Arthur C Clarke
Biographies
“
As I approached the critical age of nineteen, I do not recall that I had any particular ambition, except to read science fiction magazines, look at the Moon through my home-made telescopes, and play with Meccano – the most wonderful toy ever invented up to that time… ”
– Arthur C Clarke, in 1999
Want to know more about the life and works of Arthur C Clarke?
There are dozens of online sources that discuss different aspects of his work and legacy. It is not possible for us to link to them all, but some links have been provided throughout this website.
In addition, here are additional sources
in book form.
In addition, here are additional sources in book form.
by Neil McAleer (McGraw-Hill Contemporary, 1992)
McAleer explores Clarke’s personal vision and career as one of the 20th century’s most popular and influential writers and reveals the life experiences and creative forces that have shaped the man behind the legend.
by Neil McAleer (The Clarke Project, 2012)
This is an extensively revised and expanded edition of the 1992 authorized biography and it covers the full 90 years of Clarke’s life. Beginning with forewords by Walter Cronkite and Ray Bradbury, this new edition offers a unique chronicle of the man whose fiction, including his groundbreaking collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, has received all of science fiction’s highest awards, and whose visionary contribution to science has earned him the nickname “Godfather of the Communication Satellite.”
By Arthur C Clarke (John Wiley & Sons, 1984)
This is a collection of the technical writings of Arthur C Clarke, with commentary by the author. It collects 25 articles that trace Clarke’s scientific thinking on satellite communication, rockets, space flight, and strategies for interstellar robot probes, etc.
By Arthur C Clarke (Bantam Books, 1990)
This is an unusual memoir by Arthur C Clarke of his fascination and involvement with science fiction pulp magazines in his youth. Clarke salutes the writers and illustrators who first aroused his interest in science fiction in the 1930s and 1940s.
Edited by Fred Clarke with Mark Stewart, Kelvin F Long and Robert Godwin (Apogee Prime,2013)
The book opens with Arthur C Clarke’s early years on the family farm in Somerset, as recounted by his brother Fred. It includes special guest contributions from Stephen Baxter, Michael Moorcock, Ben Bova, Greg Benford, Fred Ordway, Robert Sawyer, Paul McAuley, Sir Patrick Moore, British astronaut Helen Sharman and many others; all of whom describe the enduring influence of this celebrated writer.
By Joseph N Pelton (Arthur C Clarke Foundation, 2015)
This book written by Dr Joseph N. Pelton and edited by Peter Marshall, two satellite industry veterans, provides a thoughtful, delightful and often wry romp through Clarke’s extraordinary range of predictions.