Thomas M. Disch

author

Thomas M. Disch

1940–2008

A sharp, inventive voice in modern speculative fiction, this American writer and poet moved easily between dystopian novels, children's stories, criticism, and verse. His work is remembered for its wit, range, and willingness to look at dark subjects without losing its intelligence or edge.

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About the author

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 2, 1940, Thomas M. Disch grew up in Minnesota and moved to New York City in the late 1950s. He attended both The Cooper Union and New York University without taking a degree, and went on to build a remarkably varied literary career.

Disch became a major figure in science fiction's New Wave, with novels such as The Genocides, Camp Concentration, 334, and On Wings of Song earning lasting attention. He also wrote poetry, essays, criticism, libretti, historical fiction, children's books, and interactive fiction, showing an unusual ability to work across forms while keeping a distinctive, often satirical voice.

His achievements reached well beyond fiction alone. He won the 1999 Hugo Award for The Dreams Our Stuff Is Made Of, a nonfiction study of science fiction, and he was also known as a theater and opera critic. Disch died in New York City on July 4, 2008, leaving behind a body of work that still stands out for its originality, humor, and fearless imagination.