SOURCE: Rabkin, Eric S. “Short Stories.” In Arthur C. Clarke, pp. 53-60. Mercer Island, Wash.: Starmont House, 1979.

In the following essay, Rabkin provides an analysis of Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction stories in order to appreciate his achievement in the genre of science fiction literature.

Under the guise of science fiction, Arthur C. Clarke has written fine examples of every kind of short fiction from the ghost story to the tall tale to the lament for lost love. In addition, he has written a number of unique stories which are among the most famous in science fiction and widely read outside the field as well. “The Star” won the Hugo Award for best short story of the year in 1956. All of his short narratives published through 1958 and most published since are readily available in six collections (Expedition to Earth, Reach For Tomorrow, Tales From The “White Hart,” The...