Answer: The Big Three

The three most influential Sci-Fi writers of the 20th century are frequently referred to as The Big Three. The triad is composed of Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clarke. All three wrote in the style of hard science fiction, which is science fiction with an emphasis on scientific accuracy and serious application of our current scientific knowledge to predict future technology.

Each man is known for his significant contributions to the literary field. Heinlein, author of such titles as Starship Troopers and Stranger in a Strange Land, set the bar for scientific plausibility in Sci-Fi writing and is widely credited with significantly raising reader expectations and the overall quality of Sci-Fi literature.

Isaac Asimov, seen here, was one of the most prolific writers in the history of the genre and not only wrote hundreds of short stories and novels but had hundreds of his works adapted for television and Hollywood. Asimov is known for iconic Sci-Fi stories like I, Robot and The Positronic Man.

Arthur C. Clarke, the third of our accomplished writers, was best known among the general public for his novel-turned-award-winning-movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sci-Fi fans and critics, however, were quick to praise his iconic work Childhood’s End.