h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What about Orson Scott Card Sheri S Tepper & Iain M Banks?

I haven't read much Tepper or Banks, but I would agree with you that Card shouls be there. There are many more that I would also put up, but it was a hasty list and when I get some more time I will definitely update it.

Sorry, but I just blundered into your site. Am I missing the point if I suggest two of my favourites?
How about John Wyndham, [Day of the Triffids, The Midwych Cuckoos, The Kraken Wakes, Trouble with Lichen etc} and
H.G.Wells [well...you know]

Timothy Zahn, a nice one to end the list.

If you want both science fiction and fantasy, I think Neil Gaimen (a little dark, but still fantasy) would be a good addition. Maybe Rosemary Edghill, Melanie Rawn, and Mercedes Lackey--going down the "recent" DAW scion.

kurt vonnegut?

Oooooh--I like Vonnegut.

There was an old man called vonnegut
who's writings were verry-gut
all his stories are mad-uns
and like douglas adams

Melanie Rawn I think should definately be there. But what about Raymond E. Feist and David Gemmell ??? Two of the best fantasy writers around.

An elderly man from Stamboul
Soliloquied thus to his tool:
"You've taken my wealth,
You've ruined my health,
And now you won't pee, you old fool!"
-K. Vonnegut

Robert Rankin should be in there. Sure, he may not be 100% SF&F, but he's bizarre enough to fit into either category, and good and funny enough to merit a position here.

For a list of "great" SF writers, I would have a much shorter list, but I think leaving William Gibson off is criminal.

Whoops. Forgot to add Harlan Ellison and Michael Moorcock. Both tremendously influential, I think, even if Moorcock is more known as a fantasy guy.