"The interesting thing is that, if these guys are right, we'll be
getting a space elevator *before* we have widespread space travel. Both
Clarke & Sheffield had their elevators built well after space flight
using more conventional means had become widespread."

Clarke and Sheffield released their books prior to a pair of horrific
shuttle disasters and while the Cold War simmered. I wonder if these
were factors in our halting exploration over the High Frontier?

Jeff