Clarke was the author of a multitude of science fiction novels, short stories, and other pieces  - such as Childhood’s End, The Nine Billion Names of God, Rendezvous with Rama, and The Songs of Distant Earth.  His achievements far exceed anything that could be summed up here, but if you have never read anything by him, I strongly suggest that you pick up at least one or two of his books.  They offer so much more than simple literary entertainment.  His writing is engaging and not so lofty as to be inaccessible to people who don’t necessarily love to read.

 For a better and longer look at his life and work, please read this article from the Boston Globe.