Wind, Sand and Stars

Book Description

Recipient of the Grand Prix of the Académie Française, Wind, Sand and Stars captures the grandeur, danger, and isolation of flight. Its exciting account of air adventure, combined with lyrical prose and the spirit of a philosopher, makes it one of the most popular works ever written about flying. Translated by Lewis Galantière.

Customer Reviews:

Sumptuous Banquet.......2007-03-16

Some authors will serve a decent story and nourish a reader's sensibilities adequately enough that the reader feels satisfied to have read it. But Saint-Exupery, in "Wind, Sand and Stars," lovingly prepares and serves a sumptuous banquet in his story that not only leaves us readers feeling very well nourished, but also immerses us in the sensual pleasure of tasting and savoring the dishes he sets before us.

If your literary taste runs to the gourmet, read this book.

Magnificent.......2006-11-22

This book is a gem. I was lucky enough to find a copy a great used book store and have treasured it. Knowing how he died it is especially poignant to read his experiences flying in the early days of flight through fantastic countryside. You will love this book.

exquisite.......2006-11-10

how many of us read NIGHT FLIGHT in high school as quickly as possible? my grown experience of Saint-Exupery is the opposite. i linger over every page. Saint-Exupery provides a literary meal to be savored page by page. call me an escapist but the skies over Buenos Aires never looked so good.

I don't get it........2006-07-30

This was an interestng diversion but hardly the masterpiece that I was led to expect. Pretty ordinary.

A wonderful, easy reading.......2006-04-07

Only on a few occasions in a lifetime is one given the chance to read a novel that so captures the lightness of the human spirit and the joy of living as in Antoine de Saint-Exup?ry's Wind, Sand, and Stars. With elegant, nearly poetic writing, he presents a small collection of stories from a lifetime of philosophy and adventure. Saint-Exup?ry was a French pilot who flew for the postal service A?ropostale in the 1920s, a time period when aviation was still a revolutionary and dangerous activity. Any fears he had were shadowed by his absolute love of flying and passion for soaring high above the earth, away from the material desires and violence of society. This endearing relationship between Saint-Exup?ry and his aircraft shows one of the many ways, as Wind, Sand, and Stars documents, that he finds happiness in his everyday life.

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A disappointment, sorry to say
extremely subtle, occasionally difficult, and enigmatic, but 1st rate scifi
An entertaining, thought provoking read
As thought-provoking today as it was when first published
Delany has a lot more than 5 stars in his pocket

Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand
Samuel R. Delany
Manufacturer: Bantam Dell Pub Group (Trd)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553050532

Book Description

Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand is a science fiction masterpiece, an essay on the inexplicability of sexual attractiveness, and an examination of interstellar politics among far-flung worlds. First published in 1984, the novel's central issues--technology, globalization, gender, sexuality, and multiculturalism--have only become more pressing with the passage of time.

The novel's topic is information itself: What are the repercussions, once it has been made public, that two individuals have been found to be each other's perfect erotic object out to "point nine-nine-nine and several nines percent more"? What will it do to the individuals involved, to the city they inhabit, to their geosector, to their entire world society, especially when one is an illiterate worker, the sole survivor of a world destroyed by "cultural fugue," and the other is--you!

Customer Reviews:

A disappointment, sorry to say.......2007-09-25

Delany is a highly-regarded science fiction author known for his notoriously hard-to-read novels (such as this one, or Dhalgren). As a voracious reader of sci-fi, I had to eventually give him a try. Stars in My Pocket is the book I tried, and I hate to say it, but it was disappointing. The book has an Agenda, big time, and really very little story. It seems that, back in 1984, Delany, a gay black man, decided to try to shake up the "straight" world with a book that turns our notions of "normal" sexualtiy inside out. But even in 1984, this was familiar territory, and the trail had been blazed by James Baldwin Another Country in "mainstream" fiction, and of course Heinlein in Time Enough for Love and I Will Fear No Evil, among others. So, the "strangeness" factor is not enough to carry the book, which is too bad, since there's not much of a story here. And as Heinlein and others have shown, a novel need not lack a plot while investigating what it means to be human. Though the preface proclaims that the book is "the most truly galactic novel ever written", I'd have to say I've seen it done much better elsewhere. A good recent example is the Golden Age trilogy by John C. Wright [start here:The Golden Age (The Golden Age, Book 1) ]. The 6000-world backdrop of this book are just part of the Agenda, which is to force diversity down the reader's throat, and damn the sales figures. It's a shame, because I happen to be sympathetic to Delany's cause. But if you want to change the world, why not write something that will be widely read? From what I've read here, I'm guessing Delany is not capable of seeing beyond the bounds of his race and sexual gender. Either that, or he is just writing for himself, and doesn't care who buys his books. In either case, I will pass on Professor Delany from now on.

