Robert A. Heinlein

Robert Anson Heinlein was born in 1907 in Missouri, USA. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1929 and later served as a Navy officer until he was discharged for health reasons in 1934. Starting in 1939, he began writing science fiction stories to supplement his pension income. Heinlein is considered one of the key figures in shaping the science fiction literary genre, alongside Arthur Clarke and Isaac Asimov, forming the top trio of authors in the field. Heinlein introduced a new characteristic to science fiction: everyday realism. His characters are ordinary people—professionals, scientists, engineers, politicians—people you might encounter at any moment. His works, which often have political undertones, have been repeatedly honored with awards. He passed away in 1988.