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Science fiction is about science and technology. Fantasy involves magic and magical beings such as elves and unicorns.

2006-09-10 03:18:55 · 14 answers · asked by redunicorn 7 in Arts & Humanities Books & Authors

14 answers

I personally have always liked Arthur C Clarke. He knows what he is writing about. Example: Geo-stationary satellites are put into orbit in a zone around the Earth called the Clarke Belt. In the mid 1940s, he calculated where and how they would need to be placed and at what speed/trajectory so they would stay put--before there were even space capable rockets.
Another I have liked is David Brin. Again because he has degrees in appropriate fields to know what he is writing about.
For just plain good SF, a good list would not be complete without Frank Herbert.
For Fantasy, Peirs Anthony is great. His Xanth series is a fun read. Another fun read is Robert Heinlein. [If his book Job: A Comedy of Justice is correct, I want to go to hell and get my personal assistant.]
The most entertaining SF I have ever read, since I like British humor as well, has to be Douglas Adams. Don't let the pathetic attempt at making his books into a movie deter you. Read his Hitchhiker's books. You'll never stop laughing.
So, there ya have it: Arthur C Clarke, David Brin, Frank Herbert, and Peirs Anthony, Robert Heinlein, and Douglas Adams. As for the best, it depends upon what you're looking for, entertainment factor or factually based SF. Sorry, I can't lock it down to one author. Enjoy them all.

2006-09-10 03:40:15 · answer #1 · answered by quntmphys238 6 · 0 0

For fantasy, I would have to bow down to J.R.R. Tolkien. Many other authors have tried to follow in his footsteps, but very few have ever even come close to matching what he has done.

As for science fiction, Isaac Asimov is an excellent writer, and his short stories are marvelous, but I feel that Douglas Adams, the writer of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series, made what tended to be a rather serious genre more accessible to those who wanted to laugh more often than speculate on dystopic and apocalyptic scenarios.

For a writer who combines elements of both sci-fi and fantasy, Anne McCaffrey does the trick, especially in her Dragons of Pern series.

2006-09-10 04:23:32 · answer #2 · answered by sleepwalkingdreamer 2 · 0 0

Kurt Vonnegut/ George Orwell/ Neal Stephenson- Sci-fi Ursula K. LeGuin/ Phillip Pullman- Fantasy.

2016-03-27 05:20:47 · answer #3 · answered by Lorraine 4 · 0 0

Science Fiction: Stanislav Lem, without a doubt.
Followed by H.G. Wells and Kobo Abe's Inter Ice Age 4.
Fantasy: Jasper Fforde and Neil Gaiman whose books I'd call 'ironic fantasy' in a way.

2006-09-10 11:30:46 · answer #4 · answered by msmiligan 4 · 0 0

the best fantasy is Sir thomas malory. His "Le Morte D'Arthur" is probably the most responsible for the fantasy liturature of today. also don't discount stephen King and Ray Bradbury...but there are new science fiction authors and fantasy authors coming out all the time...and some of them are quite good too...oh almost forgot...kurt vonnegut is requred reading for everyone

2006-09-10 05:18:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

My husband likes Isaac Asimov and considers him the best in science fiction,

I think Philip Pullman is the best fantasy fiction writer.

2006-09-10 03:43:05 · answer #6 · answered by estee06 5 · 0 0

Isaac Asimov is very good at both, as is Piers Anthony.

I particularly like Piers Anthony's Incanrations of Immortality series in which he takes mythical, religious, and fantasy figures and has them existing in the modern world.

2006-09-10 10:56:13 · answer #7 · answered by But why is the rum always gone? 6 · 0 0

The Greatest Science Fiction writer, Theodore Sturgeon

The greatest fantacy write: Gene Wolfe.

Not familiar with the names? That's because they are great, not just besteller writers. They are the real deal.

Both writers could change you life.

2006-09-10 05:21:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Fantasy , try some Piers Anthony, his Adept series is a combo of both Sci Fi and Fantasy,,,Kury Vonnegurt Jr is my fav Sci Fi,,,,,

2006-09-10 03:21:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

In Fantasy fiction there is no one greater than J.R.R. Tolkien.

2006-09-10 07:20:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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