Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick was a prominent American author of science fiction, born in Chicago in 1928 and spending most of his life in California. He began writing professionally in 1952 and went on to publish 36 science fiction novels and 121 short stories, which explored fundamental questions about what makes humans human and the dangers of centralized power. Later in his career, his work became more introspective and metaphysical, focusing on deeply personal questions about the nature of God.

Dick's work was known for its exploration of political, sociological, and metaphysical themes. His novels delved into the implications of monopolistic corporations, totalitarian governments, altered states, and theology. He also incorporated his personal experiences with drug abuse, paranoia, and schizophrenia into his writing. His books, which include romances, action stories, and explorations of altered states and betrayal, have been published in over 25 languages, and his writing has been celebrated for its thought-provoking and engaging qualities.

Philip K. Dick received critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1962 for "The Man in the High Castle" and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Novel of the Year in 1974 for "Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said." After his death in 1982, ten of his stories were adapted into popular films, including "Blade Runner," "Total Recall," "A Scanner Darkly," "Minority Report," "Paycheck," "Next," "Screamers," and "The Adjustment Bureau." In 2005, Time magazine named "Ubik" one of the one hundred greatest English-language novels published since 1923, and in 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer to be included in The Library of America series.