A collection of short fiction includes the 1962 title story, 'The Cruel Sky,' and 'The Steam-Powered Word Processor,' along with the classics 'The Hammer of God' and 'A Meeting with Medusa,' as well as Clarke's latest story, 'Improving the Neighborhood,' which was published in Nature in 1999. Read by Theodore Bikel, Ben Bova, Scott Brick, Christopher Casenove, and others.

The presidency of the American military hero-turned-politician is reexamined without the distortions of 1950s nostalgia to reveal a deeply flawed administration beset by McCarthyism, civil rights disturbances, and Cold War 'brinksmanship.' Read by Ira Claffey

A highy respected historian and social commentator presents a new look at the life and presidency of James Madison, from his rise to greatness in the colonies to his role in the creation of the Articles of Confederation and the first Constitutional Congress, revealing a man who was faced with a vast array of issues including public morale, internal security, and the independence of the military.

A portrait of the early nineteenth-century president documents his career with the House of Representatives, unsuccessful efforts to create a consolidated national government, role as an influential diplomat, contributions to foreign policy, and antislavery campaigns.

An examination of the political contributions of the nineteenth-century president traces his rags-to-riches personal story and his efforts to restore stature to the office in the wake of several weak administrations.

An overview of the people and events of the twentieth century follows America's rise to political and cultural preeminence.

An overview of the people and events of the twentieth century follows America's rise to political and cultural preeminence.