Robert Sheckley (July 16, 1928 – December 9, 2005) was an acclaimed American author known for his contributions to the science fiction genre. Sheckley's work is characterized by its satirical, often humorous take on science fiction tropes, and he was celebrated for his ability to combine wit with thought-provoking storytelling. He began publishing stories in the early 1950s and quickly gained a reputation for his clever plots and unique perspectives on futuristic and speculative concepts. Sheckley wrote numerous short stories, several of which are considered classics of the genre, and his works were regularly published in science fiction magazines like "Galaxy" and "The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction". He also penned several novels, including "Immortality, Inc." which was adapted into the film "Freejack," and "Dimension of Miracles." Sheckley served as the fiction editor for "Omni" magazine and was known for his influence on other writers and for helping to shape the science fiction genre during its formative years in the mid-twentieth century. His ability to explore deep philosophical questions with a sense of humor and a light touch earned him a devoted following and a place among the greats in science fiction literature.