[Arryn]

Originally posted by Vicious Love:
I can think of very few SciFi authors from Back in the Day who had more than a rudimentary way with words.

Try Frank Herbert.

Heinlein, Asimov, and Clarke (as has been mentioned by Leif) were full of interesting ideas that they wrapped into stories. Asimov and Clarke weren't particularly good writers, but they were prolific and intriguing. Heinlein, I must disagree, did write decent novels. Especially his non-children's books. It's just that his style doesn't appeal to everyone. Just as I know people (who I think are culturally blind) who don't care for G.R.R. Martin or Steven Erikson (yes, odd as that may be to believe).