RIP Boris Strugatsky

[CCIP]

Those of you who are into world sci-fi will doubtless recognize that name as one of Strugatsky Brothers, the finest duo of Soviet science fiction writers. His brother and lifelong writing partner Arkady passed away back in 1993. They were the authors of many influential works, including Roadside Picnic, Tale of the Troika, Beetle in the Anthill, and others.

The gamers among you should probably recognize them by way of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R games, the concept behind which was inspired directly by two of the Strugatskys works from nearly 40 years ago. They also originated several other very important sci-fi concepts which continue to be very relevant today.

Boris passed away today at the age of 79.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strugatsky_brothers

The Strugatsky brothers are among my favourite authors, and two of their works - "Monday Begins on Saturday", a lovely fantasy spin on life in research institutes; and the screenplay for Tarkovsky's film "Stalker" - are among the most influential works in my life, bar none. My view of the world would not be the same without those.

I should also remark that of all Russian authors I know, the Strugatski brothers translate wonderfully into English and are a fantastic read even if you are not familiar with Russian culture in any way. If you've never read them, do yourself a favour. If you have, go pick up something by them again.

Thank you Boris for all your (and your late brother's) wonderful work and all that it has done for me personally!