Larry Niven
Larry Niven
b. April 30, 1938 · From United States- Books
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About
Laurence van Cott Niven — known as Larry Niven — is an American science fiction writer. His best-known work is Ringworld (1970), which received Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards. The Science Fiction Writers of America named him the 2015 recipient of the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award.
His work is primarily hard science fiction, using big science concepts and theoretical physics. It also often includes elements of detective fiction and adventure stories. His fantasy includes the series The Magic Goes Away, rational fantasy dealing with magic as a non-renewable resource.
Niven was born in Los Angeles. He briefly attended the California Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics (with a minor in psychology) from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, in 1962. He did a year of graduate work in mathematics at the University of California at Los Angeles. On September 6, 1969, he married Marilyn Joyce "Fuzzy Pink" Wisowaty, a science fiction and Regency literature fan. He is an agnostic.
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Frequently asked questions
Larry Niven is widely recognized for his contributions to hard science fiction, particularly for his 'Known Space' series, which explores a future history of human expansion and encounters with alien species. His work often features intricate world-building and a focus on scientific plausibility.
While many of the Known Space novels can be read as standalones, a good starting point for the core narrative is 'Ringworld,' followed by 'The Ringworld Engineers' and 'The Ringworld Throne.' For a broader understanding of the universe, 'Protector' and 'A Gift From Earth' provide important background.
Larry Niven frequently collaborates with other science fiction writers. He is well-known for his partnerships with Jerry Pournelle and Steven Barnes, among others, on several popular novels and series.
Larry Niven has received numerous accolades for his writing, including multiple Hugo Awards and Nebula Awards. He was also honored with the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
In 2015 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named Larry Niven the recipient of its Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award, given for a lifetime of contribution to science fiction and fantasy. It was presented at the 50th Nebula Awards weekend in Chicago.