeia-sorozatát. A távoli jövőbe kalauzoló, de napjaink számára is fontos üzeneteket hordozó 3001 most javított, újraszerkesztett formában kerül az olvasók elé. „A 3001 nem csupán egy fantasztikusan érdekfeszítő regény, amelyben fény derül a HAL nevű mesterséges intelligencia szándékaira és a monolitok titkára, hanem egy nagyon bölcs, gondolatgazdag és provokatív könyv is.” – New Scientist „Clarke saját hatalmas és futurisztikus univerzumának egyszemélyes Ősrobbanása.” – Sunday Times „Lendületes, magával ragadó… A 3001 az SF Nagymester képzelőerejének szárnyalását mutatja.” – The Times

In den Tiefen des Jupiters Howard Falcon ist zum Fliegen geboren. Am liebsten gleitet er mit ultramodernen Heißluft Ballonen durch die Lüfte. Auch nach einem Unfall, bei dem er schwer verletzt wird, gibt Falco seine Leidenschaft nicht auf. Und er hat sich ehrgeizige Ziele gesteckt: Als erster Mensch will er mit einem speziell dafür konstruierten Schiff, der Kon-Tiki, durch die obersten Atmosphärenschichten des Jupiters fliegen. Falcon erhält den Auftrag – und traut seinen Augen nicht: Jupiters Gasozeane werden von gigantischen, quallenähnlichen Lebewesen und ihren den Manta-Rochen ähnelnden Räubern bewohnt. Als die Tiere Falcons Schiff entdecken, gerät die Kon-Tiki in Gefahr. Falcon muss schier Übermenschliches leisten, um Schiff und Crew zu retten. Aber Falcon ist schon lange kein Mensch mehr ...

Ein ungewöhnlicher Auftrag Seit dreihundert Jahren arbeiten die Mönche in einem abgelegenen Kloster an der gewaltigen Aufgabe, durch Permutation alle neun Milliarden Namen Gottes aufzuschreiben. Als das Computerzeitalter anbricht, stehen ihnen plötzlich gigantische Rechenmaschinen zur Verfügung, die diese Aufgabe immens beschleunigen. Doch was wird passieren, wenn die Maschinen alle Namen ausgedruckt haben? Zwei Computertechniker stehen kurz davor, es herauszufinden ... Die Erzählung „Die Neun Milliarden Namen Gottes“ erscheint als exklusives E-Book Only bei Heyne und umfasst ca. 10 Seiten. Sie ist auch in dem Sammelband „Die andere Seite des Himmels“ von Arthur C. Clarke enthalten.

Ein Abenteuer unter Wasser In der Zukunft beherrschen riesige Hoverschiffe nicht nur die Meere, sondern auch die Highways der Welt. Auf Luftkissen befördern sie rasend schnell Passagiere und Fracht. Eines Nachts hält eines davon direkt neben Johnnys Haus an, offenbar mit einem Motorschaden. Der neugierige Junge lässt sich die Gelegenheit nicht entgehen, sich einen dieser Giganten aus der Nähe anzusehen – und wird prompt zum blinden Passagier. Als das Hoverschiff auf hoher See erneut Schiffbruch erleidet, flieht die Mannschaft in den Rettungsbooten und lässt Johnny zurück. Doch er hat Glück: Eine Schule Delfine rettet ihn und bringt ihn zu einem unglaublichen Ort: der Delfininsel ...

Nächster Stock: Geostationärer Orbit! Im 22. Jahrtausend will Dr. Vannevar Morgan einen uralten Menschheitstraum erfüllen und einen Fahrstuhl zu den Sternen bauen. Mit einer Höhe von 36.000 Kilometern können mit einem solchen Mammutbauwerk Stationen im Orbit erreicht werden, ohne dafür Raketen einsetzen zu müssen. Der einzige Ort auf der Erde, an dem ein solches Vorhaben möglich ist, liegt in den Bergen von Taprobane, die von einem uralten buddhistischen Orden bewohnt werden – der mit allen Mitteln den Bau sabotiert. Doch selbst als der Fahrstuhl bereits in Betrieb ist, hören die Probleme nicht auf ...

Fern der Erde entscheidet sich das Schicksal der Menschheit Die Überlebenden der zweiten Rama-Mission legen in zwölf Jahren in dem zylinderförmigen Riesenraumschiff die Strecke bis zum Sirius zurück, wo sich eine Rama-Raumstation befindet. Die Fremden wollen die Menschen auf Herz und Nieren testen und entscheiden, ob ihnen der Weg zu den Sternen offenstehen soll. Doch die Menschheit schneidet dabei alles andere als gut ab ...

