Sulphur on 19/3/2008 at 05:33
I can't believe it. It's just so... sudden.
I went to Sri Lanka once when I was a kid, and hoped to at least catch a glimpse of the old grand master pottering about on the streets of Colombo... of course, that never happened. But he was right about the view you get from Kandy.
The man was a visionary. One of the best imaginations in the business, too. I'll never forget the mental images his books etched into my mind, like the cylindrical lake in Rama or, indeed, the passage this thread title refers to.
It's sad to see him go, even if he's had a nice, long run. He truly will be missed.
Koki on 19/3/2008 at 07:24
:erg:
Jason Moyer on 19/3/2008 at 07:35
RIP Arthur. 2001 is still my alltime favorite novel of non-comedy science fiction.
doctorfrog on 19/3/2008 at 07:54
Sad to say, all I've read of this man was his novelization of 2001, which helped color it in quite a bit and broadened my appreciation of an already very enjoyable movie.
I first became aware of Clarke way back in my childhood days, sifting through an issue of Nintendo Power (so many unattainable games. I had just a Game Boy and a dollar a week's allowance) and seeing a very weird looking game for the Super Nintendo called "Rendezvous with Rama." Even now I see no Google evidence that this game existed, so maybe I dreamt it.
For some reason, the past six months I've had a growing desire to read science fiction authors who rose to prominence before 1980. I read a great collection of short stories by Leonard Del Rey, and have just re-started reading through Dangerous Visions (Edited by Harlan Ellison). Funny how things conspire.
The 2 Rama books still sit on my "shelf" (in one of many cardboard boxes filled with books I'll get to eventually), waiting to be read. The very title of Childhood's End appeals to me. Adding it to my list.
Shakey-Lo on 19/3/2008 at 08:33
Incidentally, Rendezvous with Rama is being made into a film for a 2009 release, directed by David Fincher.
Rogue Keeper on 19/3/2008 at 09:24
Now this really made my day. :(
But March 19th... this day was somehow symbolic for me before.
Well I believe a new Star Child is looking at us right now. :)
rachel on 19/3/2008 at 10:36
I never really cared for 2001 but Rendezvous with Rama is one of my all-time favourites.
So long, Artie. :thumb:
TF on 21/3/2008 at 13:08
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