Heinlein
Robert A.
Heinlein (1907–1988) was an American science fiction writer whose work shaped the genre for decades.
His novels range from juvenile adventures to libertarian manifestos to explorations of free love and unconventional social structures.
Stranger in a Strange Land introduced "grok" to the language.
Starship Troopers sparked debates about militarism that continue today.
Heinlein remains influential and controversial—celebrated for bold ideas, criticized for didacticism and political views that shifted rightward over his career.
Speculative fiction with technological themes
- Stranger in a Strange LandOutsider in unfamiliar place
- Starship TroopersMilitary science fiction film
- grokDeeply, intuitively comprehend
- Hugo AwardGenre literature prize
juveniles · pulp magazines · naval officer · World War II · Friday
Voyaging beyond Earth's atmosphere
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
- time travelMovement across temporal points
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
- alternate historyGenre reimagining past outcomes
interstellar · telepathy · generation ships · lunar colonies · suspended animation · future history · social engineering · space habitats
Having considerable effect
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- seminalFoundational and influential
- Grand MasterHighest ceremonial rank holder
Big Three · golden age · trailblazing · prolific · controversial · prophetic · iconic · groundbreaking
Minimal-government political philosophy
- individualismDoctrine of personal independence
- polyamoryConsensual multiple romantic relationships
- free loveUnstructured romantic and sexual bonds
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
military service · civic duty · longevity · social Darwinism · antiauthoritarianism · personal responsibility · sexual liberation · frontier spirit
science fiction
Speculative fiction with technological themes
- Stranger in a Strange LandOutsider in unfamiliar place
- Starship TroopersMilitary science fiction film
- grokDeeply, intuitively comprehend
Hugo Award · juveniles · pulp magazines · naval officer · World War II · Friday
space travel
Voyaging beyond Earth's atmosphere
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
- time travelMovement across temporal points
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
alternate history · interstellar · telepathy · generation ships · lunar colonies · suspended animation · future history · social engineering · space habitats · terraforming
influential
Having considerable effect
- pioneeringFirst to explore territory
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- seminalFoundational and influential
Grand Master · Big Three · golden age · trailblazing · prolific · controversial · prophetic · iconic · groundbreaking · formative
libertarianism
Minimal-government political philosophy
- individualismDoctrine of personal independence
- polyamoryConsensual multiple romantic relationships
- free loveUnstructured romantic and sexual bonds
self-reliance · military service · civic duty · longevity · social Darwinism · antiauthoritarianism · personal responsibility · sexual liberation · frontier spirit · pragmatism