An inquiry into the limits of the possible. Our problems on Jupiter, Mercury, Venus - conquering Time - transport in the future - overcoming gravity - communications across space - benevolent electronic brains. The range of this enthralling book is immense: from the re-making of the human mind to the vast reaches of the universe. Newly revised, even the remarkable events of the last decade have affected few of the exciting speculations by Arthur C. Clarke - a scientist whose expert and wide knowledge is matched only by his brilliant imagination.

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

This grand space adventure explores the fate of humanity a billion years in the future— A visionary classic by one of science fiction''s greatest minds. Far in the future, Earth''s oceans have evaporated and humanity has all but vanished. The inhabitants of Diaspar believe their domed city is all that remains of an empire that had once conquered the stars. Inside the dome, the citizens live in technological splendor, free from the distractions of aging and disease. Everything is controlled precisely, just as the city''s designers had intended. But a boy named Alvin, unlike his fellow humans, shows an insatiable—and dangerous—curiosity about the world outside the dome. His questions will send him on a quest to discover the truth about the city and humanity''s history—as well as its future. A masterful and awe-inspiring work of imagination, The City and the Stars is considered one of Arthur C. Clarke''s finest novels.

From one of the bestselling science fiction authors of all time comes this heart-stopping far future novel of an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. A century into the future, technology has solved most of the problems that have plagued our time. However, a new problem is on the horizon—one greater than humanity has ever faced. A massive asteroid is racing toward Earth, and its impact could destroy all life on the planet. Immediately after the asteroid—named "Kali" after the Hindu goddess of chaos and destruction—is discovered, the world''s greatest scientists begin researching a way to prevent the disaster. In the meantime, Cpt. Robert Singh, aboard the starship Goliath, may be the only person who can stop the asteroid. But this heroic role may demand the ultimate sacrifice. "Entertaining . . . [Clark] handles both ideas and characters with deftness and wit." — Chicago Sun-Times

A gripping novel of human ingenuity during World War II, based on the visionary author''s own wartime experiences as a radar control operator. One of the most influential science fiction writers of the twentieth century, Arthur C. Clarke has consistently anticipated the actual achievements of science and technology. In Glide Path, he turns back the clock to tell a thrilling story about the groundbreaking exploration of radar during WWII. Clarke''s only non–science fiction novel shines with the same qualities that made his award-winning space adventures timeless classics: topnotch suspense, fascinating science, and memorable characters. A hidden gem in Clarke''s impressive body of work, Glide Path is an enthralling read for both science fiction fans and history aficionados.

A man discovers the planet''s destiny in the ocean''s depths in this near-future novel by one of the twentieth century''s greatest science fiction authors. In the very near future, humanity has fully harnessed the sea''s immense potential, employing advanced sonar technology to control and harvest untold resources for human consumption. It is a world where gigantic whale herds are tended by submariners and vast plankton farms stave off the threat of hunger. Former space engineer Walter Franklin has been assigned to a submarine patrol. Initially indifferent to his new station, if not bored by his daily routines, Walter soon becomes fascinated by the sea''s mysteries. The more his explorations deepen, the more he comes to understand man''s true place in nature—and the unique role he will soon play in humanity''s future. A lasting testament to Arthur C. Clarke''s prescient and powerful imagination, The Deep Range is a classic work of science fiction that remains deeply relevant to our times.

The technologically groundbreaking novel of space exploration from the only science fiction author nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Roy Malcolm has always been fascinated by space travel. And when he wins a voyage to the Inner Space Station as a game show prize, he''s sure it''s the trip of a lifetime. Before long, Roy is taken in by the young crew—and shares their adventures and lives. One of Arthur C. Clarke''s earliest novels, Islands in the Sky is particularly noteworthy for its description of geostationary communications satellites. While this technology was nonexistent during the writing of this book, it later became commonplace—and Clarke is credited with the first practical descriptions of such technology. This book is compelling not just as a fictional tale, but as an example of the prescient power of Clarke''s vision. "[Clarke is] one of the truly prophetic figures of the space age." — The New Yorker

A futuristic tale of intergalactic love and politics from the legendary "colossus of science fiction" and creator of 2001: A Space Odyssey ( The New Yorker). In the year 2276, Duncan Makenzie travels from Saturn''s moon, Titan, to Earth as a diplomatic guest at the United States'' Quincentennial. As a member of Titan''s ''First Family'' descended from the moon''s original settlers five hundred years before, Duncan finds himself welcomed back to Mother Earth and into Washington''s glittering political and social scene. But Duncan isn''t just on Earth for ambassadorial reasons. Haunted by the memory of a woman from Earth he once loved, Duncan is also on a mission to continue his family line . . . despite a devastating genetic defect. A tour-de-force of vivid characterization, futuristic vision, and suspense, Imperial Earth is one of Arthur C. Clarke''s most ambitious and thought-provoking novels. "Clarke at the height of his powers." — The New York Times

