
History Lesson
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Narrated by:
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Ray Porter
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By:
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Arthur C. Clarke
About this listen
"History Lesson" was first published in the May 1949 issue of Startling Stories.
Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
©2000 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2016 Audible, Inc.People who viewed this also viewed...
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Superiority
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
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"Superiority" was first published in the August 1951 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Missing material
- By Tamara A. on 03-15-21
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Hide-and-Seek
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- Length: 26 mins
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"Hide-and-Seek" was first published in the September 1949 issue of Astounding Science-Fiction. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Time's Arrow
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 32 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"Time's Arrow" was first published in the summer 1950 issue of Science-Fantasy. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Rescue Party
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"Rescue Party" was first published in the May 1946 issue of Astounding Science-Fiction.
Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Clarke was ahead of his time
- By Nedieh Red Nav on 10-26-20
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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On Golden Seas
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 9 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"On Golden Seas" first appeared in the August 1986 issue of Newsletter, published by the Pentagon Defense Science Board. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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The Food of the Gods
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 11 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"The Food of the Gods" was first published in the May 1964 issue of Playboy. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a grand master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Sample
- By John hammond on 03-08-20
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Superiority
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Superiority" was first published in the August 1951 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Missing material
- By Tamara A. on 03-15-21
By: Arthur C. Clarke
-
Hide-and-Seek
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Hide-and-Seek" was first published in the September 1949 issue of Astounding Science-Fiction. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
-
Time's Arrow
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Time's Arrow" was first published in the summer 1950 issue of Science-Fantasy. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
-
Rescue Party
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"Rescue Party" was first published in the May 1946 issue of Astounding Science-Fiction.
Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
-
-
Clarke was ahead of his time
- By Nedieh Red Nav on 10-26-20
By: Arthur C. Clarke
-
On Golden Seas
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"On Golden Seas" first appeared in the August 1986 issue of Newsletter, published by the Pentagon Defense Science Board. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
-
The Food of the Gods
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The Food of the Gods" was first published in the May 1964 issue of Playboy. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a grand master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Sample
- By John hammond on 03-08-20
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Dog Star
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Dog Star was first published in the April 1962 issue of Galaxy. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Short story
- By TERRY D on 11-06-24
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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A Meeting with Medusa
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"A Meeting with Medusa" was first published in the December 1971 issue of Playboy. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Prelude for the Reynolds / Baxter collaboration
- By Michael G Kurilla on 02-28-17
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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All the Time in the World
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"All the Time in the World" was first published in the July 1951 issue of Startling Stories. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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'If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth...'
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 12 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"'If I Forget Thee, Oh Earth...'" was first published in the September 1951 issue of Future. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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The Sentinel
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ralph Lister
- Length: 25 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The Sentinel was first published in the spring 1951 issue of 10 Story Fantasy. It later served as the starting point for the film and novel, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Great Story and Narrated Very Well
- By Michael on 12-25-18
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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A Walk in the Dark
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 25 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"A Walk in the Dark" was first published in the August 1950 issue of Thrilling Wonder Stories. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Armaments Race
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"Armaments Race" was first published in the April 1954 issue of Adventure. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Publicity Campaign
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 10 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
>"Publicity Campaign" was first published in 1953 in the London Evening News. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Who's There?
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 11 mins
- Unabridged
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Performance
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Story
"Who's There?" was first published in the November 1958 issue of New Worlds. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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The Last Command
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"The Last Command" was first published in the November 1965 issue of Bizarre! Mystery Magazine. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a grand master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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The Hammer of God
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 34 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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The Hammer of God was first published in the Sept. 28, 1992 issue of Time. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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Short and Sweet. A Grand Adventure - tiny package.
- By Andy on 03-03-18
By: Arthur C. Clarke
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Out of the Sun
- By: Arthur C. Clarke
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
"Out of the Sun" was first published in the February 1958 issue of If. Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008) is regarded as one of the most-influential science fiction writers of all time. He was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
By: Arthur C. Clarke
What listeners say about History Lesson
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Jack
- 04-22-25
Highly recommended if you enjoy a good punchline w
Arthur C. Clarke’s History Lesson is what happens when you mix the end of the world, alien archaeologists, and one of the greatest comedic sucker punches in sci-fi history.
The setup: Earth is freezing over, humanity is doomed, and the last survivors decide to preserve their culture for future intelligent life. Noble. Tragic. Very dramatic. So they pack their most important artifacts into a vault and launch them off to be discovered by some hopefully smarter, hopefully warmer species.
Cut to a few thousand years later: aliens from Venus (because sure, why not?) arrive and stumble across this time capsule. These lizardy scholars are trying so hard to understand us. They analyze the tech. They study the images. They try to piece together what humans were like based on the sacred cultural treasures we left behind.
And then comes the final line — a gut punch of cosmic hilarity that I won't spoil, but trust me, it’s the sci-fi equivalent of slipping on a banana peel at your own funeral.
The whole story reads like a straight-faced eulogy to humanity, but then Clarke hits you with a twist so gloriously absurd you can't help but laugh and wince at the same time. It’s the literary version of leaving your entire life’s work behind, only for future generations to remember you as that species that worshipped cartoons.
Short, sharp, and savagely funny. Read it. You’ll never look at time capsules — or Mickey Mouse — the same way again.
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- Edqp
- 02-13-18
Was expecting the full book
I was expecting the full book, not just a short story from the book.
extraword
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