Against the Fall of the Night describes well how it often takes youth to bring forth change. The older mind becomes locked in a routine, or blocks out things because it has been told that it shouldn't think or talk about them. But the young mind is ever the explorer, seeking out knowledge without the taboos placed on it by a rigid society. Alvin is a breath of fresh air in the don't-look-over-the-wall society of Diaspar.
Myths play a big role, and an interesting religious overtone pervades the story with a long since departed being whose origins are unknown and who played an important part in Earth's past. Parallels to Jesus can easily be drawn, and the forecast shown for the longevity of religions in general seems to me to be rather accurate.
Beyond this, the subject of genetic engineering pops up, with humans using it as a tool to improve their condition. Very interesting thoughts for the early 1940s. Clarke must be surprised at how close today's scientists are coming to making his fiction reality.
Finally, when Alvin uncovers part of the truth he has been looking for, he learns of the dangers and stagnation that can befall a xenophobic society. There are still a few such societies in the world today, and this characteristic almost always comes with negative effects—even if it has been cultivated with the intention to protect. Thankfully one of the most notorious societies of our day—North Korea—is finally opening up. But if Clarke's forecast is accurate, Pyongyang will not be the last government to close the doors of its nation to the outside world.
Well, it's time to bring this to a close; but all my rambling still leaves one big question unanswered: Why did mankind go from its cradle to a galactic power and then back to its cradle? I'll leave that for you to find out. Pick up a copy and enjoy a short little trip into the mind of one of science fiction's greatest writers. Firstborns can be a delight, and you won't be disappointed with this little one that you can read in one afternoon.
I mentioned that this edition features both Against the Fall of Night and Gregory Benford's sequel, Beyond the Fall of Night. I'll be reviewing
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