A Meeting with Medusa, by Arthur C. Clarke

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Omphalos
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A Meeting with Medusa, by Arthur C. Clarke

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Lots of people out there feel that Arthur C. Clarke can do no wrong. I do not happen to be one of those, but I do greatly respect the man, and I will read anything he wrote at least once. Fortunately much of what he wrote during his very long career was excellent. Along with Heinlein and Asimov Clarke is probably one of the most recognized names in our genre, and that recognition is deserved. I do not have to tell you how glum I was the day he passed, even if it was expected and natural. Even if he had not written in years and probably would not have again, there was a finality about it all that moved me. Today's review is of Clarke's 1972 novella A Meeting with Medusa, and its a page turner. Four out of five stars.

A Meeting with Medusa is a first contact/inner system exploration story with a huge hook and even an additional theme that shows up at the end. Its about a very competent lighter-than-air pilot who has learned to be the best pilot in the world the hard way. A number of years before the expedition he was the captain of the QE IV, an enormous dirigible airliner that crashed and.....Please click here or on the cover above to be taken to the review
Something is about to happen, Hal. Something wonderful!

-James C. Harwood, Science Fiction Writer, Straight (March 5, 1956 - May 25, 2010)



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inhuien
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Post by inhuien »

I too felt an emptiness when I heard he had died. Thanks for another fine review.
Look, I'm not much good at big speeches, and I know I haven't always been an easy guy to get on with, and I know, that given the choice, I wouldn't have chosen you as friends, but I just want to say, that over the years, I have come to regard you as people I met.

-Rimmer’s farewell speech
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A Thing of Eternity
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Post by A Thing of Eternity »

I'm sure I've mentioned this, but he died on my birthday. Sad, though inevitable day for science and science fiction alike.
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