The author of such science fiction classics as The Sands of Mars, Childhood's End and the world-famous 2001: A Space Odyssey is concerned with both the scientific and the metaphysical aspects of SF. A founder member of the British Interplanetary Society, Clarke originated the proposal for the use of satellites for communications; his technical knowledge is equalled only by his skill as a writer. These eighteen stories are chosen to show Clarke's development in both areas. The collection includes: Hide and Seek One man against a murderously efficient space cruiser-on an asteroid only 20 kilometres wide. The Sentinel The short story on which the author based 2001. Sunjammer A fleet of mighty gunships embarks upon a fabulous voyage. This anthology includes a complete bibliography and an introduction by Arthur C. Clarke.
Author
Sir Arthur Charles Clarke was one of the most important and influential figures in 20th century science fiction. He spent the first half of his life in England, where he served in World War Two as a radar operator, before emigrating to Ceylon in 1956. He is best known for the novel and movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, which he co-created with the assistance of Stanley Kubrick. Clarke was a graduate of King's College, London where he obtained First Class Honours in Physics and Mathematics. He is past Chairman of the British Interplanetary Society, a member of the Academy of Astronautics, the Royal Astronomical Society, and many other scientific organizations. Author of over fifty books, his numerous awards include the 1961 Kalinga Prize, the AAAS-Westinghouse science writing prize, the Bradford Washburn Award, and the John W. Campbell Award for his novel Rendezvous With Rama. Clarke also won the Nebula Award of the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1972, 1974 and 1979, the Hugo Award of the World Science Fiction Convention in 1974 and 1980, and in 1986 became Grand Master of the Science Fiction Writers of America. He was awarded the CBE in 1989.
