Ursula K. Le Guin

Date of Birth: October 21, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 22, 2018

Biography

Ursula K. Le Guin, born Ursula Kroeber on October 21, 1929, in Berkeley, California, was an acclaimed American author best known for her works of speculative fiction, including science fiction and fantasy. Her father, Alfred Louis Kroeber, was a well-known anthropologist, and her mother, Theodora Kroeber, was a writer. Le Guin’s upbringing in an intellectually stimulating environment heavily influenced her writing. Le Guin attended Radcliffe College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Renaissance French and Italian literature. She continued her studies at Columbia University, obtaining a Master’s degree in French and Italian literature. Her literary career began in earnest in the 1960s, and she quickly gained recognition for her imaginative and thought-provoking stories. Her most notable works include the “Earthsea” series, starting with “A Wizard of Earthsea,” and the “Hainish Cycle,” which includes “The Left Hand of Darkness” and “The Dispossessed.” Le Guin’s writing often explored themes such as gender, politics, and the human condition, making her a pioneering voice in speculative fiction. Over her career, Le Guin received numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and National Book Awards. She was also honored with the title of Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Le Guin passed away on January 22, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire writers and readers alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Ursula K. Le Guin

1. Ursula K. Le Guin was the first woman to win both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novel.

2. Her novel “The Left Hand of Darkness” is considered a groundbreaking work for its exploration of gender and sexuality.

3. Le Guin was named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2000.

4. In addition to her novels, she wrote poetry, essays, and children’s books.

5. Le Guin was an advocate for the recognition and respect of speculative fiction as a legitimate literary genre.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ursula K. Le Guin

1. “It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end.”

2. “The creative adult is the child who has survived.”

3. “People who deny the existence of dragons are often eaten by dragons. From within.”

4. “We read books to find out who we are. What other people, real or imaginary, do and think and feel is an essential guide to our understanding of what we ourselves are and may become.”

5. “To light a candle is to cast a shadow.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ursula K. Le Guin’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Ursula K. Le Guin had three children with her husband, Charles A. Le Guin: Elisabeth Le Guin, Caroline Le Guin, and Theodore Le Guin. Elisabeth is a musicologist, Caroline is a writer, and Theodore is a programmer.