Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur C. Clarke was a British science fiction writer, futurist, and inventor, best known for his novel '2001: A Space Odyssey' and his collaboration with director Stanley Kubrick on the film adaptation. He was a prolific author who made significant contributions to the genre of science fiction and was also known for his work in promoting space exploration.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. 2001
A Space Odyssey
This science fiction novel follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. Dealing with themes of existentialism, human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence and extraterrestrial life, it is a journey of discovery that takes a dangerous turn when the onboard computer begins to malfunction. The story is a complex mix of science, philosophy, and conjecture.
The 795th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Childhood's End
"Childhood's End" is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the evolution of humanity under the guidance of mysterious extraterrestrial beings known as the Overlords. Set in the near future, the book follows the transformation of society as the Overlords bring peace, prosperity, and advanced technology to Earth. However, as the human race reaches a new level of enlightenment, questions arise about the true intentions of the Overlords and the future of humanity itself.
The 1447th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Rendezvous with Rama
In this science fiction classic, humanity encounters an enigmatic alien starship that enters the solar system. Named after the Hindu god, the cylindrical vessel is initially thought to be an asteroid but is soon revealed to be a spacecraft. A team of astronauts is dispatched to intercept and explore the mysterious object, embarking on a high-stakes mission to unlock its secrets. As they journey through the ship's interior, they discover a world of astonishing complexity, artificial landscapes, and advanced technology, all of which challenge their understanding of life and intelligence in the universe. The explorers must race against time to learn as much as possible before the ship, indifferent to their presence, continues on its voyage through the cosmos.
The 2951st Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Profiles Of The Future
An Inquiry into the Limits of the Possible
"Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry into the Limits of the Possible" explores the boundaries of scientific and technological advancements, examining what might be achievable in the future based on the laws of nature as understood at the time of writing. The book delves into a variety of potential developments across different fields, from space travel and teleportation to the possibility of immortality, discussing not only the technological hurdles but also the philosophical and ethical implications of such advancements. The author uses a combination of scientific principles, speculative reasoning, and imaginative scenarios to challenge readers to think about the evolution of technology and its impact on human society.
The 8254th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. The Fountains of Paradise
The book envisions a future where a visionary engineer undertakes the monumental task of constructing a space elevator, a tower stretching from the Earth's surface into geostationary orbit. Set on a fictional island closely resembling Sri Lanka, the narrative intertwines the engineer's ambitious project with the island's ancient history and religious traditions. As the protagonist grapples with technical challenges, political hurdles, and personal conflicts, the story explores themes of human ingenuity, the quest for progress, and the delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future. The space elevator concept, a staple of speculative fiction, serves as a metaphor for humanity's reach for the stars and the technological leaps necessary to achieve such dreams.
The 10043rd Greatest Book of All Time -
6. The City And The Stars
"The City and the Stars" is a science fiction novel set in a far future where humans live in a seemingly perfect city called Diaspar. However, the protagonist, Alvin, feels trapped by the city's immortality and lack of progress. As he embarks on a journey to discover the truth about Diaspar's origins, he uncovers a forgotten past and confronts the mysteries of the universe, ultimately challenging the very foundation of his existence.
The 10916th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. 2010
Odyssey Two
"2010: Odyssey Two" by Arthur C. Clarke is a science fiction novel that follows a joint Soviet-American mission to investigate the mysterious events surrounding the spaceship Discovery One, which disappeared nine years earlier on its mission to Jupiter. As the crew embarks on their journey, they encounter strange occurrences and discover a hidden alien presence on Jupiter's moon, Europa. With tensions rising and the fate of humanity at stake, they must uncover the truth behind the monoliths and face the unimaginable consequences of their discoveries.
The 12025th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. The Songs Of Distant Earth
"The Songs of Distant Earth" is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores the human race's struggle for survival in the face of an impending apocalypse. Set in a future where Earth is on the brink of destruction, the story follows a group of colonists who embark on a journey to a distant planet, hoping to preserve humanity. As they adapt to their new home and encounter the enigmatic inhabitants of the planet, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling, the book invites readers to reflect on the fragility of our existence and the potential for a brighter future.
The 12025th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. The Garden Of Rama
In this science fiction novel, three astronauts—Nicole, Richard, and Michael—find themselves on a massive alien spacecraft, embarking on a journey to a distant star system. As they explore the ship's vast and mysterious environment, they encounter various alien species and face complex challenges that test their survival skills and moral values. The story delves into themes of human resilience, cooperation, and the quest for understanding in the face of the unknown, as the characters strive to adapt to their new reality and uncover the secrets of the enigmatic vessel.
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10. Rama Ii
The Sequel to Rama
In this science fiction novel, a new team of astronauts is sent on a mission to explore a mysterious alien spacecraft, known as Rama II, which has entered the solar system. Set seventy years after the first encounter with the enigmatic vessel, the story delves into the complexities of human nature as the crew grapples with personal conflicts, hidden agendas, and the awe-inspiring mysteries of the alien technology. As they navigate the challenges posed by the spacecraft's intricate environment, the crew members must confront their own fears and ambitions, ultimately revealing the profound impact of the encounter on their lives and the future of humanity.