Philip Jose Farmer

Philip José Farmer was a highly regarded American author, best known for his work in the science fiction and fantasy genres. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1918 and spent much of his life in Peoria, Illinois. Farmer is widely recognized for his contributions to the field, having won three Hugo Awards and being named a Nebula Grand Master. His writing is characterized by its innovative use of sexual and religious themes, as well as his fascination with legendary pulp heroes.

Farmer's work is perhaps most well-known for his Riverworld and World of Tiers series. The Riverworld series, which includes novels such as "To Your Scattered Bodies Go" and "The Dark Design," follows the adventures of a group of individuals who find themselves resurrected on a mysterious river that stretches across the entire planet. The World of Tiers series, on the other hand, is a more traditional science fiction series that explores the idea of a series of artificial worlds created by an advanced race.

In addition to his original works, Farmer is also known for his contributions to the field of pulp fiction. He wrote biographies of Tarzan and Doc Savage, and was fascinated by the lore of legendary pulp heroes. Farmer also wrote tongue-in-cheek pseudonymous works as if they were written by fictional characters, adding to the mythology of these classic characters. He is believed to have used over a dozen pen names throughout his career.

Farmer's writing is often compared to that of Ray Bradbury, with both authors being seen as provincial eccentrics who loved to push the limits of science fiction. Farmer's unique blend of classical and real-world elements, as well as his use of fictional characters and fake authors, has earned him a place as one of the most innovative and influential writers in the field of science fiction and fantasy. His work continues to be celebrated and studied by fans and scholars alike.