Sir Arthur C. Clarke is one of the most notable writers of the science-fiction genre of the 20th and early 21st century. In the world of science-fiction, Clarke is a very notable figure who had written over 100 books both fiction and non-fiction. The talk about advanced computers, robots, space ships, and everything else we see today in any sort of science-fiction story came from the mind and works of Sir Arthur C. Clarke.
He could be considered a father of science-fiction if not the father. However, Russian writer Isaac Asimov could also be considered one of the fathers of science fiction or possibly the grandfather of the genre. Asimov and Clarke had a deep respect and friendship for one another. They both insisted one another were the best science-fiction writer in the world.
Clarke’s most notable work was a short story he wrote called “The Sentinel.” Director Stanley Kubrick took the story and adapted it into the film known as “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Sir Patrick Moore, the famous British astronomer who is a longtime friend of Clarke said: "So I was very fond of him indeed. A man of integrity, a man of vision, a man you could trust, and a very dear friend.”
Clarke had a typical childhood. He was the son of a farmer. Then he joined the civil service. He was in the Royal Air Force during World War II. His time in the RAF could have played a role in him becoming one of the greatest science-fiction writers of the 20th century. When he was in the RAF, Clarke helped on the then-new development of radar.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2008, Sir Arthur Clarke had passed away at the age of 90.