I have heard these SF authors called the greatest SF Author of all time;Philip K.Dick,Gene Wolfe and Ray Bradbury.

[Droflet]

Well since no one else is going to. Harlan Ellison can put a few words on paper. As for the rest, I'll fall back into the usual. There are lots of great SFF writers. Too many to mention.

 

[JJewel]

Is it a name game? we havent even looked at Heinlein, asimov or clarke as a few obviously early examples. And then we have Weber or even John Ringo and finally where is John Wyndham?

 

[Elckerlyc]

Actually, I think the OP is simply asking for our opinion whether Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury and Gene Wolfe can rightfully be called the greatest SF writers of all time? Not whether you are a fan of their works or, if not, who you consider the best (genre)-writer.

 

[Bick]

And then we have Weber or even John Ringo ...

The idea that Weber or John Ringo might be the greatest SF writer of all time time, has to be (a) a wind-up, (b) a typo.

I don't know who the greatest is, but I do know RAH is the "Dean" of SF because it says so on his books.

 

[Bick]

Actually, I think the OP is simply asking for our opinion whether Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury and Gene Wolfe can rightfully be called the greatest SF writers of all time? Not whether you are a fan of their works or, if not, who you consider the best (genre)-writer.

Aaah. In that case, no.

 

[Ray Zdybrow]

Every writer is like someone you meet, or you know. The greatest SF writers are the ones that you KNOW. This looks like an inspirational platitude, but I mean it.

 

[Bick]

Every writer is like someone you meet, or you know. The greatest SF writers are the ones that you KNOW. This looks like an inspirational platitude, but I mean it.

I’m happy to acknowledge you mean it, and you may be right, but I’m not sure I know what you mean.

 

[JJewel]

The idea that Weber or John Ringo might be the greatest SF writer of all time time, has to be (a) a wind-up, (b) a typo.

I don't know who the greatest is, but I do know RAH is the "Dean" of SF because it says so on his books.

Wind up?, probably , I enjoy Ringos work in particular and have re-read his stuff often but as for best... that is a question for a much greater mind than mine.

 

[Robert Zwilling]

There is greatest success, greatest impact, greatest whatever. I will say that Phillip K. Dick rates high up on combining the absurdity of what people are capable of doing with the complexities and advancements of technology. I also think that when a new science fiction story resonates with current or near future events it has more of an impact on people and that is a moving target that is dependent on your age and when you start reading science fiction. My experience was that reading Bradbury and Lovecraft at an early age greatly expanded my horizons of what was possible in terms of reading and writing.

 

[Dave Vicks]

I like to read LOVECRAFT on Halloween. Full moon this Halloween. Also watch Night of the Living Dead on Halloween.

 

[JJewel]

Traditionally at Halloween we like to Kidnap a local and barbecue them over the fire then all tuck in for a nice meal together. Good family times!

 

[nixie]

I normally look for a vi...volunteer around this time of year for the cracked pot bonfire on 5th November.

 

[JJewel]

And this years winner to play Guy Fawkes is .... Jeremy Billings along at No. 42, come along Jerry, this wont hurt for long.

 

[Ray Zdybrow]

I’m happy to acknowledge you mean it, and you may be right, but I’m not sure I know what you mean.

In that case, I’m NOT one of the greatest SF writers of all time... does that help?

 

[Dave Vicks]

At the Mountains of Madness, scared me.
Good pulp writing.

 

[Bick]

At the Mountains of Madness, scared me.
Good pulp writing.

Nice non sequitur. As good a place to post as anywhere I guess