Harry Harrison (1925-2012) was an American science fiction author whose witty, satirical, and fast-paced novels made him a fan favorite. A former illustrator and comic strip writer, Harrison turned to prose in the 1950s and quickly established himself as a versatile storyteller. His best-known works include the Stainless Steel Rat series, featuring an antiheroic master criminal, and Make Room! Make Room!, a grim exploration of overpopulation that inspired the film Soylent Green. Harrison’s writing often combined adventure with social commentary, tackling themes such as militarism, environmentalism, and human folly. Over his career, he published dozens of novels and edited influential anthologies, leaving a lasting mark on the science fiction genre.

After many years of moving around and raising children, he spent most of his later years residing in Ireland. Because Harrison had an Irish grandparent, he was able to assume citizenship, and by taking advantage of the Irish tax exemption for artists, he enjoyed tax-free status.