Heinlein

Robert Anson Heinlein (July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction writer widely regarded as one of the most influential authors in the genre. Along with his contemporaries, he helped shape the Golden Age of science fiction and is often referred to as the dean of science fiction. His fiction is known for its emphasis on rationalism, individual autonomy, and political and social experimentation, sometimes blending hard-science detail with provocative social themes.

Among his best-known works are Starship Troopers (1959), which examines citizenship and military service; Stranger in a Strange Land (1961), a countercultural bestselling novel that generated controversy; and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (1966), a libertarian-leaning story about a lunar revolt. He also wrote a number of early juvenile novels, and numerous short stories that appeared in magazines.

Heinlein's writing often explored ideas of personal responsibility, self-reliance, and the relationship between individuals and government. His use of speculative technology and plausible science influenced later generations of SF writers and readers.

Born in Butler, Missouri, Heinlein spent his youth in Kansas City and began publishing science fiction in the 1930s. He continued writing for decades and received multiple Hugo Awards for his novels.

Heinlein died in 1988 in California. His work remains a touchstone of mid-20th-century science fiction and a benchmark for the exploration of social and political ideas within speculative settings.