Ursula K. Le Guin – American 20th–21st century writer, author of The Left Hand of Darkness and A Wizard of Earthsea, winner of Hugo and Nebula awards. She created the Earthsea fantasy cycle and the Hainish science fiction cycle, exploring power, gender, and ecology. Widely regarded as a “philosopher of speculative fiction,” she shaped modern fantasy and science fiction.
📚 The Left Hand of Darkness was the first sci-fi novel to win both Hugo and Nebula. 🧙 The Earthsea cycle redefined fantasy, focusing on language and balance. 🏆 She won more than 20 major literary awards in speculative fiction. 👩🏫 Daughter of an anthropologist, she wove cultural depth into her worlds. 🌍 Her works are translated into 40+ languages. 🎭 Protested literary commercialism by rejecting certain award ceremonies. 📖 Saw speculative fiction as a way to explore humanity, not escape reality. 🖋 In 2014, awarded the U.S. National Book Award Medal for Distinguished Contribution. 🎶 Her books inspired operas and adaptations, including a Studio Ghibli film. 😅 Funny note: she jokingly called herself “an old feminist dragon” when sparring with critics.