From Narnia to a Space Odyssey

"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 non-fiction, 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 dilemma 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? 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.

C.S. Lewis died in 1963. Arthur C. Clarke has continued writing and resides in Sri Lanka.

Ryder W. Miller is a noted commentator and environmental reporter, ecocritic, and science writer with a strong interest in space exploration and space policy. He has been published in Mercury, New Mars.com, The Electronic Green Journal, and gyre.com. He was a book review editor for San Francisco Frontlines and has published book reviews in The Bloomsbury Review, Rain Taxi, and California Wild, Miller coined the term "astroenvironmentalism", which makes the case for applying the values of environmentalism (preservationism) to developments in space exploration, commercialization, and militarization. A native of New York, Ryder W. Miller studied natural sciences at SUNY Stony Brook, and holds a Masters in Environmental Education from CSU Hayward. He currently lives in San Francisco, where he is a regular contributor to community newspapers.

CONTENTS:

Introduction: The Other Clarke and Lewis 
   by Ryder W. Miller

C.S. Lewis: "Protector of the Heavens"
   by Ryder W. Miller

Arthur C. Clarke: "Man of the Century"
   by Ryder W. Miller

Preface
   by Arthur C. Clarke

THE CLARKE/LEWIS CORRESPONDENCE

STORIES AND ESSAYS

C.S. LEWIS

• Ministering Angels
• Forms of Things Unknown
• On Science Fiction

ARTHUR C. CLARKE

• A Meeting with Medusa
• Jupiter Five
• The Nine Billion Names of God
• The Star
• The Light of Darkness
• The Moon and Mr. Farnsworth
• When Will the Real Space Age Begin?
  
  A Final Letter from Arthur C. Clarke