[stirdgit]

I tend to think of Clarke as one of the most technically sound SF writers of all time. His vision gave us satellite technology and one can even argue that his vision was instrumental in developing the super computers of the current day. I enjoy his short stoies a bit more than his novels, although The Songs of Distant Earth was quite enjoyable. If given the choice I would much rather read the Sentinel (the short story upon which 2001 was based), than 2001; although I would take the movie over both versions - Kubrik's film was a true monument.