For Immediate Release
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Jack Williamson and Greg Bear, two legendary authors of speculative fiction and long-time members of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, have been named recipients of the 2006 Robert A. Heinlein Award for their overall body of work.
The award, administered by the Heinlein Society, will be presented formally by Jerry Pournelle, SFWA member and a founding member of the Advisory Board for the Heinlein Award, at the World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles, Calif., in late August.
"I feel a deep appreciation for the award, not only because I admired Heinlein as a writer and a man, but also because he was a valued friend," said Williamson, widely recognized as the dean of science fiction. The author of dozens of novels and winner of both the Nebula® and Hugo Awards, in 1976 Williamson was named a Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master by SFWA — only the second author so honored after Heinlein in 1975. Williamson's most recent novel is the world-hopping adventure The Stonehenge Gate.
"Of course, it's an honor and a privilege to receive the Heinlein Award this year, especially since I share the honor with one of my favorites, one of the most influential writers in science fiction history — Jack Williamson," said Bear, past president of SFWA and recipient of multiple Nebula® and Hugo Awards. His most recent novel is the near-future thriller Quantico. "To carry on Robert Heinlein's grand tradition of storytelling, visioneering and general rabble-rousing is a real pleasure — and a sobering responsibility. Thanks to all, and heartfelt congratulations to Jack — who may actually have taught Mr. Heinlein a thing or two!"
This is the fourth year for the Heinlein Award, presented for outstanding published work in hard science fiction or technical writings inspiring the human exploration of space. Advisory Board members voting in this year's selection were: Joe Haldeman, Yoji Kondo/Eric Kotani, Elizabeth Moon, Larry Niven, Pournelle, Spider Robinson, Stanley Schmidt, Herb Gilliland, and John Hill. The last two advisors are professors of English at the U.S. Naval Academy, which is Heinlein's alma mater and serves as the home port for this award.
Robert Anson Heinlein (1907-1988) was arguably the most
influential writer in the science fiction genre. He received 4
Hugo awards and the first SFWA Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master
Award. His 31 novels are rarely out of print and include Starship
Troopers, Stranger in a Strange Land, and The Moon is a Harsh
Mistress. His widow, Virginia Heinlein, authorized the creation of
the this award prior to her death.
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Founded in 1965 by the late Damon Knight, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America brings together the most successful and daring writers of speculative fiction throughout the world.
Since its inception, SFWA® has grown in numbers and influence until it is now widely recognized as one of the most effective non-profit writers' organizations in existence, boasting a membership of approximately 1,500 science fiction and fantasy writers as well as artists, editors and allied professionals. Each year the organization presents the prestigious Nebula Awards® for the year's best literary and dramatic works of speculative fiction.
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