this is the 229th in my series of forgotten or seldom read books
The Collected Stories of Arthur C. Clarke, written and edited by Arthur C. Clarke, Tor 2002 trade paper, science fiction short story collection
Certainly Clarke isn’t in the least a forgotten author, but he may be seldom read these days. It’s difficult for me to imagine anyone, however faintly familiar with science fiction, not knowing Clarke’s works, if nothing else from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Still, it’s possible this particular definitive collection may have slipped under the radar of many science fiction readers. The author cooperated in the preparation of this massive collection of his short works comprising 104 short pieces in 996 pages. He provides some brief comments on many of the stories.
Some of the stories in this collection were later turned into novels. The length of the works varies from 15-20 pages to as short as a single page. With this many stories there are sure to be a few that don’t tickle any particular reader’s fancy, but overall this is an excellent collection, and if you are going to own, or only read, just one collection of Clarke’s fine short science fiction this should be the one. Highly recommended
Tip the Wink 
Been ages since I read anything of his, though NINE BILLION NAMES OF GOD is truly unforgettable – thanks Richard.
Though I like Clarke’s novels, especially Childhood’s End, I think his real strength is in the short fiction. This has it all.
Have yet to read that one actually!
I’ve had a copy of THE COLLECTED STORIES OF ARTHUR C. Clarke on my shelves for a while. I need to read it soon after your excellent review!
It’s a BFB, but a good one to dip into over time.
I’ve read almost all of Clarke’s short stories but am woefully behind on his later novels. So much to read, so much wanting to be read. **sigh**
The later novels are weaker, I think. The best were the earlier ones and the short works.
I started reading Clarke (with 2001 and CHILDHOOD’S END) in 1971, but it wasn’t until 1999 that I started reading his short stories, with TALES FROM THE ‘WHITE HART’. Clearly I need to look for this one.
As a short story reader, Jeff, this is one you should have on the shelf.
Probably my father’s single favorite book. I was glad to pick it up for him.
When it comes to SFF short fiction, this, the collected short stories of Ray Bradbury, the NESFA collected Poul Anderson short fiction volumes are at the top of my list.
Glad to know of this one. Thanks, Richard.
My pleasure, Matt
I’ve probably read most of these in other publications. I’ve got at least a dozen anthologies with Clarke’s work in them, and several of his own anthos.
I did too, Charles, but when this came out, I weeded out some of the other paperback ss collections of his, though I did scan all those cool old covers first.