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Glide Path
A fascinating departure for the renowned Science Fiction author, Glide Path is an alternative history of the development of Ground Control Approach radar set during World War II.
Clarke draws upon his own wartime experience as a radar control operator during World War II to tell a story fascinating not just for its plotting-combining science, intrigue, and a host of compelling characters-but also for its prescience and technical insight. Glide Path is sure to be an enthralling read not just for Science Fiction fans, but history aficionados.
200 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1963
64 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Arthur C. Clarke
1,647 books11.6k followersStories, works of noted British writer, scientist, and underwater explorer Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, include
2001: A Space Odyssey
(1968).
This most important and influential figure in 20th century fiction spent the first half of his life in England and served in World War II as a radar operator before migrating to Ceylon in 1956. He co-created his best known novel and movie with the assistance of Stanley Kubrick.
Clarke, a graduate of King's College, London, obtained first class honours in physics and mathematics. He served as past chairman of the interplanetary society and as a member of the academy of astronautics, the royal astronomical society, and many other organizations.
He authored more than fifty books and won his numerous awards: the Kalinga prize of 1961, the American association for the advancement Westinghouse prize, the Bradford Washburn award, and the John W. Campbell award for his novel Rendezvous with Rama. Clarke also won the nebula award of the fiction of America in 1972, 1974 and 1979, the Hugo award of the world fiction convention in 1974 and 1980. In 1986, he stood as grand master of the fiction of America. The queen knighted him as the commander of the British Empire in 1989.
This most important and influential figure in 20th century fiction spent the first half of his life in England and served in World War II as a radar operator before migrating to Ceylon in 1956. He co-created his best known novel and movie with the assistance of Stanley Kubrick.
Clarke, a graduate of King's College, London, obtained first class honours in physics and mathematics. He served as past chairman of the interplanetary society and as a member of the academy of astronautics, the royal astronomical society, and many other organizations.
He authored more than fifty books and won his numerous awards: the Kalinga prize of 1961, the American association for the advancement Westinghouse prize, the Bradford Washburn award, and the John W. Campbell award for his novel Rendezvous with Rama. Clarke also won the nebula award of the fiction of America in 1972, 1974 and 1979, the Hugo award of the world fiction convention in 1974 and 1980. In 1986, he stood as grand master of the fiction of America. The queen knighted him as the commander of the British Empire in 1989.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 1, 2017
This is the sixth book I have read by Arthur C Clarke, as part of My Big Fat Reading Project and my study of the development of science fiction. The surprise was to find it was not science fiction but a scientific novel set in early WWII.
Flying officer Alan Bishop finds himself posted on a British RAF experimental base where a new use of radar is being developed called ground-controlled approach (GCA). The science was unfamiliar to me sending me to the Internet to learn the basics and terminology. I even found an image of the real-life vehicles in which the work was being done!
According to Wikipedia, Glide Path was Clarke's only non-science fiction novel and is based on his own experiences during the war working on the ground-controlled approach project. In an author's note he assures us that all the characters are imaginary, but it is evident that he had intimate knowledge of the project and its technology.
Alan Bishop is a great character, who comes of age during the story, loses his troubled father, rises out of his humble beginnings, and finds his purpose in life.
Many of the scenes when the testing of this prototype was used to "talk" pilots out of the sky, during storms and low to no visibility, by means of radar on the ground, are full of exciting tension. Amazing to think that even to this day, every time one lands in a jet the further developments of the GCA are the reason one's aircraft lands safely where it is supposed to, no matter what the weather is doing.
Quite an enjoyable and informative read.
January 12, 2021
“Co-operate with the inevitable.”
Best Clark story ever, and it’s not science fiction. Yes, better than either the Space Odyssey or Rama series. Relatable protagonist in a quasi-scientific environment. Much less proselytizing than usual. More human-sized, yet scientifically compelled, not to mention the urgency of World War II.
"It was a pity that there was no radar to guide one across the trackless seas of life. Every man had to find his own way, steered by some secret compass of the soul. And sometimes, late or early, the compass lost its power and spun aimlessly on its bearings."
