From Narnia to a Space Odyssey

From Narnia to a Space Odyssey
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From Narnia to a Space Odyssey : The War of Letters Between Arthur C. Clarke and C.S. Lewis

Description of From Narnia to a Space Odyssey:

From Narnia to Space Odyssey is the dialogue of letters between Arthur C. Clarke and C.S. Lewis in which they debate, discuss, and ponder the potential and potential dangers of the rise of technology. Their encounter sets the stage for much of what we face today: is technology the "beauty" that will lead to a more utopian society, or is it the "beast" that endangers our humanity and spirit?Clarke and Lewis began their correspondence in December 1943 when Clarke took Lewis to task for his remark about "little rocket societies bent on exporting the crimes of mankind to other planets." While they met only once (at a well-known pub in Oxford, with Lewis bringing along a good friend-the Oxford don, one J.R.R. Tolkein), their "encounters" lasted until 1954 when Clarke became involved in underwater exploration and left for the Great Barrier Reef. Their concern about the future of society, even from differing perspectives, is both provocative and illuminating, and bears close reading today when we are all confronted with the question whether mankind can control the explosion of technology or will become its slave.

Information on From Narnia to a Space Odyssey from the publisher:

"It is true that the human race is still in its infancy, but I believe that astronautics more than any single development will accelerate the coming of age of our species," writes Arthur C. Clarke, legendary science fiction author of 2001: A Space Odyssey and many other classic novels and short stories, as he begins a dramatic philosophical debate with fellow writer and visionary, C.S. Lewis, famous for his Chronicles of Narnia, that would last for more than a decade.From Narnia to a Space Odyssey: The War of Ideas Between Arthur C. Clarke and C.S. Lewis is the dialogue, in fiction and nonfiction, and through correspondence, in which Clarke and Lewis debate, discuss, and consider the great hope and potential dangers of the rise of technology. Their encounter set the stage for a dllemma we face today: is technology the that will lead to a more utopian society, or is it the "beast" that endangers our humanity and spirit? Their concern about the future of society, even from differing perspectives, is both provocative and illuminating, and bears close reading today, at a time when we are all confronted with the question of whether we can control technology or become its slave.From Narnia to a Space Odyssey includes commentary by editor Ryder W. Miller, who offers insight into the letters in his introduction, in-depth profiles of Clarke and Lewis, and a summary of their opposing views. This collection of writing is rounded out with stories and essays by Clarke and Lewis that allows readers to engage in the debate firsthand. From Narnia to a Space Odyssey allows readers inside the minds of two of the world's most beloved literary figures.

Description of Arthur C. Clarke, author of From Narnia to a Space Odyssey:

An extraordinary correspondence flourished between Clarke and Lewis bearing on all manner of scientific and literary questions---the impact of technology; life on other planets; humankind's future; the reason for evil; science and scientism; how to represent scientific ideas in fiction; and more. 160 pages, hardcover. ibooks.