Tower Blog

2008: The End of an Odyssey

March 31, 2008 by Romy

In 1968 a short story by the name of “The Sentinel” was adapted for film thus adorning the world with the Kubrick classic “2001: A Space Odyssey”, and with that, Arthur C. Clarke had achieved his greatest fame.

Clarke who passed away this week of heart failure and respiratory complications at the age of 90, inspired millions of readers with his vivid descriptions of space shuttles and super computers. A farmer’s son and a Somerset native, Clarke served in the Royal Air Force during WWII all the while foreseeing the concept of communication satellites. When asked why he never patented the idea he replied that he never thought it would be achieved in his lifetime.

With a 10 year marriage ending in divorce in 1964 and no children to speak of, Clarke remained a student and visionary of the world. Serving on the board of directors for the National Space Society, pursuing scuba diving interests in Sri Lanka and writing more than 100 fiction and non-fiction books he ultimately gave science fiction a human and practical face.

A visionary forever etched in history, survived by his zest for life, exceptional sense of humor and virtually immeasurable talents. Quoted saying “I have had a diverse career as a writer, underwater explorer, and space promoter. Of all these, I would like to be remembered as a writer”, and with that Sir Arthur C Clarke will be missed and honored till the end of time.

Selected Works:

Arthur C. Clarke - 2001: A Space Odyssey

Arthur C. Clarke - Firstborn

Arthur C. Clarke - Collected Stories