Frank M. Robinson

Frank M. Robinson (1926-2014) was an American science fiction and techno-thriller author known for works like "The Power" and "The Glass Inferno." His career spanned multiple decades and included notable collaborations, including co-writing "The Glass Inferno," which became part of the basis for the film "The Towering Inferno." Before establishing himself as a writer, Robinson served in both World War II and the Korean War, later graduating from Beloit College with a physics degree. His professional journey included roles at various publications, including Science Digest, Rogue, Cavalier, and a stint writing the Playboy Advisor column from 1969 to 1973. In the 1970s, Robinson became significantly involved in politics as a speechwriter for Harvey Milk, San Francisco's first openly gay supervisor. Following Milk's assassination, Robinson served as co-executor of his will and later appeared in a small role in the biographical film "Milk." Throughout his career, Robinson authored 16 books and edited two others, contributing significantly to both the science fiction and thriller genres. His work often explored themes of power, conspiracy, and social issues, reflecting his diverse experiences in journalism, politics, and literature.

Readers praise Robinson's ability to build tension and craft believable science fiction scenarios rooted in scientific concepts. Many readers note his stories maintain relevance decades after publication. His novel "The Power" receives particular attention for its psychological suspense elements. Likes: - Clean, straightforward writing style - Technical accuracy in scientific elements - Character development - Plot pacing - Handling of social themes Dislikes: - Some dated social attitudes in earlier works - Occasional slow story openings - Limited character backstories in shorter works Average ratings: Goodreads: "The Power" - 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) "The Dark Beyond the Stars" - 3.7/5 (800+ ratings) "The Glass Inferno" - 3.6/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: "The Power" - 4.2/5 "Waiting" - 4.0/5 One reader on Goodreads notes: "Robinson excels at making complex scientific concepts accessible without dumbing them down." Another writes: "His thrillers hold up because they focus on human nature rather than dated technology."

The Dark Beyond the Stars (1991) A multi-generational starship's crew faces uncertainty when their captain becomes obsessed with finding alien life while approaching the edge of known space.

The Power (1956) A journalist discovers a hidden group of people with deadly psychic abilities who have been secretly controlling human civilization.

The Glass Inferno (1974) A thriller about a catastrophic fire in a new high-rise building, focusing on survival attempts of trapped occupants and rescue efforts.

Waiting (1999) A story about an ancient alien civilization secretly living among humans, preparing for a mysterious event.

Science Fiction of the 20th Century: An Illustrated History (1999) A comprehensive examination of science fiction literature, art, and media through the 20th century.

The Dark Ages: 2600 (1962) A post-apocalyptic novel depicting life after a devastating nuclear war has destroyed modern civilization.

A Life in the Day of... and Other Short Stories (1981) A collection of science fiction short stories exploring various futuristic and alternative reality scenarios.

Death of a Marionette (1960) A mystery thriller about the investigation of suspicious deaths in a traveling carnival.

The Donor (1984) A medical thriller about organ transplantation and the ethical implications of genetic manipulation.

Philip K. Dick wrote science fiction that blends paranoia, power dynamics, and reality-bending themes similar to Robinson's work. His novels like "The Man in the High Castle" and "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" explore conspiracies and questions about human nature in technological societies.

Michael Crichton combines scientific expertise with thriller elements to create technologically-driven narratives. His work shares Robinson's focus on how scientific advances can lead to dangerous consequences when mixed with human ambition and corporate interests.

Robert Charles Wilson writes science fiction that examines how extraordinary events affect ordinary people, similar to Robinson's approach in "The Power." His stories focus on character development while maintaining scientific credibility and exploring social implications.

James Patterson creates fast-paced thrillers with conspiracy elements that mirror Robinson's style in his techno-thriller works. His books feature similar themes of powerful organizations and individuals threatening society's stability.

William Goldman merges political intrigue with thriller elements in his novels, reflecting Robinson's ability to combine multiple genres. His work demonstrates comparable skill in building tension while incorporating real-world political elements into fictional narratives.