The most visionary and versatile thinker of this century here gathers together in a single volume his most significant and prophetic nonfiction writings to present a personal view of the twentieth century. Sir Arthur C Clarke lucidly demonstrates in this beautiful book that he not only anticipated many of the twentieth century's great inventions and scientific innovations, he also inspired the careers of thousands of scientists, and in fact has shaped our path ahead in to the next millennium. The reader is swept into the course of events and becomes an active and informed participant rather than a remote bystander. From predicting the role of geosynchronous satellites decades before they existed to his groundbreaking reporting from Kennedy Space Center in the 60s, to anticipating the internet decades before it happened, Clarke has acted both as technological prophet and cultural conscience, celebrating the great scientific powers of man -- but simultaneously warning of the perils of a world where power and greed reign unchecked. Each essay has a new introduction by Clarke to provide perspective. The pieces themselves enable the reader to experience the excitement of taking part in a journey of discovery. Sir Arthur's bona fide scientific understanding is combined with a generosity of spirit, the interests of a new renaissance man, a sublime lack of false modesty and a great flair for the dramatic. This is arguably the crowning achievement of an unrivalled personal odyssey that began in England in 1917 and has ascended to the stars. It will very possibly be one of the few uplifting accounts around!