Rudolf von Bitter Rucker, commonly known as Rudy Rucker, was born on March 22, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky. Growing up in this city, Rucker was unaware that he was the great-great-great-grandson of the famous German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. This ancestral connection, however, did not become a significant part of Rucker's identity until later in his life.
Rudy Rucker is an accomplished figure in the realms of mathematics, computer science, science fiction, and cyberpunk. His work in these fields has solidified his reputation as a trailblazer and a visionary. Rucker has made substantial contributions to the cyberpunk genre, which is known for its combination of high-tech and low-life elements. As one of the founders of this genre, Rucker has helped shape the direction and evolution of science fiction.
Rucker has written an impressive number of books, totaling forty, which can be categorized into pop science and science fiction novels. His works often explore cyberpunk and transreal styles, delving into themes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the intersection of technology and humanity. Two of his most notable novels, "Software" and "Wetware," form part of the "Ware Tetralogy," which won him Philip K. Dick awards.
In addition to his written work, Rucker is an accomplished painter, with his art often relating to the themes and stories present in his novels. He has also maintained a strong presence in the academic world, having worked as a professor of computer science in Silicon Valley for twenty years. Rucker's latest novel, "Juicy Ghosts," continues his exploration of thought-provoking themes such as telepathy, immortality, and revolution.