The plot revolves around the wartime development of radar-based ground-controlled approach in England, on which Clark worked. The science is there, but Clark focuses on the people, who are less unpredictable and therefore more interesting.
"Perhaps it had been unfair, but the whole operation was symbolic of modern war. Skill and courage and resolution were no longer enough; the time was fast approaching when only machines could fight machines."
Published in 1963, the story still resonates with readers. If you like Clark, you’ll love this book.
"If one looked too long into the past, it seemed to Alan, the result was always sadness."
Best Clark story ever, and it’s not science fiction. Yes, better than either the Space Odyssey or Rama series. Relatable protagonist in a quasi-scientific environment. Much less proselytizing than usual. More human-sized, yet scientifically compelled, not to mention the urgency of World War II.
"It was a pity that there was no radar to guide one across the trackless seas of life. Every man had to find his own way, steered by some secret compass of the soul. And sometimes, late or early, the compass lost its power and spun aimlessly on its bearings."
The plot revolves around the wartime development of radar-based ground-controlled approach in England, on which Clark worked. The science is there, but Clark focuses on the people, who are less unpredictable and therefore more interesting.
"Perhaps it had been unfair, but the whole operation was symbolic of modern war. Skill and courage and resolution were no longer enough; the time was fast approaching when only machines could fight machines."
Published in 1963, the story still resonates with readers. If you like Clark, you’ll love this book.
"If one looked too long into the past, it seemed to Alan, the result was always sadness."
July 14, 2013
Who would have thought a book about the pioneering days of RADAr and a young RAF officer would be so entertaining?
April 22, 2010
During World War II, Arthur C. Clarke served in the Royal Air Force, and while he never flew a Spitfire in a dogfight against German pilots over Europe, his story was interesting and exciting none the less.
Specifically, Clarke's work in the RAF was with radar, one of the many new technologies which was first used in the second world war. This book is loosely based on Clarke's own work on Ground Controlled Approach (renamed Ground Controlled Descent or GCD in this book), a system using radar to talk aircraft down in bad weather or other poor flying conditions.
This book is a unique one from Arthur C. Clarke in that is really more of a work of historical fiction than science fiction. Yet, it is still a very interesting book and one worth reading for all fans of Arthur C. Clarke. Moreover, as Glide Path is about people working with new technology and pushing the envelope of its applications, it still has many of the feelings of a science fiction book.
Specifically, Clarke's work in the RAF was with radar, one of the many new technologies which was first used in the second world war. This book is loosely based on Clarke's own work on Ground Controlled Approach (renamed Ground Controlled Descent or GCD in this book), a system using radar to talk aircraft down in bad weather or other poor flying conditions.
This book is a unique one from Arthur C. Clarke in that is really more of a work of historical fiction than science fiction. Yet, it is still a very interesting book and one worth reading for all fans of Arthur C. Clarke. Moreover, as Glide Path is about people working with new technology and pushing the envelope of its applications, it still has many of the feelings of a science fiction book.
July 17, 2008
Having just gotten my pilot's license probably made me enjoy this book far more than I would have a year ago. But with that said, this is a well written fictional account of how radar equipment got its start in aviation.
January 13, 2022
As a long time fan of British war novels, I enjoyed this variation on that genre. Our hero sees no real combat during this narrative (though there is a field exercise scene I would love to have been a part of!), as he is a radar technician in the Royal Air Force put to work on a new top secret application of Britain's secret weapon - radar. Drawing on his own experiences during World War Two, Clarke gives us a great view inside this secret world of the 'boffins' and their supporting teams of technicians and the operators who would work out how to use these new electronic secrets. Apparently, this is Clarke's only foray into war fiction, which would be a shame because I expect his hero here still has numerous adventures ahead of him.
August 30, 2009
An entertaining and semi-historical novel about one RAF officer's role in implementing an experimental radar-based landing system to guide airplanes to a runway under reduced visibility. The characters are fictitious but the technology is, apparently real. Arthur C. Clarke always tells good stories, but I feel his straight science fiction is more compelling.
