• by Arthur C. Clarke

The book provides an interesting argument why believing in God is illogical, especially for a sufficiently advanced society. The arguments are presented via a dialogue between humankind and a visiting alien automated spacecraft (Starglider) that has a very sophisticated (and pursuasive) artificial intelligence.

Vannemar Morgan's dream is to link Earth to the stars with the greatest engineering feat of all time -- a 24,000-mile-high space elevator. But first he must solve a million technical, political, and economic problems... while allaying the wrath of God.

For the only possible site on the planet for Morgan's Orbital Tower is the monastery atop the Sacred Mountain of Sri Kanda. And for two thousand years, the monks have protected Sri Kanda from all mortal quests for glory. Kings and princes who have sought to conquer the Sacred Mountain have all died.

Vannemar Morgan may be next.

The Fountains of Paradise is a 1979 novel by Arthur C. Clarke. Set in the 22nd century, it describes the construction of a space elevator. This orbital "beanstalk" is a giant structure rising from the ground and linking with a satellite in geostationary or Clarke Orbit at the height of approximately 36,000 kilometers. Such a structure would be used to raise payloads to orbit without having to use rockets.

From Library Journal:
Published in 1953, 1952, and 1979, respectively, this trio of novels follow Clarke's recurring theme of humans thrusting themselves into space and then not necessarily liking what they find. The religious images that run throughout Clarke's work also are present here.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The New York Times Book Review:
"Clarke once again sounds his grand theme...man is most himself when he...challenges the very laws of the universe."