The Three-Body Problem was written by Liu Cixin, a Chinese science fiction author who is one of the most prominent figures in the genre. Here’s a detailed overview of his biography, works, and net worth:
Liu Cixin Bio:
Birth: Liu Cixin was born on June 23, 1963, in Yangquan, Shanxi Province, China.
Education: He studied at North China University of Water Conservancy and Electric Power and worked as a computer engineer at a power plant before becoming a full-time writer.
Career: Liu Cixin is best known for his hard science fiction writing. His work combines deep scientific concepts with imaginative, large-scale storytelling, often focusing on humanity’s place in the universe and the impact of advanced technology on civilization.
His works gained global fame after The Three-Body Problem won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015, making Liu the first Asian author to win the award.
Major Works:
- The Three-Body Problem Trilogy (Remembrance of Earth’s Past):
The Three-Body Problem (2008)
The Dark Forest (2008)
Death’s End (2010)
The trilogy explores humanity’s encounter with an alien civilization (the Trisolarans) and the moral, technological, and philosophical ramifications of first contact, existential risks, and the eventual cosmic fate of life in the universe.
- Ball Lightning (2005):
- This novel explores the concept of ball lightning, an atmospheric electrical phenomenon, and its possible weaponization. It has deep ties to scientific theory and existential ponderings.
- Short Stories:
Liu has also written numerous well-regarded short stories, such as:
The Wandering Earth: Humanity attempts to move Earth out of the solar system to escape a dying sun.
Mountain: An encounter between human explorers and an ancient, sentient alien being on a distant planet.
The Micro-Era: A story about humanity transitioning to a new era where time itself functions differently.
Many of his short stories reflect similar themes of cosmological exploration, the fragility of civilization, and the harsh realities of the universe.
Writing Style and Themes:
Liu is famous for his “hard” science fiction, meaning his stories are deeply grounded in real scientific principles and speculation. He is also known for creating “grand scale” scenarios, with stories that stretch over eons, depict multiple civilizations, and explore existential threats. His work often combines technological optimism with cosmic pessimism, exploring both the wonders of scientific advancement and the terrifying possibilities of the universe’s indifference to life.
Net Worth:
Liu Cixin’s exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, but he has gained significant wealth from the success of his novels, especially after the international success of The Three-Body Problem. The Netflix adaptation of the series, produced by the creators of Game of Thrones, likely brought in a substantial amount. Estimates place his net worth between $5 million and $10 million, mostly driven by book sales, movie adaptations, and royalties.
Liu’s global impact, especially after The Three-Body Problem was translated into multiple languages, has made him a central figure in modern science fiction literature, often compared to authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov.
Liu Cixin is part of a growing global wave of science fiction authors who explore themes like first contact, technology’s influence on society, and the future of humanity. Here are some of his contemporaries, including both Chinese and international sci-fi authors, along with their major works.
1. Ken Liu (USA/China)
Ken Liu is not only a major author in his own right but also the translator who brought The Three-Body Problem to an English-speaking audience. His works often focus on speculative fiction and blend historical, cultural, and philosophical themes with futuristic ideas.
- Major Works:
- The Dandelion Dynasty Series:
- The Grace of Kings (2015)
- The Wall of Storms (2016)
- The Veiled Throne (2021)
- Speaking Bones (2022)
- The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories (2016) — A collection of short stories that won major awards like the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award for the title story.
- The Hidden Girl and Other Stories (2020) — A newer short story collection that continues to explore themes of identity, migration, and technology.
- The Dandelion Dynasty Series:
Ken Liu’s works often draw on Chinese history and culture while merging them with Western speculative fiction traditions.
2. Hao Jingfang (China)
Hao Jingfang is a Chinese sci-fi author who gained international recognition when her novelette Folding Beijing won the Hugo Award in 2016. Her writing tends to focus on social and economic inequality, as well as the consequences of technological advancement.
- Major Works:
- Folding Beijing (2012) — A novelette set in a future Beijing that physically folds itself to allow three different classes of people to live in shifts. It explores themes of class, labor, and inequality.
- Vagabonds (2020) — A full-length novel that deals with the philosophical and political tensions between Earth and its Martian colony. It’s a thoughtful exploration of societal values and the identity crisis of a generation growing up in space.
