Arthur C. Clarke: Sci-fi museum reacts to his death

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Arthur C. Clarke: Sci-fi museum reacts to his death

When Therese Littleton heard legendary science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke died, she went to her files and pulled out the last piece of correspondence Seattle's Science Fiction Museum received from Clarke -- a personal letter dated April 2007 in which the ailing 89-year-old explained he wouldn't make it to that year's hall of fame induction ceremony. In fact, he wouldn't be leaving Sri Lanka at all, ever again.

"I think he knew that his time would be up pretty soon," said Littleton, director of curatorial affairs at the museum. "I sat there looking at the letter with his shaky signature on it and said, 'Wow.'"

One of the "ABC" fathers of science fiction (Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury and Clarke), the legendary author of "2001: A Space Odyssey," the Rama series and more than 100 genre defining works passed away today in his home in Sri Lanka. (Read the AP obit.)

Science fiction fans have known for years Clarke's death was coming. But his passing is likely to have a particularly deep resonance in Seattle, where the aerospace and tech industries have gathered thousands such fans who look to the stars and wonder where humanity will go next.

"You think of the Space Needle and the Pacific Science Center," Littleton said. "Seattle is a very science-fictiony town and always has been."

She said the museum has gotten a flurry of calls and e-mails all day since news of Clarke's passing hit the Web.

"It's funny -- you could think of sending an e-mail to the Sci-Fi Museum as kind of the equivalent of laying a flower," Littleton said. "People wanted to say, 'I wanted to mark the passing of this man.'"

The museum has set up a memorial page commemorating Clarke's life. No events are in the works yet, Littleton said, but could come if reaction demands it.

Clarke is featured in the museum display of influential writers. Littleton expects staff will etch today's date on his piece of it tomorrow.

Posted by at March 18, 2008 6:29 p.m.
Categories: Art and literature, Cultural comment

Comments

#109351

Posted by Wyo at 3/18/08 7:04 p.m.

Unfortunately, it won't be until later in this century scholars and critiques alike will come to the conclusion that the best authors of the 20th Century, were indeed, Science Fiction authors...

Its a shame that such profound and prophetic works as Arthur C. Clarke's has been relegated to "genre" fiction. Where would we be without the prophetic warnings of Orwell's "1984", or Huxley's dystopian/utopian "Brave New World."?... someday, hopefully, science fiction authors will get the literary credit they are so desperately due.

In addition...

Clarke is the inventor of the telecommunications satellite, without him we'd have none of the modern convenience we take for granted... He is a pioneer and will truly be missed.

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#109352

Posted by zzottt at 3/18/08 7:15 p.m.

RiP good sir.

You have inspired me in so many ways.. its so sad to see you pass on.

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#109365

Posted by unregistered user at 3/18/08 8:11 p.m.

I am what I am today ,successful , happy and at peace because of your work , thank you - Ruwan Iddamalgoda Sri Lanka

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#109367

Posted by Time2Change at 3/18/08 8:33 p.m.

Thank you, Sir Arthur. May your spirit fly through the universe you brought so very close to me through your words and ideas. I will continue to read your stories and dream of the worlds you created. I will honor your memory by introducing young readers to your genious. Thank you is not enough. A few tears slide down my cheeks as I think of you taking off on this ultimate journey of discovery. Gone for now...but you will never be forgotten. - Sherri Hosieni

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#109396

Posted by unregistered user at 3/18/08 11:16 p.m.

Just to add re. A.C.'s involvement/influence beyond the "obvious" (2001).
Almost the last link to SF fandom's old guard- attendee at the 1st formal, organised SF convention in the world in 1937, fanzine editor, astronautics fan, &c., and not /just/ communication satellites, but also fully immersive VR (& RPGs!), AI & genetic engineering in "The City and the Stars" alone, decades before cyberpunk "invented" the niche.
Thanks and RIP, Arthur & your "Ego" for your vision and service to thinking humanity. - David Witts, Peterhead, UK.

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#109489

Posted by unregistered user at 3/19/08 9:35 a.m.

Asimov has only one A in his last name.

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#109976

Posted by unregistered user at 3/20/08 9:09 a.m.

There's a discussion over at Shelf Talk (a blog at The Seattle Public Library) about favorite Clarke titles. I have to say for me it's 2001 (okay, and I know that's "obvious"), but I realize I haven't even made a dent in reading some of his great work.

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