Clifford D. Simak

Clifford D. Simak (August 3, 1904-April 25, 1988) was born in Millville, Wisconsin in 1904 and studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin. He worked for the Minneapolis Star and the Minneapolis Tribune from 1939-1976, becoming the news editor of the Star in 1949. In addition to writing, Simak also enjoyed fishing and stamp collecting. He won three Hugo Awards and a Nebula Award for his science fiction stories and was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 1973. He also earned the title of Grand Master of Science Fiction in 1977.

During his long career as a newspaperman, Simak also wrote 30 novels and over a hundred stories in the science fiction genre. Some of the themes in Simak’s works include idyllic pastoral settings and friendly robots that morph into something deeper. Simak was not afraid to leave his readers suspended in mysteries that he often did not explain. He contemplates big questions in his works, such as the existence of God and the benefits and harms from human intervention. Some of his works include City, Way Station, and The Big Front Yard.

More information on Clifford Simak from the Minnesota Historical Society.