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.


Clarke's Best Novel   September 17, 2001
 14 out of 15 found this review helpful

Although Childhood's End seems to get more attention, The City and the Stars is Arthur C. Clarke's best novel. It ia an evocative, awe inspiring look at a society in the far distant future. It evokes a real sense of wonder in a way that very few other books do.

The Sands of Mars, while not on the same level as The City and the Stars, is also a good read.


The City and the Stars for Ever   January 6, 2002
 12 out of 12 found this review helpful

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!


Hard SciFi at its original best!   December 20, 2001
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

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!


Two Classics   September 10, 2002
 9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Two great classics in one book. The City In the Stars is one of the most entertaining sci fi books I have ever read. Clarke challenges your imagination through every step of this one. If there was a movie for every persons vision of this book, not a single one wold be the same. Clarke describes the unimaginable with such simplicity, yet you capture exactly what he is describing. A timeless classic!
Sands of Mars is also very entertaining and is also a must read for any Clarke fan. Although there are many ideas that are false in this book (since we have now seen the surface of Mars) it is interesting to see what Clarke envisioned on this planet. There are great ideas in this novel.