The name Arthur C. Clarke is known throughout the world as one of the most proficient science fiction writers. Born in 1917, he lived a full life full of adventure until he passed away in 2008, at the age of 90. He was the author or over 100 fiction and non-fiction books regarding outer space and 'possible futures'.
An active member of the British Interplanetary Society, his first science-fiction stories came into being when he was serving in the Royal Air Force from 1941 to 1946. Clarke is one of the most celebrated British science fiction authors of all time and was an inventor as well.
During college he continued to write stories and was an avid fan of writers H. G. Wells and Jules Verne. Following school he was employed by the Exchequer and Adult Department in London and Physics Abstracts before becoming a full time writer in 1952.
A paper Sir Arthur wrote interested scientists in the idea of communication satellites and in 1982 he was awarded the Marconi Award for his contributions to communications technology. A collection of his technical writings, which strongly emphasized this idea, was highly received when printed in Ascent to Orbit.
His writings regarding outer space had a great deal of influence with his first published novel, Prelude to Space. This book, which is still very popular, was written in just 3 weeks in 1947. In the 1950's he discovered an interest in undersea exploration and wrote several fiction, nonfiction books and articles about the Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka.
He also became interested in filming, joined a friend to film the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and wrote a book The Deep Range based on his experience. In 1980 Clarke obtained his own television series, 'Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World' and, in 1985, 'The World of Strange Powers'. Both shows were very popular, especially with young people.
He also became well known as a lecturer and was a professor at Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, India. He will long be remembered for the film 2001: A Space Odyssey which was based on a novel he wrote. This was followed by two other Space Odyssey sequels. Many other futuristic films have also been based on his novels.
Arthur C. Clarke was honored for his scientific writings and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. During his lifetime, Sir Arthur suffered a number of accidents some resulting in temporary paralysis but that did not defer his imagination or writing talent. His influence with scientists, and the public, cannot be underestimated regarding space communication and exploration. It has been reported that a number of astronauts became interested in outer space and entered the NASA program after reading his books. There is no doubt that his works will continue to be read by those who are interested in this subject as many of the predictions he made so long ago have became today's reality.
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