Expedition to Earth

Expedition to Earth cover

This book is a collection of eleven short stories written by Arthur C. Clarke.  The book was originally published in 1953.  The copy that I read (pictured in this entry) is the 1985 edition, its cover art was done by Stanislaw Fernandes.  The eleven stories are:

• Second Dawn
• “If I forget thee, oh earth…”
• Breaking Strain
• History Lesson
• Superiority
• Exile of the Eons
• Hide and Seek
• Expedition to Earth
• Loophole
• Inheritance
• The Sentinel

Each and every story is interesting and worthwhile. This collection of stories is amazing.  I say that because, as a general rule, I dislike short stories. I usually avoid them at all costs and don’t bother to try to read them.  I think short stories have gotten a bad reputation because it seems they are have become the choice product of those who actually cannot write very well.  Needless to say, the fact that I truly enjoyed and highly recommend these stories is significant because they are so far from my normal reading preferences.

The titles are okay, but in my mind, as I read the story, I simplified the titles. So, “Second Dawn” became “The One with the one-legged people.”  And “Exile of the Eons” was “The One Where Hitler Wakes Up.”  Mind you, there is nothing but a vague resemblance to Hitler in that story, and the point is not about Hitler but about reasons for exile. Here is one of the main reasons that I loved these stories:   they were science-fiction, but also philosophical.  At each story, I was particularly impressed with Clarke’s ability to write a really engaging story, focused on science-fiction themes and settings, that was also interesting from a philosophical viewpoint.  Also, unlike many authors, Clarke doesn’t browbeat the reader. The “moral” of the story (if there is one) and the “conclusion” of the story are not heavy-handed and the reader is not forced to follow the author’s position/opinion.

The stories are all written smoothly, starting in media res, without a tedious amount of background or rambling justification. This was a pure joy to read. My favorite story is “History Lesson.”  My second favorite is “Hide and Seek.”

This should be mandatory reading for all those who read science-fiction.  It should also be mandatory to all college students. It would also be an excellent book for book clubs that like to have discussion-based meetings. For those who love a good book that makes one imagine and ponder – this is a definite.

5 stars