Jerry Pournelle

Date of Birth: August 7, 1933

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: September 8, 2017

Biography

Jerry Pournelle was an American journalist, essayist, and science fiction writer, known for his work in both the technological and literary fields. Born on August 7, 1933, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Pournelle developed an early interest in science and technology. He earned several academic degrees, including a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Washington. Pournelle’s career spanned multiple disciplines. He was a columnist for “Byte” magazine, where his column “Chaos Manor” was immensely popular among computer enthusiasts for its insightful and humorous takes on technology. He also co-authored numerous science fiction novels, often collaborating with renowned authors like Larry Niven. In addition to his journalistic and literary endeavors, Pournelle was actively involved in space advocacy and policy, serving as the Chairman of the Citizen’s Advisory Council on National Space Policy. His contributions to the field of science fiction and his influence on public discourse about technology and space exploration have left a lasting legacy. Jerry Pournelle passed away on September 8, 2017, but his work continues to inspire readers and technologists alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Jerry Pournelle

1. Jerry Pournelle was the first writer to have a published work written entirely on a word processor.

2. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he worked in operations research.

3. Pournelle won several prestigious awards, including the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in 1973.

4. He co-authored the best-selling science fiction novel “The Mote in God’s Eye” with Larry Niven, which is considered a classic in the genre.

5. Pournelle was a strong advocate for space exploration and was instrumental in the development of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), popularly known as “Star Wars.”