robert anson heinlein (july 7, 1907 – may 8, 1988) was an american writer. he mostly wrote science fiction books. he won the hugo award four times. probably his best-known novels are starship troopers (1959, hugo award, was made into a film), and stranger in a strange land (1961, hugo award). two other hugo awards were for double star (1956) and the moon is a harsh mistress (1966). together with isaac asimov and arthur c. clarke he is seen as one of the "big three of science fiction".