Harry Harrison

Born in Connecticut in 1925, Harry Harrison became one of the most popular and distinctive voices in science fiction. He wrote across more than six decades and is especially associated with the Stainless Steel Rat series, the Deathworld books, and Make Room! Make Room!.

Before fiction took over, he worked as an illustrator and in comics, and that visual background helped give his writing its crisp, energetic pace. He was also closely involved in the science-fiction community for many years and lived for long stretches outside the United States, including in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Readers remember him for mixing big ideas with humor, sharp social criticism, and a strong dislike of war and pomposity. He died in 2012, but his books still feel lively, funny, and surprisingly modern.