Predating the earliest manned space mission: the first full-length science fiction novel from the acclaimed author of 2001: A Space Odyssey. First published in 1951, before the achievement of space flight, Arthur C. Clarke created this visionary tale. Renowned science fiction writer Martin Gibson joins the spaceship Ares, the world''s first interplanetary ship for passenger travel, on its maiden voyage to Mars. His mission: to report back to the home planet about the new Mars colony and the progress it has been making. In The Sands of Mars, Clarke addresses hard physical and scientific issues with aplomb—and the best scientific understanding of the times. Included are the challenges of differing air pressures, lack of oxygen, food provisions, severe weather patterns, construction on Mars, and methods of local travel—both on the surface and to the planet''s two moons. "[Clarke is] one of the truly prophetic figures of the space age." — The New Yorker

A compendium of science fiction stories filled with "high diversion, amusement and amazement" from the legendary creator of 2001: A Space Odyssey ( Los Angeles Times). In the White Hart Pub in London just north of Fleet Street, Harry Purvis holds court with his fellow writers of scientific yarns. A consummate storyteller, Harry is joined by the actual writers Samuel Youd, John Wyndham, and Clarke himself, all under pseudonyms, and all trying to outdo each other with their outlandish tales of science and invention. Inspired by the Jorkens collections by Lord Dunsany, this anthology combines elements of comedy and horror, with "sly wit and inviting prose style" and a distinctly English flavor ( AV Club). Written by a "collossus of science fiction," Tales from the White Hart is not just for fans of the genre, but for anyone who appreciates a good tall tale ( The New Yorker). "One of the most astounding imaginations ever encountered in print." — The New York Times

Wir sind nicht allein Hundert Jahre ist es her, seit die Overlords, technisch hochentwickelte Aliens, Kontakt zu den Menschen aufgenommen haben. Sie verhalfen der Menschheit zu Weiterentwicklung, Fortschritt und Wohlstand. Selbst als sich herausstellte, dass die Overlords aussehen wie der Antichrist, nahmen das die mittlerweile sehr viel toleranteren Menschen hin. Jetzt offenbaren die Fremden ihre wahren Absichten: Sie sind gekommen, um die Kinder mitzunehmen ...

11 settembre, data fatidica: in quel giorno (ma nel 2077) un grosso meteorite si abbatte sulla Pianura padana, devastandola. Per evitare che disastri del genere possano ripetersi, viene approvato d''urgenza il progetto Guardia Spaziale, con il compito di catalogare e studiare l''orbita degli asteroidi nel sistema solare.

By Space Possessed brings together Clarke''s essays on travel to the planets and beyond in a form where they can be read individually or as a continuing narrative. It describes the history of an enthusiasm that took a Somerset farm boy to international fame, starting with the delightful, self-deprecating humour of the early days of British Interplanetary Society and proceeding to deeper concerns when at last the early daydreams, mocked by so many, began to come radiantly true. Along the way there are delights of Clarke''s prediction of the Moon landing, the lecture which prompted Bernard Shaw to join the British Interplanetary Society and the birthpangs of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Humanity''s future lies in space. These ever-topical essays, covering crucial years of interplanetary speculation and exploration show that one man, Arthur C. Clarke, has always been capable of foreseeing possibilities and probabilities, and opening up magnificent vistas to those willing to look with unblinkered eyes and minds. This is a testament to his vision.

Arthur C. Clarke has been one of the most influential commentators on - and prophets of - the communications technology which has created the global village. Now, drawing partly on his own sometimes very personal writings, he provides an absorbing history and survey of modern communications. The story begins with the titanic struggles to lay transatlantic telegraph cables in the nineteenth century. Fighting against widespread scepticism, lack of funds, technical disasters and setbacks - and against the Atlantic itself, above and below the surface - the pioneers achieved the seemingly impossible and by 1858 Britain and America were linked by Telegraph. Nearly a century later, as the first transatlantic telephone cable was being laid, the technology that would rival and perhaps even supersede it was undergoing its painful birth as scientists developed the communications satellite precisely as Clarke first described in his famous 1945 article Wireless World, ''Extra-terrestrial Relays'', reprinted in this book. The rivalry between cable and satellite continued through the decades. Communication satellites (Comsats) performed even beyond the most optimistic expectations, but cable fought back with the development of the transistor. Then, in one of the most dramatic and unexpected breakthroughs in any technology, the potential of cable systems was transformed. The development of fibre optics technology meant that once more the seabeds of the world began to be draped with the newest and most sophisticated artefacts of human engineering. It is an enthralling story, filled with extraordinary events and people, and Arthur C. Clarke brings all his storytelling flair and scientific expertise to bear on it. The result is a superb combination of history, comment and challenging speculation.

