The Lion of Comarre, and Against the Fall of Night

The Lion of Comarre, and Against the Fall of Night This volume is a collection of two early works by Arthur C. Clarke. Originally published in 1968, it has been reprinted several times. Both concern Earth in the far future, with a utopian, but static human society. The Lion of Comarre is about a dissatisfied young man in search "something more" in a future society that believes it has discovered everything and ceases to advance. Arthur C. Clarke's writings. His crisp, articulate prose has an emotive effect. Nothing seems magical other than the human condition (which is to say there is still a sense of wonder in his writing). This particular book is set of short stories that take place at what would seem the end of human history. He explores the juxtaposition of a stagnate society versus mans innate desire to explore and to grow. In each story the protagonist is a young man born into a world that has seemingly lost that explorers heart who by luck of the draw has this same heart. Each story the young man disillusioned by the stasis that has become human society follows the trail of some mystery that will lead the world back into a period of growth. Sometimes this trail is followed just out of pure instinct to explore, sometimes with rebellion, and always success is achieved despite the young characters naivete. That said the stories are definitely different and both merit reading.