Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

It is the late 1970s and the United States and Soviet Republic are on the cusp of entering outer space. However, just as space travel is within their grasp, alien spaceships descend over the earth’s major cities ... five years later, the Overlords have taken over the world. Brilliantly conceived and written, Childhood's End demonstrates the imagination and masterful storytelling that made Clarke widely regarded as a master of science fiction.

Harcourt, Brace & World 1953 first book club edition hardcover in okay condition, see photographs.