Heinlein Dies at 80; Author of Science Fiction Classics

Robert A. Heinlein, considered by many the most influential science fiction writer since H. G. Wells, has died at 80, it was disclosed today.

Heinlein, who had suffered from emphysema, died in his sleep Saturday at his Carmel home, Charles Brown, publisher of the sci-fi trade magazine Locus told United Press International.

A winner of the Nebula Award for Lifetime Achievement, Heinlein served as guest commentator alongside CBS’s Walter Cronkite on the Apollo 11 space mission that featured the first human on the moon.

He was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and worked as an aeronautical engineer, silver mine owner, real estate agent and architect before turning to writing.

In 1934, Heinlein contracted tuberculosis while serving on a Navy destroyer and was retired at 27. Cut off from the active life he had grown to love, Heinlein enrolled in graduate courses in physics and mathematics, intending to become an astronomer.

First Short Story Sold

In 1939 Thrilling Wonder Stories bought his first short story, “Lifeline.” In 1947, he published his first book, “Rocket Ship Galileo.” Other novels include “Double Star” (1956), “Starship Troopers” (1959), “Stranger in a Strange Land” (1961) and “The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress” (1966). In all he won four Hugo awards, the science fiction writing Academy Award equivalent.

Much of Heinlein’s work involved heroes or heroines with amazing skills or physical attributes. In “Time Enough for Love,” the hero was a man bred especially for longevity. “The Rolling Stones” were a family of incredibly talented individuals, while the heroine of “The Puppet Masters” possessed an improbable array of skills.

Heinlein showed little compassion for incompetency or self-pity. His heroes and heroines were people of courage, honor and self-discipline. Many were soldiers or aspired to be, reflecting his ongoing passion for the military.