Arthur C. Clarke: A Critical Companion

One of the most prolific science fiction writers in history, Arthur C. Clarke, began publishing science fiction in the 1930s and has been working on the fourth novel in the Odyssey series nearly 60 years later. This study features detailed analyses of his eight most recent novels within the context of his literary canon. The novels discussed are: Rendezvous with Rama ; Imperial Earth ; The Fountains of Paradise ; 2010: Odyssey Two ; The Songs of the Distant Earth ; 2061: Odyssey Three ; Ghost from the Grand Banks ; and The Hammer of God . The intention of this study is to provide both conventional and alternative readings so that students and readers who enjoy Clarke’s fiction can develop their critical skills. A biographical chapter focuses primarily on Clarke’s early interest in science, his work during World War II, his move to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1956 and his writing career. A chapter on genre discusses the genre of science fiction and Clarke’s contribution to it. Each of the eight novels covered is discussed in an individual chapter. A close reading of the novel features sections on plot development and structure, narrative point of view, character development and themes. Each novel is also examined from an alternative critical approach, such as feminist, gender or postcolonial, to provide the reader with another perspective from which to consider the novel. A bibliography of Clarke’s fiction, selected nonfiction, general and scholarly criticism, and selected reviews and criticism of each of the eight novels completes the work. Because of its currency, easy-to-use format and thorough critical approach, this study should be useful for student use and to update the library’s critical material on Arthur C. Clarke.