Arthur C. Clarke

1917 - 2008

Published on March 19, 2008 By Dr Guy In Current Events

Arthur C.Clarke died yesterday. I have been so busy I misssed his passing, but I will long mourn it. He was one of the great classic Science Fiction Writers, few reached his stature.

For the past many years, he has lived in Sri Lanka, but was actually a citizen of Her majesty. He will best be remembered as the Author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, but that was far from his greatest work. Along with Isaac Asimov, Theodore Sturgeon, and to a lesser extent Ray Bradbuy, he was truly among the greatest science fiction writers of all time. It is sad that he will write no more for us.

His greatest work however, and the greatest Science Fiction Book ever is Childhood's end. Some argue that Rendevous with Rama was his greatest. And of cocurse there will always be debate.

One of the last of the classic sci-fi writers, I hold him up there with Isaac Asimov as the greatest of all time.

I am really going to miss him. Along with all the others that have now gone on.

I wish you well Mr, Clarke, and hope you find happiness and joy with the others who provided so much hope and joy with their writing about a future that comes true every day.

Rest in Peace.

Comments (Page 1)

RoyLevosh

on Mar 19, 2008

I wish you well Mr, Clarke, and hope you find happiness and joy with the others who provided so much hope and joy with their writing about a future that comes true every day.

Amen.

Larry Kuperman

on Mar 19, 2008

Thank you, Dr. Guy, for posting this. I had missed it.

A lovely, truly touching blog post.

dynamaso

on Mar 19, 2008

More than just a scifi writer, Arthur C Clarke was a futurist and a visionary who stood outside of his time to create possible futures we could all share. He also embodied what it means to work beyond ones limitations through creativity. He was a great man and will be missed. Vale, Mr Clarke.

Dr Guy

on Mar 20, 2008

Amen.

Thanks Roy.

Dr Guy

on Mar 20, 2008

Thank you, Dr. Guy, for posting this. I had missed it.
A lovely, truly touching blog post.

If I had not been googling an issue for work, I would still not know. Thanks for the note.

Dr Guy

on Mar 20, 2008

They should put that on his tombstone. Great testament to a great writer. Thanks

Demosthenes Locke

on Mar 20, 2008

Clarke is no doubt a star child now.

Though you missed one of the Big Three: Heinlein.

SilentPoet

on Mar 20, 2008

Indeed, he went above and beyond anyone else. He'll be missed.

OckhamsRazor

on Mar 20, 2008

Don't forget what he did for science. Clarke conceived of geosynchronous orbits and is credited as such. He was a genuine visionary.

And to Demosthenes, I'd guess that in the end it will turn out that Heinlein was a visionary and ahead of his time as well - particularly in the social realm.

Dr Guy

on Mar 20, 2008

Though you missed one of the Big Three: Heinlein.

He is one of my Favorires. WHo can forget Lazarus Long (he did have a hang up with the LLs)? But I put him just below Asimov, Clarke and Sturgeon.

Great pic! Where did you find it?

Dr Guy

on Mar 20, 2008

Indeed, he went above and beyond anyone else. He'll be missed.
~L

They called his time the Golden Age of Sci FI. I dont know if it is just me, or it really is. But none have come close since those of the 50s (and beyond, but that was when most got their start - or made it big).

I have heard today's writers are very good. I have read some. But just not the same.

Oh, and before I forget, Frank Herbert is up there too. I know MM will skin me if I do not mention him.

Dr Guy

on Mar 20, 2008

And to Demosthenes, I'd guess that in the end it will turn out that Heinlein was a visionary and ahead of his time as well - particularly in the social realm.

Yea, very much so for writing mostly in the 50s and 60s.

SilentPoet

on Mar 20, 2008

Indeed, he went above and beyond anyone else. He'll be missed.~LThey called his time the Golden Age of Sci FI. I dont know if it is just me, or it really is. But none have come close since those of the 50s (and beyond, but that was when most got their start - or made it big).I have heard today's writers are very good. I have read some. But just not the same.Oh, and before I forget, Frank Herbert is up there too. I know MM will skin me if I do not mention him.

Another author that I really really like, is Stephen Baxter. While I wouldn't say he's the best, or even among the likes of Asimove, Clarke, Bradbury and crew - but he is good. I enjoyed his work The Time Ships. (It was a long book though, geesh.)

I agree, the "classic" authors from Shelley to (I would say) Clarke, and so on, will always be the best. Doesn't mean that others won't become great; you can't just ignore the classics, the building blocks.

~L

Bahu Virupaksha

on Mar 25, 2008

I agree that he was a great sci fi writer. Somehow the only human character he created was HAL the computer with a mind of its own in 2001 Space Oddessey.

Dr Guy

on Mar 25, 2008

I agree that he was a great sci fi writer. Somehow the only human character he created was HAL the computer with a mind of its own in 2001 Space Oddessey.

I guess that depends on the way you define create. He created a lot of characters (Dave? same book). I guess Hal was the most memorable one since it is a nightmare for many - a machine that goes crazy.

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