extremely subtle, occasionally difficult, and enigmatic, but 1st rate scifi.......2007-05-14

I wrestled with this novel more than usual. It is vividly written, a genuinely beautiful style that evokes a brilliantly conceived future world without completely explaining what is going on. If this is something you enjoy unravelling - even re-reading - this is a true masterpiece of scifi that can stand on its own as a fine novel. It is of the same caliber as Octavia Butler or Frank Herbert, in my view.

This novel plays with the reader in a number of unusual ways. First, there is the race of the protagonists: it makes a difference in the plot and meaning depending on how you picture it in your mind's eye. Second, there are so many basic plot/theme inferences that there are many different ways to connect the dots. While confusing, it is also a challenge. Third, there are many seemingly unrelated incidents, which may indeed form a whole if you can recognise the overall pattern of the tapestry. It is deliciously mysterious and fearfully evocative.

Spoiler warning. My reading of it is that there is a crisis, with the strangely destructive and apparently unknowable aliens. Into this, a learning disabled man miraculously survives a completely destroyed planet and with the help of technology assumes the charisma of an enlightened despot, which establishes a cult following of a frightened populace. But what is so amazing about this is the detail of the world as imagined, from the turtle-like nature species to the bizarre practices of an elite family (they taste rocks while hunting).

Warmly recommended.

An entertaining, thought provoking read.......2006-04-10

This novel starts out slow, as many of Delany's novels do. His creative use of language takes a couple of chapters to comprehend, but then his narrative and storytelling grabs you and keeps you completely involved in the story. The main character is "human" and there is the familiar human side of the story, but this is intertwined with the alien side of the story in a universe of many planets with different cultures.
I found myself filling in the many "blanks" Delany did not include in the story. Believe me, I am not complaining about the lack of details, he provides plenty. This novel is thought provoking and entertaining.

As thought-provoking today as it was when first published.......2005-04-10

Samuel R. Delany is a novelist and critic, currently teaching English and creative writing at Temple University. A renowned author of science fiction, he has won both Hugo and Nebula awards. Now the Wesleyan University Press has published a 20th anniversary edition of one of Delany's very best science fiction epics, Stars In My Pocket Like Grains Of Sand. The central issues Delany addresses in a fictional format (technology, globalization, gender, sexuality, multiculturalism) have become even more center stage with the passage of time. This anniversary edition will serve to introduce a whole new generation of readers to Delany's imaginative and superbly skilled storytelling abilities with a science fiction novel that is as entertaining and thought-provoking today as it was when first published in 1984.

Delany has a lot more than 5 stars in his pocket.......2004-11-18

Delany is one of the greatest writers of any genre. This novel is simply brilliant, and every time I read it I find more reasons to love it. Although I'd love to see a sequel, I've always thought that leaving us all hanging for a book that will never come only strengthens the point of the book in the first place. Go back to it and read it again; everything you need is already there. The writing is alive and every word is packed with beauty and meaning. The passage near the end discussing the many possible meanings of arriving on a new world at dawn is just about one of the most effective---and affective---passages ever written in a science fiction novel. Delany's work is entertaining and important. But be prepared to think and wonder and stretch your mind.