December 17, 2023
Glide Path is based on Arthur C. Clarke’s own experiences with the development of a radar talk down system during World War II. It is his only novel that is not science fiction. I love Clarke’s scifi novels (particularly the earlier ones). I’ve also read some of his essays about science and future, and they are excellent as well. However, Glide Path is unfortunately a bit boring. The back cover promises a “strong dramatic plot” and Birmingham Evening Mail calls it “often exciting”, but I disagree. Clarke didn’t manage to make the few flying scenes particularly exciting, and the only other very minor attempt at excitement was when the main character was about to get caught in a brothel.
I’m sure there are several very good popular science/historical accounts about the development of various radar systems during World War II. Some of those would probably be much more interesting and exciting than Glide Path. It’s not a bad book, but the lack of a good plot and somewhat thin characters (characters never really were Clarke’s strong point) make it rather mediocre.
3.25/5
I’m sure there are several very good popular science/historical accounts about the development of various radar systems during World War II. Some of those would probably be much more interesting and exciting than Glide Path. It’s not a bad book, but the lack of a good plot and somewhat thin characters (characters never really were Clarke’s strong point) make it rather mediocre.
3.25/5
July 7, 2021
It is 1941 and scientists are looking at ways to make it safer for pilots to land during fog, rain and inclement weather. It is the dawn of the age of electronics and flying officer Alan Bishop, fresh from radar school is sent to an experimental airfield where they hope to test a new idea. The concept called Ground Control Descent is a radar talk down system for flyers.
The name Arthur C Clarke will ring a bell with readers for this book is a departure from his mainstream writing, in other words he normally writes about the future, but here he has gone back into the past.
Alan Bishop is not a sword wielding hero, he holds his place in the story as one of the humble technicians who works with a team of scientists to test and perfect this new concept. The GCD is set up on an airfield where pilots test the landing procedures under the guidance of the radio operators. It is a trial-and-error approach with adjustments made as they go along.
Estranged from his father, he has few friends except those he is working with. As a young man he has to find his way through life as well as the war. Visiting a local brothel for the first time he finds himself in competition with one of his fellow workers for the attention of a particular young woman, which adds a certain humanity to the mostly technical story.
His fellow worker is one of the test pilots and when Alan is challenged to ride with him in the aircraft on a test run, he cannot refuse. Normally, these landings are fairly well orchestrated with only minor hiccups, but on this occasion, everything that can go wrong does go wrong.
I can highly recommend this book for the reader and any budding writer as it is a brilliant example on how to write a story from a seemingly mundane topic and make it realistic with all the appropriate tension. While there is quite a bit of narrative in the telling of the story, no words are wasted here, no words are added when they aren’t needed. This is a master piece of streamlined writing. I have always said that you can’t create a character through narrative, but Arthur C Clarke blends the narrative and the small amount of dialogue around the single character of Alan Bishop to make it work. Incredible writing.
The name Arthur C Clarke will ring a bell with readers for this book is a departure from his mainstream writing, in other words he normally writes about the future, but here he has gone back into the past.
Alan Bishop is not a sword wielding hero, he holds his place in the story as one of the humble technicians who works with a team of scientists to test and perfect this new concept. The GCD is set up on an airfield where pilots test the landing procedures under the guidance of the radio operators. It is a trial-and-error approach with adjustments made as they go along.
Estranged from his father, he has few friends except those he is working with. As a young man he has to find his way through life as well as the war. Visiting a local brothel for the first time he finds himself in competition with one of his fellow workers for the attention of a particular young woman, which adds a certain humanity to the mostly technical story.
His fellow worker is one of the test pilots and when Alan is challenged to ride with him in the aircraft on a test run, he cannot refuse. Normally, these landings are fairly well orchestrated with only minor hiccups, but on this occasion, everything that can go wrong does go wrong.
I can highly recommend this book for the reader and any budding writer as it is a brilliant example on how to write a story from a seemingly mundane topic and make it realistic with all the appropriate tension. While there is quite a bit of narrative in the telling of the story, no words are wasted here, no words are added when they aren’t needed. This is a master piece of streamlined writing. I have always said that you can’t create a character through narrative, but Arthur C Clarke blends the narrative and the small amount of dialogue around the single character of Alan Bishop to make it work. Incredible writing.
