Imperial Earth by Arthur C. Clarke
"Imperial Earth" is a science fiction novel by Arthur C. Clarke, published in 1976 as part of a three-book contract that also included "Rendezvous with Rama" and "The Fountains of Paradise." The story is set primarily on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, where Duncan Makenzie plays a crucial role in the planet's administration alongside his genetically-cloned brothers. As the narrative begins, Duncan prepares for a significant journey to Earth to participate in the United States quincentennial celebration and to navigate complex family and political dynamics. His personal journey is intertwined with his feelings for Calindy, a woman he met years earlier, and the rivalries that shape his world, notably with Karl Helmer, the son of a political adversary.
The plot thickens as Duncan discovers Karl's secret dealings in Titanite, a valuable mineral, and his plans to fund a major extraterrestrial communication project. The story culminates in a tragic confrontation that leads to unexpected consequences for Duncan. Clarke's exploration of themes such as identity, familial loyalty, and the implications of cloning reflects the complexities of human relationships set against a backdrop of advanced technology and governance. "Imperial Earth" stands as a thought-provoking entry in Clarke's oeuvre, inviting readers to consider the ethical dimensions of science and the bonds that define us.
On this Page
Imperial Earth
First published: 1975 (British version; U.S. version, with ten thousand words restored, 1976)
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—extrapolatory
Time of work: 2276
Locale: Washington, D.C., and Saturns moon Titan
The Plot
Imperial Earth was published as the middle book of a three-novel contract that also included Rendezvous with Rama (1973) and The Fountains of Paradise (1979). Although they were parts of a multibook contract involving more money than ever previously paid in the science-fiction field, each of the three works is a stand-alone novel.
In Imperial Earth, Duncan Makenzie is a key figure in the administration of the small but thriving world of Titan, Saturns largest moon. He shares this responsibility with his older “brothers”: Colin Makenzie, who acts as Duncan’s “father,” and Malcolm Makenzie, the space pioneer from whom both Duncan and Colin were cloned.
As the novel opens, Duncan is preparing to travel to Earth, where he will take part in the United States quincentennial celebration, solidify his familys political position, and arrange to bring a fourth-generation Makenzie back to Titan. Duncan also hopes to reacquaint himself with a woman named Calindy who had visited Titan fifteen years earlier. Both Duncan and Karl Helmer, the son of the Makenzies biggest rival for power on Titan and also an object of Duncans affection, fell in love with Calindy during that time, but for Karl the relationship had led to an emotional breakdown.
Although busy with diplomatic duties and new experiences on an Earth that is utterly alien to him, Duncan learns that someone is selling large quantities of Titanite, a rare mineral from his home world. Investigation reveals that Karl secretly arrived on Earth some time before Duncan and is selling Titanite with Calindys help, but his purpose is unclear. When Duncan confronts Karl, an accident sends Karl plunging to his death. It is only from notes in Karls computer and sketchbook that Duncan discovers Karl had hoped to finance a Communications with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CETI) project on an unprecedented scale. After wrapping up his diplomatic obligations and arrangements for Karl’s estate, Duncan returns to Titan with the cloned baby he came for—but it is a clone of Karl, not of Duncan.