The Chronicles of Soone - Heir to the King

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Somers' Soone Debut!
from Wayne Thomas Batson, Author of The Door Within Trilogy and Isle of Swords
An action packed read with spiritual overtones
You Must Get This Book!
Exciting and fast paced, great story line

The Chronicles of Soone - Heir to the King
James Somers
Manufacturer: Breakneck Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0978655125

Book Description

SPIRITUAL DARKNESS A devastating interplanetary war has been raging for decades. The fallen ones have instigated mankind's downfall, waging a sinister campaign leading towards a singular goal, universal domination. A WARRIOR RACE Long the ordained guardians of peace, the Barudii, have been reduced to a scattered remnant struggling to survive. All but wiped out by the Vorn clan, they have little hope of stopping the genocide that threatens mankind's survival. THE LAST HEIR Young Tiet soone, the only remaining heir to the Barudii throne, returns from exile to avenge his fallen people. He is the final hope for restoration, and the only one that can mediate a peace between the warring clans before its too late...before the dark forces opposing his every effort succeed in enslaving humanity. To claim victory he will do what Barudii warriors do best-fight-to the death if need be.

Customer Reviews:

Somers' Soone Debut!.......2007-09-20

New author James Soone debuts his first novel in a seemingly new series that comes off reading like a mix of Star Wars vs Terminator.

Both genres of both film and novels here are quickly apparent in the prose. Well, that can be good...and also bad.

We felt that James Somers holds great potential, but overall after reading the first 1/3 of the novel, we got a feeling of lack of quality in terms of much-needed descriptions and characterization. Unfortunately, those came as run-of-the-mill.

On a more postive note, Somers never lets up in pure high-octane action/adventure. But after reading Best-Selling authors for many years, action/adventure is not enough. It is just a couple of important elements, yes, but cannot hold up the whole novel idea as a whole.

There was also the major problem of editing. Numerous mistakes here made this reading experience a headache at times. But James Somers CAN write. And we would look at a 2nd novel of Soone.

And hope for a more well-rounded novel.

from Wayne Thomas Batson, Author of The Door Within Trilogy and Isle of Swords.......2007-03-17

The Promising First Step in an Ultra Cool Space Epic!--that's what I'd call James Somers' Chronicles of Soone, Heir to the King. Being an author myself, I read a little differently than most people. I read like a scientist, analyzing every inch of the story: the craft, suspense technique, character development, general hook, etc. After all the analysis, I'm impressed.

Please realize this is Mr. Somers' first book. Of course it has rough edges and some editing foibles, but whose first book doesn't? If the story's cool, most readers {except perhaps, for book snobs, lol} can forgive a few errors in the written craft. Rather than technical precision, what readers should look for in a first novel are the following: an intriguing hook, sparks of creative genius, and a story worth hearing. CoSM has all of that.

An Intriguing Hook: CoSM begins with a mysterious, but utterly black betrayal...the underpinnings of centuries frought with genocide. An enemy, who while not exactly sympathetic, has motives we can understand. The hook comes when you realize the rabbit hole is A LOT deeper than you first thought. WOW, I couldn't believe how the story just seemed to balloon with each new revelation.

Sparks of Creative Genius: Somers' strength is plotting. No bog down scenes here. It just keeps amping. Wait until you meet the cyborg assasin Vale. He alone adds a rogue suspense mechanism worth the price of admission. The Vorn, the Barudii, the transdimensional rift--all very cool elements.

A Story Worth Hearing: CoSM has definite spiritual themes. There's truth in this book, but it is not preachy in any way, shape, or form. Somers somehow tells a thrilling story that simultaneously makes you think about yourself and the world in a pure light.

Order a copy of Chronicles of Soone now, and like me, look forward to the release of Rise of Lucin, CoSM2!

An action packed read with spiritual overtones.......2007-02-06

Everything an action sci-fi fan could ask for: Full of battle scenes packed with blazing swords and "ray" guns. From the opening scene I was captivated. Woven into the action are moral dilemmas and tragedy, coupled with a unique perspective on the battle between good and evil. An excellent read.