ufeffIf you want an omnibus of short fiction by Arthur C. Clarke, a Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master, then you want The Collected Stories of Arthur C. Clarke. If you''re looking for a representative sample of Clarke''s short stories, or for some examples of the creative and extrapolative abilities that established Clarke as one of science fiction''s greatest and most important writers, then check out Tales from Planet Earth. Tales from Planet Earth ranges widely across time, but the stories are centered on our home world. Many SF writers confine their visions of earth to its flatlands, but Clarke is three-dimensional; his stories "Hate," "The Deep Range," and "The Man Who Ploughed the Sea" plunge into the ocean, while "The Cruel Sky" ascends the Himalayas. Some stories, like "The Other Tiger" and "''If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth...,’" end on chilling twists. "The Road to the Sea" spans centuries and millennia to explore how humanity''s exodus to the stars may affect the world left behind. "Hate" considers how transcendence of the Earth''s atmosphere may affect ancient enmities. "The Parasite" demonstrates a scary nastiness not usually associated with Clarke. "The Wall of Darkness" is set on an alternate-universe earth so different from ours, and "The Lion of Comarre" is set in a future so far away, that both stories feel like fantasy; but both are rigorously extrapolated from scientific theory. Two lighthearted entertainments, "The Next Tenants" and "The Man Who Ploughed the Sea," are from Tales of the White Hart. All of the stories in Tales from Planet Earth are recommended. “Here...is a collection of Arthur''s science fiction stories, science fiction dealing with science, extrapolated intelligently. How you will enjoy it!" —ISAAC ASIMOV

During World War II, as an RAF officer, Arthur C. Clarke was in charge of the first radar ''talk-down'' equipment, the Ground Controlled Approach, during its experimental trials. His novel GLIDE PATH is based on this work

Back in a new cover is this collection of fifteen classic tales of man and the stars by the "king of science fiction".

Looking for new underwater worlds to conquer, Arthur Clarke and Mike Wilson followed up their expedition to Australia''s Great Barrier Reef (described in The Coast of Coral) by exploring the romantic seas surrounding Ceylon. Meetings with dangerous and beautiful marine creatures were only one side of the expedition''s activities. Their adventures included the discovery of many wrecks and the investigation of a 3,000-year-old Hindu temple lying on the ocean bed. Clarke and Wilson lived among the Ceylonese natives, their contact with Europeans virtually limited to the dozen members of the Ceylonese Reefcombers Club, who shared many of their underwater adventures. When weather conditions ruled out skin diving, they explored the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Sinhalese cities, made trips into the jungles in search of wild life, and visited Buddhist monasteries. Clarke and Wilson''s experiences provide vivid impressions of old and new Ceylon, one of the key countries of the Far East, and give vivid impressions of the fantastic life of the tropical reefs and the strange transformations which lost ships undergo when the sea works its will on them.

Selon la légende, les hommes auraient jadis conquis les étoiles. Jadis, d''immenses villes auraient fleuri à la surface de la Terre. Puis les Envahisseurs sont venus, laissant l''Humanité exsangue, confinée sur sa planète natale. Pendant des millénaires, la cité de Diaspar a servi de refuge aux rares rescapés. Une prison dorée, close sur elle-même, sagement gérée par un ordinateur omnipotent. Dix millions d''habitants y naissent et y renaissent artificiellement, sans jamais vraiment mourir... Jusqu''à l''apparition d''un être unique, Alvin, qui refuse cette existence pétrifiée et sans but. Bravant les lois de Diaspar, il va entamer un fantastique voyage parmi les mondes morts, qui le mènera aux confins de la galaxie. Un space opera flamboyant, empreint de poésie et d''aventure. Une œuvre inoubliable par l''auteur des Enfants d''Icare et de Rendez-vous avec Rama.

Author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Childhood''s End, The City and the Stars, and the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Rendezvous with Rama, Arthur C. Clarke is the most celebrated science fiction author alive. He is—with H. G. Wells, Isaac Asimov, and Robert A. Heinlein—one of the writers who define science fiction in our time. Now Clarke has cooperated in the preparation of a massive, definitive edition of his collected shorter works. From early work like "Rescue Party" and "The Lion of Comarre," through classics like "The Star," "Earthlight," "The Nine Billion Names of God," and "The Sentinel" (kernel of the later novel, and movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey), all the way to later work like "A Meeting with Medusa" and "The Hammer of God," this immense volume encapsulates one of the great SF careers of all time.