July 11, 2017
I started to read Glidepath on a whim, just because of Arthur C Clarke. The book was enjoyable, however, the tension built up throughout the pages concluded itself quite tamely. I expected more from the final few pages.
The attention to detail and strong verbal imagery are evident, as ever. A far cry from his regular science fiction environs, the bases described in the book were quite enjoyable to think of. It offered a glimpse into the lives of on-base personnel during the war, whose efforts, though not directly visible or on the front line, were just as important if not more.
The attention to detail and strong verbal imagery are evident, as ever. A far cry from his regular science fiction environs, the bases described in the book were quite enjoyable to think of. It offered a glimpse into the lives of on-base personnel during the war, whose efforts, though not directly visible or on the front line, were just as important if not more.
May 13, 2023
This book is interesting because it’s a science fiction writer’s take on historical fiction, albeit in recent history. Specifically, it deals with the development and use of radar during the Second World War, something that Clarke himself had first-hand experience of.
He does a good job of writing a story that has a decent narrative behind it while simultaneously exploring some fascinating concepts. I also liked that it’s grounded in history, so this isn’t some pie-in-the-sky sci-fi that tackles big ideas, but rather a reflective novel that looks back at an important piece of history.
I will say that I think it could have been better, because the plot was occasionally slow and the technical stuff went over my head at times. Still, I loved the stuff about the Second World War, and that left me in an unusual situation in which I was more interested by the backdrop of the novel than I was with the story itself. But that’s fine, and that happens a lot with science fiction.
That brings me on to the ultimate question, which is that of whether I’d recommend this or not. It’s a hard one to answer, but I’d say that you’re better off avoiding it if you’re new to Clarke because it’s not really representative of what he does. So yeah.
He does a good job of writing a story that has a decent narrative behind it while simultaneously exploring some fascinating concepts. I also liked that it’s grounded in history, so this isn’t some pie-in-the-sky sci-fi that tackles big ideas, but rather a reflective novel that looks back at an important piece of history.
I will say that I think it could have been better, because the plot was occasionally slow and the technical stuff went over my head at times. Still, I loved the stuff about the Second World War, and that left me in an unusual situation in which I was more interested by the backdrop of the novel than I was with the story itself. But that’s fine, and that happens a lot with science fiction.
That brings me on to the ultimate question, which is that of whether I’d recommend this or not. It’s a hard one to answer, but I’d say that you’re better off avoiding it if you’re new to Clarke because it’s not really representative of what he does. So yeah.
June 17, 2024
‘As many of the incidents in this book are based upon real events, and a few are, indeed, unadorned reminiscence, some readers may be tempted to identify the leading characters with actual people. I would therefore like to stress, with even more than the usual emphasis, that all the characters in the following pages (except the Mark I) are entirely imaginary. They are not in any way based upon, or intended to depict, the men who developed and perfected the radar talk-down system, known in real life as GCA (Ground Controlled Approach).’
I believe the first claim.
This is one for anyone interested in the technological side of the 2nd World War. It was quite the terror they managed to construct, but it tends to be overshadowed by Bletchley, rocketry and the bomb.
It’s pretty well told. A bildungsroman essentially with some very fine passages that explore the human condition and a scene of mild peril at the end. Also rather funny at times.
I believe the first claim.
This is one for anyone interested in the technological side of the 2nd World War. It was quite the terror they managed to construct, but it tends to be overshadowed by Bletchley, rocketry and the bomb.
It’s pretty well told. A bildungsroman essentially with some very fine passages that explore the human condition and a scene of mild peril at the end. Also rather funny at times.
July 22, 2021
I’m not usually a reader of war stories. However, my usual habit of purchasing Clarke novels from my local used book store generally entails asking myself if I’ve already read it. This is really an excellent story for one that does’t exactly have a plot. It is more a semi-autobiographical picture in time. Clarke was in the Royal Air Force and did work in the experimental field described in this book. Despite very little action, the story is interesting and reads well. I don’t think it is a typical war novel but I did enjoy reading it.
