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Childhood's End: A Novel Mass Market Paperback – May 12, 1987

by Arthur C. Clarke (Author)

1,480 customer reviews

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Without warning, giant silver ships from deep space appear in the skies above every major city on Earth. Manned by the Overlords, in fifty years, they eliminate ignorance, disease, and poverty. Then this golden age ends--and then the age of Mankind begins....

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“A first-rate tour de force.”—The New York Times

“Frighteningly logical, believable, and grimly prophetic . . . [Arthur C.] Clarke is a master.”—Los Angeles Times

“There has been nothing like it for years; partly for the actual invention, but partly because here we meet a modern author who understands that there may be things that have a higher claim on humanity than its own ‘survival.’ ”—C. S. Lewis

“As a science fiction writer, Clarke has all the essentials.”—Jeremy Bernstein, The New Yorker

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From the Publisher

CHILDHOOD'S END and 3001: FINAL ODYSSEY
A couple of years ago, at the national television syndication convention, I was chatting with Stan Lee (of Marvel Comics). He was asking me what was up at Del Rey, and I mentioned 3001: FINAL ODYSSEY, as well as the new mass market edition we'd just done of CHILDHOOD'S END. Stan stated enthusiastically that, if there was one thing he most wanted to do in this world, it was make a movie of CHILDHOOD'S END, one of his favorite novels. He apparently loves Clarke's work.

So when I got back to the office, I dropped a copy of the two books into the mail. About a week later I was listening to my lunchtime voice mail messages, and there were Stan's unmistakeable tones, sincerely thanking me for the books. This guy deals with the James Cameron's of the world, yet a gift of Arthur C. Clarke causes him to make the time to express his gratitude.

--Steve Saffel, Senior Editor

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Product details

Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Del Rey; Reprint edition (May 12, 1987)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345347951
ISBN-13: 978-0345347954
Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.7 x 6.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 1,480 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #343 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > Hard Science Fiction
- #518 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > First Contact
- #598 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction > Alien Invasion

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Delia C.

Humbling

January 11, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I read quite a few reviews before deciding to purchase this book. As surprised I was about the negative reviews, I do understand where they came from. However, that didn't stop me from giving this book 5 stars. One of the biggest complaints I saw was about the lack of character development. I think because the storyline spans well over 100 years and is told through different characters, you're really not going to get a ton of character development. Just enough to keep the storyline moving along. I think that worked well for this book but, obviously, many will disagree with me. Another criticism is that it has a dark, pessimistic view of human nature. This is very much true...at least, in the first part of the book. The Overlord, Karellen, tells humans they have "a notable incapacity for dealing with the problems of its own rather small planet." I'm a pretty pessimistic person and I agreed with every word of Karellen's speech. However, much later in the book, we discover that there is a kind of hope for the human race. The last major criticism was Clarke's incorporation of paranormal activities in the plot. I thought it was very interesting that he would throw that in there as well. It's explained much later in the book...suffice to say, science has not explained all the mysteries in life and maybe never will. At least, not in my lifetime. This book isn't for everyone. Some readers will downright hate it and understandably so. However, if you can get past these three main criticisms, I think it's definitely worth the read.

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DaveF

First-rate science fiction, a timeless classic!

December 14, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Do not be put off by the age of the book – this is first-rate science fiction, a timeless classic. Arthur C. Clarke (of “2001 – a Space Odyssey" fame) published “Childhood’s End” in 1953, and though a very prolific author, this is one of his best. There are a number of small points in the book that will date the writing to around 1950, but the theme, powerful ideas, and superb writing make this a worthy read in the twenty-first century for anyone who enjoys science fiction.
The title, “Childhood’s End” is a metaphor for the evolution of the human race to a higher level. That evolution is shepherded by an alien species called Overlords in the book. In only 226 pages, Clarke takes us through an understanding of the Overloads and their somewhat benign relationship with man, a visit to the aliens’ home world, and the evolution of our species. His prose is tight and gorgeous; and paints marvelous pictures throughout the story. It is an easy, quick read that will stay with you long after. Why this book has not been turned into a film is beyond me, although I do think it has probably inspired many other movies.
Some readers complain the book is a bit of a downer. I did not read it that way at all. I highly recommend “Childhood’s End” to any science fiction fan.

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kheitl

Classic SF by one of the early masters

December 30, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I first read this book in the '60s, when I was about 12 ... what impressed me then, in the midst of the Cold War, was the sense that mankind could have a greater destiny, and could perhaps overcome the political turmoil that threatened nuclear destruction at any moment. The story is still as gripping 50 years later, and of course I understand the scope of the story now better than I did as a child, even though I notice little indications of the 50s mindset (like everything being from a very male perspective). Anyway, this is one of the great classics that every SF fan should read.

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Handyfan

The Best SF Novel Of All Time?

November 14, 2017

Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase

Probably my favorite SF book of all time. Written in 1953, and yet, the essential question posed by the story is still the definitive question we will face if confronted with a vastly superior life form, presenting fundamental changes to our existence. It starts out as a "strait" hard science early-SF novel, but morphs into so much more. I wish I could go into more detail, but that would be a HUGE spoiler. Read it. This is one of the VERY few SF novels that I recommend to my non-SF friends - and they have all loved it.

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Telly

Outstanding, probably the best book I have ever read.

March 1, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I was going to read a couple chapters and go to bed. Next thing you know, its 9am and the book is finished. And I am now a different person. lol you know the feeling, its one of those. I would say this is his greatest book. Even better than the Space Odyssey books.

CAREFUL, they just made a SyFy miniseries and even looking it up on IMDB blows major plot points from the pictures.

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