Best Selling Books by Arthur C Clarke

The renowned science fiction author''s landmark novel of the last human born on a far future world--and his quest for the truth about existence. Living in the ten-billion-year-old city of Diaspar, Alvin is the last child born of humanity, and he is intensely curious about the outside world. But according to the oldest histories kept by the city fathers, there is no outside world--it was destroyed by the Invaders millions of years ago. One day, Alvin finds a rock with an inscription seemingly meant for him: "There is a better way. Give my greetings to the Keeper of the Records. Alaine of Lyndar." This cryptic message takes Alvin on a quest to discover humanity''s true past--and its future. Originally published in the November 1948 issue of Startling Stories, Against the Fall of Night is a rich and intensely poetic vision of a distant future that''s sure to delight fans of Clarke and science fiction as a genre. "[Clarke is] one of the truly prophetic figures of the space age." --The New Yorker

Divided between the tensions of behind-the-scenes preparations in London and the drama of the launch-pad in Australia, this vintage Arthur C. Clarke novel recounts the events leading up to an epoch-making interplanetary space flight. Precise in his recording of facts, perceptive in his intuitions, Clarke''s historian hero is the ideal narrator of this epic chain of events.

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

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

On its mysterious voyage through interstellar space, a massive alien starship carries its human passengers to the end of a generations-long odyssey. But the great experiment designed by the Ramans has failed, and Rama III has become a battleground. Fleeing a tyrant, a band of humans ventures into the nether regions of the ship, where they encounter an emerald-doomed lair ruled by the fabulously advanced octospiders. As the octospiders lure the humans deeper into their domain, the humans must decide whether the creatures are their allies of enemies. All the while, Rama III continues its in-explorable journey towards the node, where the climax of their voyage awaits the stunning revelation of the true identity of the beings behind this glittering trek across the cosmos.

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

A fast-moving mystery adventure by one of the world''s greatest ever SF writers It is 2010. In two years'' time it will be the centennial of the sinking of the Titanic. Two of the world''s most powerful corporations race to raise the vessel but there are other powers at work, and chaos theory comes into play as plans progress - and six preserved bodies are found. This novel incorporates two of Arthur C.Clarke''s passions - deep sea exploration and future technology - in a fast-moving tale of mysetry and adventure. As operations proceed, the perfectly preserved body of a beautiful girl is found. She was not on the ship''s passenger lists. The quest to uncover the secrets of the wreck and reclaim her becomes an obsession ... and for some, a fatal one.

“A daring romp through the solar system and a worthy successor to 2001.”—Carl Sagan Nine years after the disastrous Discovery mission to Jupiter in 2001, a joint U.S.-Soviet expedition sets out to rendezvous with the derelict spacecraft—to search the memory banks of the mutinous computer HAL 9000 for clues to what went wrong…and what became of Commander Dave Bowman. Without warning, a Chinese expedition targets the same objective, turning the recovery mission into a frenzied race for the precious information Discovery may hold about the enigmatic monolith that orbits Jupiter. Meanwhile, the being that was once Dave Bowman—the only human to unlock the mystery of the monolith—streaks toward Earth on a vital mission of its own . . . “Clarke deftly blends discovery, philosophy, and a newly acquired sense of play.”—Time “2010 is easily Clarke’s best book in over a decade.”—The San Diego Tribune

In the definitive work of his brilliant career, Clarke has collected his most prophetic nonfiction essays, lucidly demonstrating that he not only anticipated many of the 20th century''s greatest scientific innovations, but he in fact helped to shape the path to come. 16-page photo insert.

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.

It has been forty years since the publication of this classic science fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man adventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other. This allegory about humanity''s exploration of the universe, and the universe''s reaction to humanity, was the basis for director Stanley Kubrick''s immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.

This volume is of special interest -- included are a wide range of classic stories, including the title story, "Jupiter Five," "The Deep Range," "Second Dawn," and the earliest of the splendidly comic narratives told by Harry Purvis for the benefit of the denizens of the White Hart.