3.0
Glide Path
ByPublisher Description
One of the most influential science fiction writers of the twentieth century, Arthur C. Clarke has consistently anticipated the actual achievements of science and technology. In
, he turns back the clock to tell a thrilling story about the groundbreaking exploration of radar during WWII. Clarke's only non–science fiction novel shines with the same qualities that made his award-winning space adventures timeless classics: topnotch suspense, fascinating science, and memorable characters.
A hidden gem in Clarke's impressive body of work,
is an enthralling read for both science fiction fans and history aficionados.
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3.0
Metaphorosis Reviews
Created about 1 year agoShare
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“3.5 stars, https://reviews.metaphorosis.com/review/glide-path-arthur-c-clarke/
<strong>Summary </strong>
A fictionalized account of Clarke's involvement in the development of Ground Control Approach radar during World War II.
<strong>Review </strong>
The second of what I was thinking of as Clarke’s ‘elemental’ books (though see below*), is clearly autobiographical. It’s not his normal science fiction, but it does qualify as historical fiction or alternate history (since he admits to shifting, condensing, and dramatizing real events). While it does address its protagonist’s growth and early military work, that’s not really what it’s about. Instead, it’s about the excitement of new technology, and it presents that well. I know very little about radar and less about flight, but that’s okay – the book reads clearly without any special knowledge (though I assume what is mentioned is accurate). So, it’s fun from the technical side.
As a character-based novel, it’s less successful. We don’t get a whole lot about the protagonist, though he’s engaging enough. And the book ends somewhat abruptly, with just a few wrapup sentences to give a sense of resolution. Clearly, though, this is a book depicting just one stage of the narrator’s career and life. As an autobiographical insight into Clarke’s early years, it’s effective and interesting. So, worthwhile for fans of Clarke and radar/flight, it not others.
* Having now looked at all three of what I thought of as disregarded ‘elemental’ Clarke books, they’re a little less element-focused than I anticipated. Water and air were pretty good. The earth book however, is <em>Richter 10</em>. I had paid so little attention to it that I didn’t realize until I opened it just now that it was a ‘collaboration’ – always a concern with Clarke books. In fact, this is a collaboration only in the very slightest sense. The afterword suggests Clarke came up with a faint story idea, tried to sell it as a movie, and somehow Mike McQuay wrote a book from it. You can tell. From word one, the prose and characters are very un-Clarke-like. I struggled to finish the first chapter, and won’t be going further with it. I’ll be recategorizing <em>Richter 10</em> as a Mike McQuay book, and will likely never read it.”
Andy Dunne
Created almost 5 years agoShare
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Akshay G Sankar
Created over 8 years agoShare
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“I started to read Glidepath on a whim, just because of Arthur C Clarke. The book was enjoyable, however, the tension built up throughout the pages concluded itself quite tamely. I expected more from the final few pages.
The attention to detail and strong verbal imagery are evident, as ever. A far cry from his regular science fiction environs, the bases described in the book were quite enjoyable to think of. It offered a glimpse into the lives of on-base personnel during the war, whose efforts, though not directly visible or on the front line, were just as important if not more.”
About Arthur C. Clarke
One of the most influential science fiction writers of the twentieth and twenty-first century, Arthur C. Clarke is the author of over one hundred novels, novellas, and short story collections that laid the groundwork for the science fiction genre. Combining scientific knowledge and visionary literary aptitude, Clarke's work explored the implications of major scientific discoveries in astonishingly inventive and mystical settings. Clarke's short stories and novels have won numerous Hugo and Nebula Awards, have been translated into more than thirty languages, and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Several of his books, including
and
, have been adapted into films that still stand as classic examples of the genre. Without a doubt, Arthur C. Clarke's is one of the most important voices in contemporary science fiction literature.
Other books by Arthur C. Clarke
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