Tales from the White Hart — Arthur C. Clarke

A compendium of science fiction stories filled with “high diversion, amusement and amazement” from the legendary creator of 2001: A Space Odyssey (Los Angeles Times).
 
In the White Hart Pub in London just north of Fleet Street, Harry Purvis holds court with his fellow writers of scientific yarns. A consummate storyteller, Harry is joined by the actual writers Samuel Youd, John Wyndham, and Clarke himself, all under pseudonyms, and all trying to outdo each other with their outlandish tales of science and invention.
 
Inspired by the Jorkens collections by Lord Dunsany, this anthology combines elements of comedy and horror, with “sly wit and inviting prose style” and a distinctly English flavor (AV Club). Written by a “collossus of science fiction,” Tales from the White Hart is not just for fans of the genre, but for anyone who appreciates a good tall tale (The New Yorker).
 
“One of the most astounding imaginations ever encountered in print.” -- The New York Times