Lois McMaster Bujold

Lois McMaster Bujold (born November 2, 1949) is an American author of science fiction and fantasy works.

Related Topics:
November 2 - 1949 - American - Science fiction - Fantasy

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Bujold is best known for her series of novels featuring Miles Vorkosigan, a severely-disabled interstellar spy and mercenary admiral from the planet Barrayar, set approximately 1000 years in our future. The series demonstrates Bujold's mastery of various science fiction genres and sub-genres. Earlier titles are generally firmly in the space opera tradition with no shortage of battles, conspiracies, and wild twists, while in more recent volumes Miles becomes a detective. In A Civil Campaign, Bujold explores yet another genre: a high-society romance with a plot that pays tribute to Georgette Heyer (as acknowleged in the dedication). It centers on a catastrophic dinner party, with misunderstandings and dialogue justifying the subtitle A Comedy of Biology and Manners. Her psychological insights and creation of complex characters are particularly appreciated by many readers.

Related Topics:
Miles Vorkosigan - Barrayar - Science fiction - Space opera - Detective - Georgette Heyer

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There is considerable debate among readers as the best order to read the Vorkosigan series. Some favor reading in publication order, some in order of internal chronology, and some other orders. This illustrates the widely held view that this series consists of a set of independent works which none the less gain from their inter-relations.

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Bujold is a highly successful writer, having won the prestigious Hugo Award for best novel four times, a record matched only by Robert Heinlein. She has also won the Nebula award for best novel twice, and her novella The Mountains of Mourning won both prizes. In the fantasy sphere, The Curse of Chalion won the Mythopoeic Award for Adult Literature and was nominated for the 2002 World Fantasy Award for best novel, and her fourth Hugo for a novel was for "Paladin of Souls".

Related Topics:
Hugo Award - Robert Heinlein - Nebula award - Mythopoeic Award - World Fantasy Award

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Bujold currently lives in Minnesota. She is divorced and has two children.

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