You Must Get This Book!.......2007-02-03

THE CHRONICLES OF SOONE: HEIR TO THE KING, by Rev. James Somers is a no-stop roller-coaster ride of adventure, terror, love and hate. The plot starts out pretty straight-forward, but then does an odd, but enjoyable twist. Soon the reader becomes caught up in a maze of adventure, battles, wisdom, love, hate and sorrow that is hard to find elsewhere. For his first novel this is a most remarkable story. It is in some ways simple and straight-forward, yet in others it is almost unbearably complex. As a mystery writer I like the fact that I couldn't quite get a handle on the story. I mean, I could never predict what was coming next. With the introduction of new terms, that make their way into your vocabulary as if you'd know them all your life, the clan of Barudii warriors and the races of Castaillan, Vorn and Baruk all seem to make sense. I would love to say more, but if I did I'm afraid I would start giving away pieces of the story that would take away from your uncovering them for yourself. Treat this story like a gold mine in which you have found a vein of gold. As you follow that vein and mine it just as it seems to thin out and threaten to disappear altogether it breaks open into a new and larger vein. And this Somers is able to keep up throughout this epic novel. You just know the next one is going to be just as fantastic. - David Brollier; author of THE 3RD COVENANT

(You're wondering why I didn't give it a 5? That's because of some mechanical problems with the writing that the editors failed to pick up on or imposed on his otherwise great story. Otherwise it would definitely have been a 5)

Exciting and fast paced, great story line.......2007-01-26

The action never stops in this story of futuristic war pitting races of humans with various super powers and mass produced war clones. I became wrapped up in the families involved in their struggle of survival in this centuries old war. James tells a story as only the best authors can. You will not be disappointed when you read this book.

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Critical Theory needs critical response

Critical Theory and Science Fiction
Carl Freedman
Manufacturer: Wesleyan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0819563994

Book Description

This innovative cultural critique offers valuable insights into science fiction, thus enlarging our understanding of critical theory.

Carl Freedman traces the fundamental and mostly unexamined relationships between the discourses of science fiction and critical theory, arguing that science fiction is (or ought to be) a privileged genre for critical theory. He asserts that it is no accident that the upsurge of academic interest in science fiction since the 1970s coincides with the heyday of literary theory, and that likewise science fiction is one of the most theoretically informed areas of the literary profession. Extended readings of novels by five of the most important modern science fiction authors illustrate the affinity between science fiction and critical theory, in each case concentrating on one major novel that resonates with concerns proper to critical theory.

Freedman's five readings are: Solaris: Stanislaw Lem and the Structure of Cognition; The Dispossessed: Ursula LeGuin and the Ambiguities of Utopia; The Two of Them: Joanna Russ and the Violence of Gender; Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand: Samuel Delany and the Dialectics of Difference; The Man in the High Castle: Philip K. Dick and the Construction of Realities.

Customer Reviews:

Critical Theory needs critical response.......2002-05-01

It's amazing that people can judge a book by reading excerpts on the net. Critical Theory and Science Fiction is not an easy read but CT never was or will be. You don't have to agree with the Marxist theories of Bloch and Adorno, Carl Freedman uses to make his various points, to appreciate his insights and the challenges he throws at the reader. That is what academics are supposed to do and not to wallow in old cliche's and easy answers. The "excursuses" (his term) into classic SF novels such as Stanislaw Lem's SOLARIS, Ursula Le Guin's THE DISPOSSESSED, Joanna Russ' THE TWO OF THEM, Samuel Delany's STARS IN MY POCKET LIKE GRAINS OF SANDS and the greatest SF writer, Philip K Dick's THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE are lessons every SF reader and writer should make their own. At least Freedman is raising the level of SF discourse beyond Star Trek Convensions or Star Wars hype.

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In the Days of Sand and Stars
A 2007 Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Older Readers
Gorgeous images with tales perfect for read-aloud.

In the Days of Sand and Stars
Marlee Pinsker
Manufacturer: Tundra Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0887767249
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Book Description

Take out your time telescope, wipe the dust and cobwebs from its lens, tilt it upwards, and find a twinkling speck of light. Now look behind it … way back, to the days of sand and stars.

Here are the Midrash stories of famous women whose names you may know, but whose daily lives and human thoughts have been ignored for far too long. From Eve to Emzera, from Sarah to Rebecca, they are presented here with humor and affection as they face a new and changing world where miracles and customs shape their destiny.

Midrash tales are what-if stories built around the grains of information the Bible offers, and author Marlee Pinsker excels as she imbues these legendary women with warmth and spirit.

A wonderful gift book for anyone, but especially meaningful for Bat Mitzvahs and Confirmations, In the Days of Sand and Stars is an impressive, straightforward collection, sparse and clear in
its telling.

