Childhood's End

By: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer, Robert J. Sawyer - introduction

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The Overlords appeared suddenly over every city - intellectually, technologically, and militarily superior to humankind. Benevolent, they made few demands: unify earth, eliminate poverty, and end war. With little rebellion, humankind agreed, and a golden age began.

But at what cost? With the advent of peace, man ceases to strive for creative greatness, and a malaise settles over the human race. To those who resist, it becomes evident that the Overlords have an agenda of their own.

As civilization approaches the crossroads, will the Overlords spell the end for humankind...or the beginning?

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by Hugo Award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer, who explains why this novel, written in the 1950s, is still relevant today.

©2001 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In Eric Summerer's capable hands, the plot of Childhood's End is smoothly presented and fully credible. He highlights the patient nature of the Overlords, which has caused humans to become ever more complacent. Summerer excels at delivering the aliens' quiet and intensely engaging dialogue with people. His nuanced performance creates a growing feeling of uneasiness in the listener as the Overlords' insatiable curiosity and watchfulness begin to suggest something less than benign at work." ( AudioFile)

The best of sci-fi

A great story that expanded the mind and our concept of reality in a way that shoot-em-up Sci-fi novels do not. A great performance as well. Thanks

An epic, but sad despite the victory

What does Eric Michael Summerer and Robert J. Sawyer - introduction bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It sets the stage for the contemporary situation of when the book was written.

Any additional comments?

Interesting evolution in the book. Very believable.

Fantastic listen!

Any additional comments?

This book was recommended to me by a friend, who is a much bigger sci-fi fan then me. I thought it was intelligent, imaginative, well written and narrated. This was my first audiobook and it was a great experience.

An excellent story.

I bought his book because of the 3 part TV miniseries, and was curious as to its adaptation.
They changed the story enough, to allow insights in to the core of it, but retained the core, itself.

At first, I was disappointed with the choice of narrator, thinking they would use the actor, who play Korrellan, but that passed quickly, as their choice was an excellent one.

This new interest in this book, and The Rapture, has been prevalent in media as of late, why, I do not know.

The book is solid, the story, excellent, and finely crafted, very mature, instead of pulp sciFi.

I have re listened to this book, a second time, to flesh out the TV series again.

Dare to listen, or read, if you are very religious. It may harden, or crack your resolve.

A Master piece

1 of the best, most fascinating sci-fi I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Considering the details and depth of the story, I think reading the book would be even better.

loved it seen the TV series now I understand it

Loved it seen the TV series and now I understand the way and how great

Great Sci Fi book for a new listener

This was the first Clarke book i have been exposed to that wasn't a movie version. Really great book and looking forward to tackling more early Sci FI. I recommend anyone listen or read this book as the story holds up and is a joy to experience.

Crazy story!!!!

I enjoyed the unique and crazy story! I listened to it on my drive down from Maine to Texas. I made time fly by. If you are talking a long trip pick this book.

unremarkable and uninteresting

read this book a year or so ago and couldn't remember a thing about it. leaves a very weak impression.

One of Clarke's Greatest

great narrator, beautifully told story that comes alive just as it did when I read it so long ago.