author
Thomas M. Disch
1940–2008
A sharp, inventive voice of science fiction’s New Wave, Thomas M. Disch blended dark ideas, literary ambition, and sly humor across novels, poetry, criticism, and children’s fiction. His work ranged from the challenging classics Camp Concentration and 334 to the much-loved The Brave Little Toaster.
2 Audiobooks
The Demi-Urge
by Thomas M. Disch
"Utopia? Never!"
by Thomas M. Disch
About the author
Thomas Michael Disch (February 2, 1940–July 4, 2008) was an American science fiction writer, poet, critic, and author of children’s literature. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he grew up largely in Minnesota before moving to New York, where he worked a variety of jobs while developing his writing career. He began publishing science fiction in the 1960s and became associated with the genre’s New Wave movement.
Disch wrote widely across genres, including the novels The Genocides, Camp Concentration, 334, and On Wings of Song. He also published poetry, essays, theater criticism, and horror fiction, including the Minnesota-set series Supernatural Minnesota. His 1980 novella The Brave Little Toaster became a modern children’s classic and inspired an animated film.
In 1999, Disch won the Hugo Award for Best Related Book for The Dreams Our Stuff Is Made Of: How Science Fiction Conquered the World. His writing is remembered for its intelligence, mordant humor, social unease, and willingness to push speculative fiction into literary and philosophical territory.