Larry Niven

Larry Niven is a highly regarded American author, well-known for his contribution to the science fiction genre. Born in Los Angeles, California on April 30, 1938, Niven developed an early interest in science fiction, which led him to study mathematics and psychology at Washburn University and California Institute of Technology. However, his passion for science fiction took over, and he dropped out to pursue a career in writing.

Niven's work is primarily hard science fiction, which involves the use of big science concepts and theoretical physics. He is recognized for his ability to create alien species that are vastly different from humans, both physically and mentally. His best-known work, Ringworld, won several awards, including the Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards. Niven's fiction often includes elements of detective fiction and adventure stories, making his work appealing to a broad audience. He has also written fantasy series, such as The Magic Goes Away, which utilizes an exhaustible resource called Mana to make magic a non-renewable resource.

Niven has collaborated with several authors, including Jerry Pournelle, Steven Barnes, Brenda Cooper, and Edward M. Lerner. Many of his works since the 1970s have been in collaboration, particularly with Pournelle. Niven won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story for Neutron Star in 1967, Inconstant Moon in 1972, and The Hole Man in 1975. In 1976, he won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette for The Borderland of Sol.

Apart from his writing, Niven has written scripts for various science fiction television shows, including the original Land of the Lost series and Star Trek: The Animated Series. He has also adapted his work for television, including an episode of The Outer Limits in 1996. Niven has also contributed to DC Comics, writing for the Green Lantern series and incorporating hard science fiction concepts into his stories.