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The Last Theorem

By Arthur C. Clarke

(8)

| Others | 9780007290024

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Book Description

The final work from the brightest star in science fictionās galaxy. Arthur C
Clarke, who predicted the advent of communication satellites and author of ...

3 Reviews

Last Blast

I read this out of nostalgic respect for a couple of the greats of science fiction: Clarke and Pohl. They have never collaborated before and this is Clarke's last book.
As usual the human characters are weak, though I suspect rather better done this time because of Pohl's influence. This was an eas ... (continue)

I read this out of nostalgic respect for a couple of the greats of science fiction: Clarke and Pohl. They have never collaborated before and this is Clarke's last book.
As usual the human characters are weak, though I suspect rather better done this time because of Pohl's influence. This was an easy and inoffensive read and only occasionally reached the heights of the former masters. At the start of chapter fifteen is a mind-boggling explanation of how the Grand Galactics (a godlike race of aliens) measure distance - from the width of a hair to the size of the universe - in Planck lengths! This is truly a stunning concept and it is followed by probably the most accessible explanation of the nature of the Uncertainty limit - how some things can just not ever be measured because they are below the Planck scale in extent. Unfortunately, this and some other highlights are not enough to salvage an otherwise relatively tepid offering from these Masters of Science Fiction.
I would recommend this for fans only and urge readers not to judge Clarke's or Pohl's earlier and deservedly award-winning works by this offering. I enjoyed the read, remembering some of my favourite Clarke works: The Sentinel, Childhood's End, The Fountains Of Paradise, Rendezvous With Rama, etc.
If anything, this might be a worthwhile introduction to science fiction for a juvenile reader between the ages of 10 and 13. You would just have to be able to field any questions about Planck lengths and the Uncertainty Principle!
The hardcover binding and typesetting is of decent quality, not cloth-bound or sewn, but still sturdy and gorgeous looking and smelling as only a hard-back can in this day and age of etexts.

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Ramnagel said on Aug 9, 2011 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

QUOTE: «Do you think we'll be better off when the whole world is run by Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia?»

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JuanValera said on Sep 24, 2010 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

The beginning of the book was quite promising, but as the story developed, I felt that it was getting to be predictable and weak.

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Klank said on Dec 6, 2009 | Add your feedback