Tom Disch

Even in the genre of science fiction, writer Thomas M. Disch was considered unconventional. The strange new worlds he created were an odd mix: dark and horror-filled, humorous and playful. His work outfoxed readers' expectations, one critic said, and made labeling a chore for publishers. But being outside the box was a Disch trademark. "Tom Disch is one of the few people I have ever met who I would consider a genius," said Dana Gioia, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.