William Patterson is widely recognized for his insightful analysis of Robert A. Heinlein's literary contributions. His published works delve deeply into the themes and techniques present in Heinlein's oeuvre, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the celebrated science fiction author. Patterson's public speaking engagements further cemented his reputation as a leading authority, illuminating Heinlein's impact on the genre and inspiring new generations of readers.
Exploring the life of Robert A. Heinlein, this volume of his authorized biography delves into his experiences and evolution as a writer and thinker from 1948 to 1988. It reveals the influences and events that shaped his iconic works and examines his complex personality and relationships. Through detailed research and personal anecdotes, the narrative highlights Heinlein's contributions to science fiction and his impact on American culture, providing an intimate portrait of a literary giant.
For the first time, the real story of the life of Robert A. Heinlein in the authorized biography Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) is generally considered the greatest American SF writer of the 20th century. A famous and bestselling author in later life, he started as a navy man and graduate of Annapolis who was forced to retire because of tuberculosis. A socialist politician in the 1930s, he became one of the sources of Libertarian politics in the USA in his later years. His most famous works include the Future History series (stories and novels collected in The Past Through Tomorrow and continued in later novels), Starship Troopers, Stranger in a Strange Land, and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Given his desire for privacy in the later decades of his life, he was both stranger and more interesting than one could ever have known. This is the first of two volumes of a major American biography. This volume is about Robert A. Heinlein's life up to the end of the 1940s and the mid-life crisis that changed him forever.