Philip Kindred Dick (Dec 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American writer known for his work in science fiction. He wrote 44 published novels and approximately 121 short stories, most of which appeared in science fiction magazines during his lifetime. His fiction explored varied philosophical and social themes, and featured recurrent elements such as alternate realities, simulacra, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness. His work was concerned with questions surrounding the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity. The Man in the High Castle earned Dick early acclaim, including a Hugo Award for Best Novel. His 1974 novel Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said, won the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer ever to be included in The Library of America series Less