Manuscript of Arthur C. Clark's "Shaw and the Sound Barrier," 1960.

Courtesy of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia

In the winter of 1960, VQR published “Shaw and the Sound Barrier” by noted British science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. In the essay, Clarke recounts his exchange with Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw regarding supersonic flight, space travel, and Shaw’s play Back to Methuselah. Clarke also suggested that Shaw obtain membership in the British Interplanetary Society. Shaw then became the oldest member of the society at ninety-one. This article highlights Clarke’s unique place at the intersection of modern science and literature, his writing both inspiring and inspired by some of the stunning scientific advancements that occurred during his lifetime.