Quebec artist, François Thisdale has produced a marvelous collection of images with his “time telescope” and digital expertise. Through his talents we see all of these very human women in moments of reflection, tenderness, ingenuity, and wonder.

Customer Reviews:

In the Days of Sand and Stars.......2007-03-14

Marlee Pinsker relates these tales about ten Biblical women in the style of midrash, " weaving stories into the areas in which the text is silent, giving voices to the people we want to understand." She says "in this way we imagine ourselves into the words of the Bible and bring its meaning forward, into our own lives." Her skillful writing brings her characters to life and makes these women seem real. There are chapters about Eve eating the apple, Noah's wife Naamah, and Sarah, who is amazed to find herself pregnant at the age of ninety and laughs at the miracle. We also read about Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, Dina and finally, Moses's mother, Yochaved. We experience Dina weaving Joseph his coat of many colors, and Yochaved as a child, before she is the mother of Moses, forced to work gathering straw for bricks while hearing her nurse's stories about her people before they were Pharoah's slaves.
Thisdale combines traditional drawing and painting techniques with digital technology to create multi-textured images, which give his illustrations a dreamy, ethereal quality and compliment the stories beautifully. The author's lyrical use of language makes this illustrated book a natural to read-aloud. The book successfully connects the lives of these Biblical women who lived "in the days of sand and stars," to each other and to our lives today. Remember this book the next time a Bat Mitzvah gift is needed.
Ages 10 and up.
Reviewed by Andrea Davidson

A 2007 Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Older Readers.......2007-01-29

In ten short stories, Marlee Pinsker lends a new voice to the women of the bible - those whose lives are given short shrift in the original text. These are beautiful, imaginative and spiritual imaginings of how these women might have felt, of the spirit, wisdom, humor and love they might have had. The lyrical and poetic language quickly draws the reader into the lives of each character. And so we are exposed to an Eve who was full of wonder and curiosity at all she saw around her, a Naamah who understood the language of the animals on the ark, a Leah who was full of love, and jealousy, for her sister Rachel. Each story stands on its own, yet each is connected by an invisible thread that evokes the feeling of family history being told. Gorgeous illustrations that are both muted and richly detailed lend a sense of grace to these tales. REVIEWED BY NANCY AUSTEIN (Temple Emanu-El, Dallas, TX)

Gorgeous images with tales perfect for read-aloud........2006-12-10

Francois Thisdale adds lovely drawings to these Biblical Midrashic stories of famous women from Eve to Rebecca, whose lives were affected by miracles, possibilities, and change. Midrashic tales are 'what if' stories built around Biblical tales, and here come to life pairing gorgeous images with tales perfect for read-aloud.

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Wind, Sand and Stars
Antoine de Saint Exupery
Manufacturer: Reynal & Hitchcock
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HWAZA6

Sand and Stars: Signature Edition (Star Trek)

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WARNING: COMPILATION, NOT A NEW ST NOVEL
BEWARE, STAR TREK FANS--THIS IS NOT A NEW BOOK!

Sand and Stars: Signature Edition (Star Trek)
Diane Duane , and A.C. Crispin
Manufacturer: Star Trek
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0743496582

Book Description

Vulcan: linchpin member of the United Federation of Planets. Home to a civilization dedicated to o'thia, the ruling ethic of pure logic. But it was not always so; thousands of years before, Vulcans were a violent, warlike race, with tempers surpassed only by the planet's hot, arid sands. The philosopher Surak would show his people another way, teach them to reject their emotions and embrace logic and knowledge. The Vulcans would evolve and prosper, eventually exploring the stars and attaining further enlightenment as they encountered other cultures.

In the twenty-third century, Commander Spock, Captain Kirk, and the U.S.S. Enterprise are summoned to Vulcan when its people consider seceding from the Federation and returning to their isolationist ways. Vulcan's savage history becomes fully revealed as Spock, his father Sarek, and Kirk work to preserve the planet's future from anti-Terran factions with hidden agendas. The crisis is twofold for the half-human Spock -- should Vulcan secede, he will be required to resign from Starfleet and return home, or forever sever ties with his homeworld.