June 1, 2024
Arthur C Clarke is of course a grandmaster of science fiction. I picked this up in a second hand bookstore and it's the 1973 edition by Signet. It is more alternative reality with strong science elements in it than science fiction . It's very readable and entertaining with the Second World War in the background and the first steps of radar. Coming in at just 200 pages it's a human story and really enjoyable, and over all too soon. And it has a ringing endorsement by the Doylestown Intelligencer, and how could you go wrong with that? Recommended if you can find it.
October 16, 2018
Novel based on his experience as commander of the GCA (Ground Control Approach) system developed by the American physicist, Luis Alvarez, and a few others, but first implimented in Britain during WW2 - a rather dry read, but interesting look at how the system developed and the many lifes of pilots, not to mention their aircraft, saved by the radar "glide path".
April 2, 2018
This non-science fiction novel reads like a fictionalized memoir of Clarke’s World War II experience as a young officer working on ground control approach radar systems. It is therefore interesting for anyone interested in Clarke’s biography. However, I am not sure how many of the details are accurate.
May 27, 2022
I found storytelling excellence!
If you are like me and are already an A. C. Clarke fan then you will really enjoy this tale of historical events told as only Clarke can do. It is riveting and told as a kind of love letter about real events, real people and the struggle to make new technology work it's wonders.
If you are like me and are already an A. C. Clarke fan then you will really enjoy this tale of historical events told as only Clarke can do. It is riveting and told as a kind of love letter about real events, real people and the struggle to make new technology work it's wonders.
October 14, 2025
Novel about the development of ground-controlled approach by the US and England in the South of England during WWII. Read it because Luiz Alvarez is in it, soaked by Collisions. Not a very interesting book, now, because it seems to be about certain of the people rather than the technology, which is an odd thing to say about Clarke. It's his only non-sf novel, and not of a lot of interest today.
February 20, 2021
One of Clarke’s best
Considering this is an early, shorter form work than Clarke’s later masterpieces, I found this to be a very satisfying read. Excellent character development in the first person is difficult, and Clarke’s style hooks the reader from Page One.
Considering this is an early, shorter form work than Clarke’s later masterpieces, I found this to be a very satisfying read. Excellent character development in the first person is difficult, and Clarke’s style hooks the reader from Page One.
May 15, 2024
A very engaging read and educational to boot
Well written; a fascinating glimpse of wartime England and the process of going from concept to implementation under the pressure of extreme urgency.
Well written; a fascinating glimpse of wartime England and the process of going from concept to implementation under the pressure of extreme urgency.
March 21, 2018
Not sci-fi. WWII. Fictional account of early use of radar for ground controlled approach. Great companion book if you read "The Invention that Changed the World"by Robert Buderi.
November 2, 2018
OK story, but not what I expected. No sci-fi from the master. However, the story was still pretty good. I did enjoy it. Nice quick story.
May 21, 2020
As entertaining as the only non-science fiction ACC novel can be. Worth a read, but after all his science fiction has been consumed.
October 13, 2020
Not nearly in the same category as Clarke's 2001; rather more summer beach time reading.
Its quick, linear and straightforward, not demanding the reader to probe for layers of meaning.
Its quick, linear and straightforward, not demanding the reader to probe for layers of meaning.
July 28, 2021
An exceptional book!
Covers a history electronic warfare that is hardly ever mentioned in a personal way by an outstanding writer. A must read!
Covers a history electronic warfare that is hardly ever mentioned in a personal way by an outstanding writer. A must read!
August 7, 2021
A great read
Have followed this author much of my life , first non SF book read , loved it read in one night. Highly recommend.
Have followed this author much of my life , first non SF book read , loved it read in one night. Highly recommend.
February 16, 2022
A fictionalization of the invention of Aircraft Talk Down Radar
January 4, 2025
Boring, boring, boring…
September 15, 2025
I’ve enjoyed a number of SF books by Arthur C Clarke, but unfortunately this was a bit of a drier read for my tastes. Give it a try and see what you think.
October 9, 2025
My review
A great 1st read for me from a great author. Looking forward to the next installment from Mr. Clark. Here goes.
A great 1st read for me from a great author. Looking forward to the next installment from Mr. Clark. Here goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews