It has been a long time since I read any of Clarke's short stories, so I can't remember any distinct titles--any suggestions?
as for "The City and the Stars" I have read both versions and (I think I am right here) "...Stars" was the remake of "Against...". I think Clarke's second try at it was much smoother. I've also read "Beyond the Fall of Night"...not so good.
Among the short stories I like NEMESIS (not his best, mind you, but I have a weakness for stories that take place over very long periods of time), THE FIRES WITHIN (about a new life-form found beneath Earth's crust), and THE STAR (one of his most irreligious but most-anthologised stories). The story that's probably his most anthologised, THE NINE BILLION NAMES OF GOD, is good, but I consider it to be fantasy rather than sf.
I thought the Rama series started off spectacularly, especially the first two books, but it sure seemed to nosedive after that. What are your thoughts on that whole series? Maybe he should have just left it at a trilogy, the way it was first proposed.
I agree with your assessment, Johnny, but as a point of order, in an introduction I have read, Clarke states that he never meant to make more than the orginal "Redezvous...". He thought the last line of "Ramans always do everything in threes..." was just a good intreguing way to wrap it up. I think he should have stopped after the original.
Just re-read "Songs of Distant Earth"--man, I really like that story. When I first read it as a young kid I remember the images of the destruction of Earth were so compelling. I found out they still are.
Did you know there are two versions of THE CITY AND THE STARS? - the other version is titled AGAINST THE FALL OF NIGHT.
I would include CHILDHOOD'S END and A FALL OF MOONDUST on this list. And what about short stories? - any favourites?
It has been a long time since I read any of Clarke's short stories, so I can't remember any distinct titles--any suggestions?
as for "The City and the Stars" I have read both versions and (I think I am right here) "...Stars" was the remake of "Against...". I think Clarke's second try at it was much smoother. I've also read "Beyond the Fall of Night"...not so good.
Among the short stories I like NEMESIS (not his best, mind you, but I have a weakness for stories that take place over very long periods of time), THE FIRES WITHIN (about a new life-form found beneath Earth's crust), and THE STAR (one of his most irreligious but most-anthologised stories). The story that's probably his most anthologised, THE NINE BILLION NAMES OF GOD, is good, but I consider it to be fantasy rather than sf.
Great list!!! I warmly recomend Sands Of Mars!
I thought the Rama series started off spectacularly, especially the first two books, but it sure seemed to nosedive after that. What are your thoughts on that whole series? Maybe he should have just left it at a trilogy, the way it was first proposed.
Johnny Waco
I agree with your assessment, Johnny, but as a point of order, in an introduction I have read, Clarke states that he never meant to make more than the orginal "Redezvous...". He thought the last line of "Ramans always do everything in threes..." was just a good intreguing way to wrap it up. I think he should have stopped after the original.
Just re-read "Songs of Distant Earth"--man, I really like that story. When I first read it as a young kid I remember the images of the destruction of Earth were so compelling. I found out they still are.