Gene Wolfe

Date of Birth: May 7, 1931

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: April 14, 2019

Biography

Gene Wolfe was an acclaimed American science fiction and fantasy writer, best known for his rich prose and intricate storytelling. Born on May 7, 1931, in New York, New York, Wolfe grew up in Houston, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University but left before graduating to serve in the Korean War, where he earned a Bronze Star. After the war, Wolfe completed his education at the University of Houston with a degree in mechanical engineering. He spent many years working as an engineer, notably contributing to the development of the machine that makes Pringles potato chips. Wolfe’s literary career took off with the publication of his novella “The Fifth Head of Cerberus” in 1972. He is perhaps best known for his magnum opus, “The Book of the New Sun” series, a complex and layered narrative set in a far-future, dying Earth. His work has been highly praised for its stylistic sophistication, thematic depth, and moral complexity. Wolfe received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Nebula and World Fantasy Awards. Gene Wolfe passed away on April 14, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of profound and enduring works that continue to influence and inspire readers and writers alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Gene Wolfe

1. Gene Wolfe was a devout Catholic, and his faith often influenced the themes and moral questions explored in his works.

2. Wolfe worked as an editor for “Plant Engineering” magazine for many years before becoming a full-time writer.

3. He was a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and was named a Grand Master by the organization in 2012.

4. His engineering work included developing the machine that produces Pringles potato chips.

5. Wolfe’s “The Book of the New Sun” series is considered one of the greatest achievements in modern fantasy literature.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Wolfe

1. “Knowledge is soon changed, then lost in the mist, an echo half-heard.”

2. “We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges.”

3. “You never learn how to write a novel. You just learn how to write the novel that you’re writing.”

4. “The best way to write a novel is to write it quickly. If you don’t do it quickly, you lose your fire.”

5. “All novels are fantasies. Some are more honest about it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While Gene Wolfe’s exact net worth at the peak of his career is not publicly documented, it is estimated to have been in the range of $1 million to $5 million, primarily derived from his book sales and literary awards.