Robert A. Heinlein

Robert A. Heinlein (born July 7, 1907, Butler, Missouri, U.S.—died May 8, 1988, Carmel, California) was a prolific American writer considered to be one of the most literary and sophisticated of science fiction writers. He did much to develop the genre by increasing its scientific plausibility and by publishing for a broader, more mainstream audience. Heinlein used science fiction as a way to address topical social themes, such as individual liberty, social obligations, the role of religion, and the effects of technology.

Early life

Heinlein grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. An early interest in astronomy led him to pursue both an education in science and a passion for science fiction. As a youth he read and was influenced by such classic science fiction writers as H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and Olaf Stapledon. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1929 and serving in the navy for five years, Heinlein pursued graduate studies in physics and mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1938 he ran for political office in California; the failure of his campaign precipitated his turn to writing. Except for engineering service with the navy during World War II, he was an established professional writer from 1939.

His first story, “Life-Line,” was published in the action-adventure pulp magazine Astounding Science Fiction. He continued to write for that publication—along with other notable science fiction writers—until 1942, when he began war work as an engineer. Heinlein returned to writing in 1947, with an eye toward a more sophisticated audience. His first book, Rocket Ship Galileo (1947), was followed by a large number of novels and story collections, including works for children and young adults. After the 1940s he largely avoided shorter fiction.

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Major works and legacy

His popularity grew over the years, probably reaching its peak after the publication of his best-known work, Stranger in a Strange Land (1961). This novel, which became an important text for the 1960s counterculture, tells the story of a human raised on Mars who comes to Earth and challenges existing social customs and beliefs. Also among his most famous novels are Starship Troopers (1959) and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (1966). The former, a futuristic story of interstellar war, gained Heinlein a reputation as a militarist. The latter, which chronicles a revolution undertaken by colonists on the Moon, shows the author’s libertarian sympathies. His broad interests and concern for characterization as well as technology brought him a considerable number of admirers among general-interest readers. Among his other popular books are The Green Hills of Earth (1951), Double Star (1956), The Door into Summer (1957), Citizen of the Galaxy (1957), and Methuselah’s Children (1958).

Heinlein left a considerable legacy. His books have remained in print and are widely read. In 1975 he became the first writer to be named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (now Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association). Four of his novels received Hugo Awards, with three more works being given so-called “Retro Hugos” decades after their publication.