Harry Harrison

:For the radio personality, see Harry Harrison (radio).

Career

Harrison started working in the science fiction field as an illustrator before becoming an editor. A large number of his early short stories were first published under house pseudonyms such as 'Wade Kaempfert'. Harrison also wrote for syndicated comic strips, creating the 'Rick Random' character. Harrison is now much better known for his writing, particularly his humorous and satirical science fiction, such as the Stainless Steel Rat series and the novel Bill, the Galactic Hero (which satirises Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers).

Related Topics:
Illustrator - Editor - Satirical - Stainless Steel Rat - Robert Heinlein - Starship Troopers

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During the 1950s and 60s he was the main writer of the Flash Gordon newspaper strip. One of his Flash Gordon scripts was serialized in Comics Revue magazine. Harrison drew sketches to help the artist be more scientifically accurate, which the artist largely ignored.

Related Topics:
Flash Gordon - Comics Revue

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Not all of Harrison's writing is comic, though. He has written many stories on serious themes, of which by far the best known is the classic novella about overpopulation and consumption of the world's resources Make Room! Make Room! which was used as a basis for the science fiction film Soylent Green (though the film changed the plot and theme).

Related Topics:
Make Room! Make Room! - Soylent Green

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Harrison for a time was closely identified with Brian Aldiss and the pair collaborated on a series of anthology projects. Harrison and Aldiss did much in the 1970s to raise the standards of criticism in the field.

Related Topics:
Brian Aldiss - 1970s

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