Blogtown, PDX

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Books Arthur C. Clarke 1917-2008

Posted by Ned Lannamann on Wed, Mar 19 at 11:24 AM

Prolific science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke died today in his home in Sri Lanka (really?). Born in the UK, he wrote countless science fiction stories, many of which were prescient in predicting future technological breakthroughs. However, his writing really is notable for its continual questioning about about the existence and nature of God. He also had a fascination with supernatural and paranormal phenomenon that crept its way into his writing. His 1953 book Childhood’s End deals with a race of extra-terrestrials visiting Earth and enslaving its population to end the continual warfare between earth’s inhabitants; their ultimate mission is to prepare Earth for the next phase of evolution. New York Times obit here.

2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick’s collaboration with Clarke, is playing at Living Room Theaters (341 SW 10th) today and tomorrow.
Showtimes: 2:10, 5:10, 8:20.

Meanwhile, here’s the film in easy-to-swallow capsule form:

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Comments

I was thirteen when 2001 hit the big screen. It was and has remained my favorite movie of all time.

As far as his fiction goes, my favorite was "Rendezvous with Rama".

First Vonnegut and now Clarke. Sad to be losing these wonderful minds.

I'd love to hear from others on their favorites.

Posted by Dave Lister | March 19, 2008 11:45 AM

My "in memoriam".

Posted by b!X | March 19, 2008 11:47 AM

b!X,
That's a nice story... what a special memory for you.

Posted by Dave Lister | March 19, 2008 12:05 PM

Sad news. He said, about living in Sri Lanka, something along the lines of "I don't want to live in a country where I can't bribe the police to leave me alone."

Posted by ragold | March 19, 2008 12:48 PM

2001 is one of those films I see every 5 years and get something new from it each time. Then again, there are a lot of drugs to try with it as well, might have something to do with it.

Posted by indy | March 19, 2008 3:20 PM

Nobody lives forever.

Posted by AL M | March 19, 2008 4:14 PM

I had the pleasure of visiting Sir. Arthur at his home in Colombo...I was so excited but at the time I wasn't a huge fan. He was a very funny guy...What I remember most is him asking, "How did two clowns like yourself get into Sat. Telecom?" He then explained that he came up with the idea of Sat. Com, he even photocopied the original article and signed it for me along with several books for my friends.

Posted by Lawrence Gray | March 19, 2008 4:15 PM