Mix together hard science, inventive plots, and a strong libertarian message, and what do you get? Libertarian science fiction writer James Patrick Hogan.

The English-born writer got into the science fiction business in an unusual fashion. When Hogan was a London-based salesman for industrial computer control systems, a fellow worker bet him that he couldn't write a science fiction novel and get it published. The result of that bet, the novel Inherit the Stars (1977), not only earned Hogan a publishing contract -- but also won him five pounds.

Since then, he has written more than 20 books, including Thrice Upon a Time (1980), Giants' Star (1981), The Proteus Operation (1985), Entoverse (1991), Bug Park (1997), and Cradle of Saturn (1999)

Two of Hogan's novels have been honored with the Prometheus Award, given by the Libertarian Futurist Society for the best libertarian science fiction novel of the year. Hogan won for Voyage from Yesteryear (1983) and The Multiplex Man (1993).

Hogan's libertarianism also shines forth in Mirror Maze, a 1989 novel of speculative political fiction. In the book, the minimal-government, third-party Constitutional Party (a fictionalized version of the Libertarian Party?) has won the White House, but must face down big-government politicians who are plotting to regain power. The book reflects one of Hogan's more libertarian observations: "The really big-time crooks don't break laws. They make them."

Hogan's science fiction novels have been praised for their "hard science" approach; they extrapolate from state-of-the-art scientific theories on subjects such as artificial intelligence, robotics, time travel, and theoretical physics.

Fans also like Hogan's positive portrayal of the future. In a conversation on ArtistInterviews.com (2002), Hogan said that's a byproduct of his natural optimism.

"I believe ultimately in the ability of human reason and the human spirit to continue creating better futures," he said. "We've been doing so for thousands of years, and there's nothing that makes me think that's about to change now."

Hogan has also written two nonfiction books: Mind Matters: Exploring the World of Artificial Intelligence (1998) and Kicking the Sacred Cow: Heresy and Impermissible Thoughts in Science (2004).

-- Bill Winter

Quotable

"Once the individual and his rights become subservient to the state's collectively imposed goals, society takes the first step down the slippery slope that leads towards the secret police, the Gestapo, the Gulag, and the concentration camp." -- James P. Hogan (1990)

Books & Tapes

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