Books

London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1954. Hardcover. NF. 8vo 8" - 9" tall; Signed by Author. Near Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. Inscribed by the author "To Steve from Arthur C Clarke". One of Clarke's most celebrated works. Stanley Kubrick expressed interest in adapting the book to film during the 1960's but eventually collaborated with Clarke on 2001: a Space odyssey instead. The syfy channel did release a miniseries based on the book in 2015. Nominated for a Retro-Hugo in 2004 and nominated several times by Locus for All-Time best SF novel. This is a beautiful collectors copy. NF or better book with no specific defects. NF or better dust jacket, unclipped and with some internal support at the top of the spine. Very minor edgewear and now with brodart jacket. Housed in a custom Slipcase. A superior copy of this important novel. Provenance: From the Estate of Dr Stephen Landan, a life-long Sci-Fi fan who regularly attended conventions in USA and UK and who was a longtime member of The…

"Childhood's End" is a science fiction novel written by British author Arthur C. Clarke, first published in 1953. Set primarily in the mid-20th century, the story spans several decades and explores humanity's encounter with a mysterious alien race known as the Overlords. The novel begins with the sudden appearance of enormous alien spaceships over the major cities of Earth. The Overlords, as the aliens come to be called, make themselves known to humanity but refuse to reveal their true appearance, communicating only through a spokesperson named Karellen. Despite initial apprehension and fear, the Overlords quickly establish themselves as benign and benevolent overseers, ushering in an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity on Earth. Under the guidance of the Overlords, humanity achieves remarkable technological advancements and social progress. War and conflict become things of the past, and the world unites under a single global government. However, despite the apparent utopia, some individuals begin to question the true intentions of the Overlords and the nature of their ultimate plan for humanity. As decades pass, a new generation of children begins to exhibit extraordinary psychic abilities, suggesting that humanity is on the brink of a profound evolutionary transformation. The Overlords reveal that they have been shepherding humanity toward this evolutionary leap, preparing them for a higher state of existence beyond the physical constraints of mortality and suffering. As the children's powers continue to develop, they become increasingly detached from the rest of humanity, forming a separate and enigmatic group known as the "New Men." Meanwhile, tensions rise among the adults, who grapple with their own existential questions and fears about the future of humanity. Ultimately, the true nature of the Overlords' plan is revealed: they are caretakers and guardians, overseeing humanity's transition into a new stage of existence as part of a cosmic cycle of evolution. As the children reach maturity and prepare to transcend the physical world, the Overlords depart from Earth, leaving humanity to embark on its own journey into the unknown. "Childhood's End" is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of humanity's place in the universe, the nature of evolution, and the consequences of transcending the boundaries of mortality and consciousness. Arthur C. Clarke's visionary storytelling and philosophical insights have cemented the novel's status as a classic of science fiction literature, inspiring generations of readers with its profound themes and imaginative vision of the future.