Frederik Pohl has collaborated with Arthur C. Clarke on the latter author’s final novel, The Last Theorem. It will be released August 5.
Clarke is known for predicting scientific inventions in his novels: In 1945, he predicted the invention of communications satellites, 12 years before the launch of the first artificial satellites. As a result, geosynchronous orbits, which keep satellites in a fixed position relative to the ground, are nicknamed Clarke orbits.
“The Last Theorem” includes a weapon called Silent Thunder that neutralizes all electronic activity in a given area to harmlessly disarm entire nations. Another is the space elevator, a cord suspended from an orbiting object in space that can pull objects from Earth, rather than rely on rocket power to launch them.
Pohl said his research and conversations with friends who are scientists convince him both will one day exist.
“If we can somehow figure out what possible futures there might be,” he said, “you can try to encourage the ones you like and avoid the ones you don’t.”
Pohl said the type of work he and Clarke did was different from much of what is written today. He said that rather than delving into difficult subjects like astronomy, math and physics, young writers sometimes turn to an easier route by writing fantasy.
“Science fiction is sometimes a little hard,” Pohl said. “Fantasy is like eating an ice cream cone. You don’t have to think a bit.”
I can understand that, but you don’t have to think much about fantasy only if you aren’t trying to hold to an actual historic time and place. And you don’t have to think much if you aren’t developing/creating much detail in your fantasy world.
Fantasy can be easy, in a way that true Science Fiction cannot. It just doesn’t have to be.
There’s a big difference between the kind of fantasy a lot of writers do (“Let’s imagine a world of dashing swordswomen who wear armor bikinis, and we’ll string some vowels, consonants and apostrophes together to construct the names!”) and the sort of thing Tolkien did, grounded as it was in intensive study of language origins. Or what George R. R. Martin did in creating an amplified version of the Wars of the Roses, anchored in genuine history (though I’ve given up on Martin, alas). Or what I, in my humbler way, attempt to do by developing stories out of history, saga, folklore and language.
But you knew this’d get a rise out of me, didn’t you? 😉
Arthur Clarke did not “predicted” the comm satellites, he invented them.
The original paper, not science fiction, but a scientific work, is called “Extraterrestrial Relays, can rocket stations give world-wide coverage”, Oct45, Wireless World.
Technology was ready for the idea 12 years after.
For the complete work refeer to Arthur Clarke’s foundation.
regards
Marcelo
Ok, I looked it up.
“In 1945, a UK periodical magazine Wireless World published his landmark technical paper ‘Extra-terrestrial Relays’ in which he first set out the principles of satellite communication with satellites in geostationary orbits – a speculation realized 25 years later. During the evolution of his discovery, he worked with scientists and engineers in the USA in the development of spacecraft and launch systems, and addressed the United Nations during their deliberations on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.”
Bravo to Sir Clarke
Nitpick: It should be “Sir Arthur.” The title Sir is always paired with the first name, since family members with the same last names may have different titles, or none at all.
I knew you wanted to know. 😉
Another reason is that the designation “Sir” predates last names.
I grieve over this gap in my knowledge. How could I have made this mistake? What will become of me now?
Phil, I think you will have to spend your days in a country that does not recognize titles of nobility 😉 .
Also you’ll have to toil on a blog with a nutcase co-writer.
No. You’ve sentenced me to the 3 & 1/3 circle of Hades. I repent. It can’t be too late. I repent.