2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

Essay by Ted Gioia

Here is a reasonable rule of thumb for sci-fi readers: if the movie came first, then you can skip the book. But if the book came first, then forget the film—and head to the library. This simple guide would (for example) steer you toward Dune the book, and not the feeble movie adaptations, but would allow you to enjoy the Star Wars film…