Undeserved Obscurity

As a general rule, I believe that at least at some point in their life, most freethinkers and left-leaners (how's that for an inclusive definition of this clientele?) were big S.F. fans.

This is a belief for which I have absolutely no objective proof, and the fact that Newt Gingrich felt compelled to write an execrable alternate-history novel back in the 90's would seem to contradict me.

Ok, how about "freethinkers and left-leaners" enjoy good S.F."?

Everyone's heard of Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke and Philip K. Dick, but I feel that there are way too many writers from that generation who were just as good -- if not better -- and are now almost completely unknown.

A few days ago, OkieByAccident mentioned he was a Cordwainer Smith fan. So am I, and we're in complete agreement on his two best stories: "A Planet Named Shayol" -- which was inspired by Dante's Inferno -- and his brilliant, moving re-creation of the legend of Joan of Arc: "The Dead Lady of Clown Town".

OBA was also kind enough to send me a link to a site for this author (whose real life was almost as fascinating as one of his stories) and whether like me you're an ardent admirer or this is the first time you've heard of him, I urge you to check it out.

So who else do you think now languishes in undeserved obscurity?