China Miéville is a highly acclaimed English author, best known for his works in the fantasy, steampunk, and New Weird fiction genres. He was born on September 6, 1972, in Norwich, England, and has been actively writing since 1998. Miéville has received numerous awards for his writing, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award, British Fantasy Award, Locus Award, Hugo Award, Kitschies Award, and World Fantasy Award. He has expressed his intention to write a novel in each genre, showcasing his versatility and range as a writer.
In addition to his writing, Miéville has also made a name for himself in left-wing politics in the United Kingdom. He has been involved with several political organizations, including the International Socialist Organization in the United States, the International Socialist Network, and Left Unity, which he co-founded in 2013. Miéville's political activism has also extended to standing for the House of Commons for the Socialist Alliance during the United Kingdom General Election of 2001. He has published a book on Marxism and international law, further highlighting his commitment to political engagement.
Despite his political activities, Miéville's writing remains his primary focus. He has been described as a "fantastic fiction" writer who enjoys categorizing his work as "weird fiction," inspired by early 20th century pulp and horror writers such as H.P. Lovecraft. Miéville is also associated with the New Weird movement, a loose group of writers who consciously aim to move fantasy away from commercial, genre clichés of Tolkien epigones. His writing has received critical acclaim, with his novel "The City & The City" drawing comparisons to the works of Kafka, Orwell, and Philip K. Dick. Miéville currently lives and works in London, continuing to produce groundbreaking work in the realm of speculative fiction.