3. Ted Chiang (USA)
Ted Chiang is renowned for his thought-provoking short stories that delve into philosophical questions around free will, language, artificial intelligence, and the nature of reality. He has a smaller but deeply influential body of work.
- Major Works:
- Stories of Your Life and Others (2002) — This collection includes the novella Story of Your Life, which was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film Arrival. The stories mix hard science fiction with deep philosophical questions.
- Exhalation (2019) — A collection of stories that delve into topics like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and determinism.
- The Lifecycle of Software Objects (2010) — A novella that explores AI consciousness and the responsibilities of humans toward their digital creations.
Chiang is one of the most acclaimed sci-fi authors, known for the precision of his writing and the profound depth of his ideas.
4. Yoon Ha Lee (USA)
Yoon Ha Lee is a Korean-American author known for his military sci-fi and fantasy blends. His works often deal with mathematical magic, space warfare, and questions about identity and power.
- Major Works:
- The Machineries of Empire Trilogy:
- Ninefox Gambit (2016)
- Raven Stratagem (2017)
- Revenant Gun (2018)
The trilogy explores a futuristic universe where math is used to alter reality in warfare. It combines intense space battles with a complex, character-driven plot.
- Dragon Pearl (2019) — A middle-grade novel that mixes Korean mythology with space opera elements. It’s a part of the Rick Riordan Presents series.
- The Machineries of Empire Trilogy:
Lee’s work is unique in its blending of hard science fiction concepts with mythological and magical elements.
5. Becky Chambers (USA)
Becky Chambers is known for her hopepunk science fiction, which is characterized by optimism, inclusivity, and the exploration of relationships rather than conflict.
Major Works:
- The Wayfarers Series:
- The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (2014)
- A Closed and Common Orbit (2016)
- Record of a Spaceborn Few (2018)
- The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (2021)
This series is set in a richly imagined universe, focusing on the day-to-day lives and relationships of the crew of a spaceship. It’s notable for its emphasis on diversity, tolerance, and cooperation.
- A Psalm for the Wild-Built (2021) — Part of the Monk & Robot series, this novella explores a future where robots have achieved consciousness and left human society, only to be rediscovered by a wandering monk. It’s a quiet meditation on purpose and identity.
- The Wayfarers Series:
Chambers’ work is a refreshing departure from the often dark and dystopian themes of modern sci-fi, offering a vision of a better future.
6. Ann Leckie (USA)
Ann Leckie’s breakout novel, Ancillary Justice, won multiple awards and established her as a key figure in contemporary science fiction. Her works often deal with themes of identity, empire, and gender fluidity.
Major Works:
- The Imperial Radch Series:
- Ancillary Justice (2013)
- Ancillary Sword (2014)
- Ancillary Mercy (2015)
The series is set in a future where artificial intelligences control human bodies (ancillaries), and follows the AI of a starship as it seeks revenge against the ruler of a galactic empire. The novel is famous for its use of gender-neutral pronouns and its exploration of identity.
- Provenance (2017) — Set in the same universe as Ancillary Justice, this novel explores themes of heritage and history within a deeply hierarchical society.
- The Imperial Radch Series:
Leckie’s style and worldbuilding have been praised for their sophistication and innovation.
7. Peter Watts (Canada)
Peter Watts is known for his dark, gritty, and often highly technical hard sci-fi. His works frequently delve into questions of consciousness, free will, and the nature of intelligence.
- Major Works:
- Blindsight (2006) — A first-contact novel that questions what it means to be conscious and explores the limits of human understanding when faced with a completely alien intelligence.
- The Rifters Trilogy:
- Starfish (1999)
- Maelstrom (2001)
- Behemoth (2004)
Watts is notable for the bleakness of his settings and the complexity of his scientific ideas, often bordering on horror.
These authors, like Liu Cixin, represent the diversity of contemporary science fiction, ranging from optimistic visions of the future to deeply philosophical explorations of human nature and our place in the cosmos. They bring unique perspectives and voices, pushing the boundaries of the genre
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three-Body_Problem
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Forest
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death%27s_End
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_Lightning_(novel)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folding_Beijing
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stories_of_Your_Life_and_Others
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninefox_Gambit
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Way_to_a_Small,_Angry_Planet
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancillary_Justice
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blindsight_(Watts_novel)
