Robert Anson Heinlein, the renowned American science fiction author, embarked on his educational journey at the tender age of 17, graduating from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to his academic pursuits, Heinlein spent one year at the University of Missouri before enrolling at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he excelled as the 20th best among the 243 cadets.
Following his five-year stint in the Pacific Ocean, Heinlein's naval career was cut short due to his diagnosis with tuberculosis in 1934. Undeterred, he transitioned into various professions, including silver mining in Colorado, land agency, political speechwriting, and a brief foray into politics. During this period, he also tied the knot with his first wife, Leslyn McDonald.
In 1939, Heinlein's writing career gained momentum with the publication of his first story, "Lifeline," in Astounding Stories magazine. The tale, initially written as an entry for a magazine contest, fetched him a handsome sum of $70. Throughout World War II, Heinlein worked as a research engineer for the navy in Philadelphia, while simultaneously churning out 25 novels and short stories.
It was during this era that Heinlein met his second wife, Virginia Gerstenfeld, whom he married in 1948. Despite his prolific writing career, Heinlein's personal life remained somewhat enigmatic. In his own words, he wrote seven days a week, six months a year, dedicating the remaining six months to travel or leisure.
As the 1960s drew to a close, Heinlein's health began to decline, prompting him to undergo various treatments. A major operation in 1982 brought about a marked improvement in his health, but his literary output slowed. His final novel, "To Sail Beyond the Sunset," published in 1987, would prove to be his swan song.