Years later, a decades-old plot to destroy the Federation from within forces Ambassador Sarek from the bedside of his dying wife, Amanda. The ambassador's decision widens the long-standing rift between himself and Spock at a time when they must pool their resources together. While the Enterprise crew contends with Romulans, Klingons, and the mysterious Freelans, Sarek's only comfort comes from reading Amanda's journals, which reveal more about his human spouse, his son, and himself than he ever realized.

Customer Reviews:

WARNING: COMPILATION, NOT A NEW ST NOVEL.......2005-01-17

This is NOT a new Star Trek novel: it is merely a compilation of two previously released ST novels, Sarek, and Spock's World. My one star rating reflects my annoyance at having to return what I thought was a new novel when I purchased it. The rating is not a commentary on either of the novels included in this compilation, both of which I thought were quite good.

BEWARE, STAR TREK FANS--THIS IS NOT A NEW BOOK!.......2004-12-19

"Sand and Stars" is actually two older books--"Spock's World" and "Sarek"--repackaged. Although both books are great, therefore, making this book great, I was DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED when it arrived in the mail because I had already read them. I thought I was getting a NEW Star Trek book about the Vulcans. The description and product detail do not explain this. So, if you have not read "Spock's World" or "Sarek," by all means, order this book--you'll really enjoy it!

The City and the Stars and the Sands of Mars

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What Was Arthur Smoking?
Classic early Clarke
Two Classics
The City and the Stars for Ever
Hard SciFi at its original best!

The City and the Stars and the Sands of Mars
Arthur C. Clarke
Manufacturer: Aspect
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0446677965

Book Description

The City And The Stars: The 10-billion-year-old metropolis of Diaspar is humanitys last home. Alone among immortals, the only man born in 10 million years desperately wants to find what lies beyond the city. The Sands Of Mars: Science fiction writer Martin Gibson finally gets a chance to visit the research colony on the Red planet. Its a dream come true, until he discovers the perils of survival on another world.

Customer Reviews:

What Was Arthur Smoking?.......2004-12-18

I was very disappointed with this book. It has touches of Arthur C. Clarke brilliance. An interesting well written beginning frames a story with lots of potential. But somewhere in the middle of the story Clarke just loses it. Even Clarke's wonderful writing style and delivery cannot overcome the silliness of the plot.

The intelligent blob that lives in a puddle of water on a waterless desert earth for a billion years was my favorite silly character. The main character is a human that after a billion years has evolved to have no hair, fingernails or teeth. He still enjoys munching away on all sorts of food. He must have strong gums. There are the space ships and subway systems that after a billion years are still functional. (A billion years. Not a few thousand or a few million.) Once interesting characters hurtle off to the center of the Galaxy, the blob's robot does the driving, and within a few hours visit a half dozen planets, find space ship eating plants, alien artifacts, and then of course...the ultimately intelligent being in the universe..."Mr. Mind". This is the guy with no body or form, just mind. He hitches a ride back from the center of the galaxy to earth... it's all too much.

Clarke must have been smoking something strong when he wrote this. I've read other Clarke books and loved them. This one was a real disappointment. The story just runs away and becomes silly. If you are a Clarke junky I'm sure you'll disagree with me. If you aren't and want to read Clarke for the first time I suggest not reading this. Try a classic like "Childhood's End". Clarke obviously was thinking much more clearly when he wrote that...

Classic early Clarke.......2004-09-06

The City in the Stars is Clarke playing around with the potential of information technology to change society. It's one of his better novels, with some of his favorite themes about galactic exploration.

The Sands of Mars is rather dated. If you can get past the fact that there isn't actualy any vegetation, let alone animal life, and there are in fact mountains on Mars, you come out with a rather good novel, with better character work than usual, and interesting (if wrong) science.

Two Classics.......2002-09-10

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.

The City and the Stars for Ever.......2002-01-06

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!.......2001-12-21

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!

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Wind, Sand and Stars

Manufacturer: Harcourt, Brace and World
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Wind, Sand and Stars

The Little Prince

ASIN: B000CFP7LK

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The Black Sands of Socorro (Star Wars RPG)

Manufacturer: West End Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0874315034

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