The winner of the 2006 Arthur C Clarke Award has been announced. Out of a field of terrific books, the judges have chosen to present the award to Geoff Ryman for his novel Air. While I like almost everything on the shortlist, I’m particularly pleased Ryman has won for his astoundingly wonderful book. You haven’t read it? Go, now, buy a copy. It comes from the quietest part of the bleeding edge, but is essential science fiction nonetheless.

Oh, and before I forget, can we also give it up for Gordon Van Gelder, who I believe was the original commissioning editor for the novel. He did some great work for St Martins.