>>>However, I've always admired AC Clark for his "science faction", his attention to details such as the fact that there would be no searchlight beam at the artifact dig on the Moon (this was coverd in the book but I don't think was realised in the film).
>>>
>>>Agreed that the Blue Danube was a great choice (Hell, I've even heard it myself during that time-slows-down period when your car goes into a skid or spin on ice). :-)
>>
>>Clark was (IMHO) one of the true innovators and drivers of good SF. I still think of "Childhood's End" as one of the great works. And "Rendezvous with Rama"? Remarkable.
>
>I agree about "Childhood's End" being one of the great SF works of all time. I, personally, don't put Rama in that class but wouldn't quibble with anybody who did.
>
>For me, though, Clarke's short stories REALLY shine. "The 9 Billion Names of God" had a particularly intriguing premise. But "The Star" (I think I have the titles right....it's been a long time) has my vote for the best SF short story of all time. As I get older I seem to get more emotional and cry at movies all the time. But this is the only story I have read which had the same effect on the fifth reading as it did on the first.

I honestly don't remember that one. I'll have to look for it. Until now, had anyone asked me, I might have picked Zelazney as the best short story writer.

If I remember the titles correctly (from far too many years ago), "The Doors of His Face, The Lamps of His Mouth" and "A Rose for Ecclesiastes" both affected me a lot.