I loved Heinlein for years and I've read and own virtually everything he has written with my favorite being Stranger In A Strange Land. Lately I have heavily gotten into Theodore Sturgeon. When I'm finished with my current book though, I am trying out some Harlan Ellison that comes highly recommended at work. So, just curious who your second or third choices are for science fiction authors. Feel free to expound.

Oh, I like Philip K. Dick too but haven't read a whole lot yet...

Years ago I wrote to Robert Heinlein and received two post cards from him. The second of which he stated that he was too busy writing to correspond with me. What a contrast to Ray!

However, I would say Clarke and then Heinlein.

I'll gloss over my discomfort with the label sci-fi, and just answer the question...

My faves apart from RB are Harlan Ellison (yes, rocket, highly recommended!) and Theodore Sturgeon.

And then PKD and Richard Matheson.

I also greatly admired the first four or five novels by Christopher Priest, but somehow lost track of his work some time ago.

I would have to say Michael Crighton.

His Timeline and Jurrasic Park stories are my niche.

I agree with the ones cited: Robert Heinlein, Theodore Sturgeon, Harlan Ellison, and Philip K. Dick.

I would also (quickly, as I'm getting ready to go to work) add these: Robert Silverberg, Clifford Simak, Isaac Asimov, Arther C. Clark, Stephen Donaldson, Brian Aldiss, and others.

Gotta run.

philnic

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I'll gloss over my discomfort with the label sci-fi, and just answer the question...

Phil, I thought of that belatedly. I'm so into science fiction that I clumped him in, Ray is not only my favorite science fiction author, he is my favorite in all genres. Good point! I will more than likely start I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream today after finishing American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

Mr. Dark, I like Simak too. I know I'm on the right track as far as authors go, I was just curious what all of you liked too in sci-fi, thanks.

Was just talking to a guy at lunch today about "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream". It was one of my favorite stories back when I read it. Hope you enjoy it, also.

Did you enjoy American Gods? I have purchased it, but have not yet read it.

Jules Verne.
Douglas Adams.

Mr. Dark, I just started reading it and it is my first time reading Ellison, seems amazing so far. The introduction was by Ted Sturgeon who I also like. Can you recommend any other Ellison books that stand out? American Gods was amazing, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm a new fan. I liked the premise, characters, writing style, everything. He gives a nod to Ellison by the way in the acknowledgments at the end of the book. I hope you enjoy it too.

I'll try to remember to check at home.

Cool, appreciate it Mr. D. That reminds me of the Stones song, Dancin With Mr. D, wonder if it meant Mr. Dark. Now that I think about it, I don't believe it did, there's that other Mr. D that they're always singing about and have sympathy for...

B-Two, thanks for your input. I still have The Mysterious Island or something to that affect which I have not read but remember you recommending somewhere.

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I enjoyed the early and even some of the later Aandahl...tho years later it seems he went into some unexplored region of outer space religion or somesorts. Otherwise, many of his stories are still very entertaining!
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My favorites, in order, with standouts:

Bradbury (all), Simak (City), C. M. Cornbluth (The Little Black Bag), Asimov (Foundation series, etc), Heinlein (The Door Into Summer), Clarke (Childhood’s End).

John Collier has been mentioned here in the past as being an influence on Mr. B. I really liked "Green Thoughts" which was the inspiration for "Little Shop Of Horrors".

Also, Curt Siodmak's "Donovan's Brain" is a great story, well-written, and the radio production with Orson Welles is chilling. The '50s movie was good too.