The Sentinel

This version of The Sentinel is subtitled the 2001 Anniversary Edition. One might ask, what anniversary? Rather more accurately, this is an edition for the intersection of the calendar with SF history, the most memorable date in fiction since 1984. “The Sentinel” is a short story, written in 1948 & only 11 pages long, renowned for providing a starting point for the greatest science fiction film ever made, Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey: “So they left a sentinel, one of millions they have scattered throughout the Universe, watching over all the worlds with a promise of life.” There are eight other stories, each introduced by the author, who also contributes a substantial forward. The tales, illustrated with 11 excellent full-page black & white drawings by Lebbus Woods, span the length of Clarke’s career as a professional short story writer, from ’45’s “Rescue Party” to “71’s Nebula-winning “A Meeting With Medusa”. This story forms a bridge of sorts between 2001 & 2010: Odyssey Two, which was as Clarke writes, “in some ways…also a sequel to this story”. As a wonder-filled tale of a meeting with the truly alien in the clouds of Jupiter it’s unsurpassed. The book concludes with the original outline for a possible 2nd SF film with Stanley Kubrick. The film wasn’t made, but the outline became one of Clarke’s most beautiful novels, The Songs of Distant Earth. This is essential reading, though dedicated fans will probably opt for the complete Collected Stories.–Gary S. Dalkin (edited)