"But also a shame he had to present the ideas in fiction, because he really wasn't much of a writer. "Rendezvous with Rama" is a classic example of how not to write. "

Grab, shame on you. Rendezvous with Rama is an excellet book, as were many of his others. He was a very readible writer who did not dazzle his readers with scientific gobbly-gook but presented his ideas in a clear and easy to understand style. Not much on characterisation, certainly; but a good story teller.

RIP Mr Clarke, we have lost a treasure.