The City and the Stars and the Sands of Mars [Paperback]

Arthur C. Clarke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

Two classic novels are collected in this volume that includes a new introduction written by the author. In "The City and the Stars", the only man born among immortals wants to find out what lies beyond the city. And in "The Sands of Mars", a science-fiction writer visits a research colony on Mars and discovers the perils of survival on another world.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Published in 1953, 1952, and 1979, respectively, this trio of novels follow Clarke's recurring theme of humans thrusting themselves into space and then not necessarily liking what they find. The religious images that run throughout Clarke's work also are present here.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

One of the most accomplished authors in the history of science fiction, Arthur C. Clarke has written numerous international bestsellers. His visionary classics, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Childhood's End, and Rendezvous with Rama, range across frontiers of science and society, combining exquisitely daring blueprints of future worlds with perceptive observations of our own.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Aspect (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446677965
• ISBN-13: 978-0446677967
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"SIR ARTHUR C. CLARKE (1917-2008) wrote the novel and co-authored the screenplay for 2001: A Space Odyssey. He has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and he is the only science-fiction writer to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. His fiction and nonfiction have sold more than one hundred million copies in print worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine pair of Science Fiction Classics from the 1950's, September 2, 2001

By 

Edward Alexander Gerster "miamibooks" (South Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The City and the Stars and the Sands of Mars (Paperback)

THE CITY AND THE STARS, partially based on his earlier work AGAINST THE FALL OF NIGHT, has been continuously in print since it was first published in 1956. It is Arthur C. Clarke's most enduring tale and is "one of the strongest tales of conceptual breakthrough in genre SF." (Peter Nichols, Encyclopedia of Science Fiction) It is a mesmerizing story of technology, nature, space travel, discovery, 'the future' and the true nature of cosmic perspective. Engaging and articulate, it brings a mystical intensity which has made it a classic, and made Sir Arthur C. Clarke a true grand master of science fiction.

THE SANDS OF MARS, one of Clarke's earliest novels is a bit stiff in its prose, but is still as entertaining today as it was when it was first published in 1952. It is an optimistic tale of survival on Mars--in the very classic mode of human problems being resolved against a backdrop of scientific discovery.

A special thanks should go to Warner Aspect SF division for putting such great works in a contemporary format--and bringing back some of the finest science fiction classics. Some of the other titles they have published in this new format include THE FOUNTAINS OF PARADISE, THE GHOST FROM THE GRAND BANKS and THE DEEP RANGE.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The City and the Stars for Ever, January 5, 2002

By 

Clyde Horrocks (Granite Bay, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The City and the Stars and the Sands of Mars (Paperback)

I read The City and the Stars for the first time in High School in probably 1969 or 1970. It was by far the most profound novel I had ever read. All I could remember was being so upset when it was over. I wanted more. It is that kind of story. You step into another world and you are really there. This book is the one that converted me to Science fiction. I bought the book again in the early 1990's. It was a revised edition and somethings were different.But it was still very good. (I liked the original the best). Arthur C. Clarke is much greater than 2001. This book shows it. Thanks Arthur!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hard SciFi at its original best!, December 20, 2001

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The City and the Stars and the Sands of Mars (Paperback)

This newly released omnibus contains two full-length novels that have become so ubiquitous as to be part of our psyche.

The City and The Stars made such an impression on me that I can remember exactly where I was when I read it for the very first time - seventh grade in Bright, California at one of the meanest junior highs I ever did attend. It was an escape, it was fantastical without being fantasy. It was hard science fiction, set in the future. At that age, I couldn't comprehend how far in the future but I knew it was a place I would have liked to see, doing things that Alvin did. Living that Grand Adventure with him!

I would encourage anyone who hasn't read an early Arthur C. Clarke or knows of any young science fiction fans to buy this omnibus & introduce them to the universe of Arthur C. Clarke. He did write more than 2001: A Space Odyssey - you know!