U.S. #5619
Literary Arts Series
2021 95¢ Ursula K. Le Guin
Issue Date: July 27, 2021
First Day City: Portland, OR
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint "USPS"
Format: Pane of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 10,000,000
Ursula Kroeber Le Guin (October 21, 1929 – January 22, 2018) was a well-known American author who wrote in several different styles. She published science fiction, children's stories, short stories, and poetry, as well as literary criticisms and English translations.
Le Guin was born in Berkeley, California, to author Theodora Kroeber and anthropologist Alfred Louis Kroeber. With two scholarly parents, the four Kroeber children all developed a love of reading from an early age. Le Guin was especially interested in science fiction and fantasy novels as well as myths and legends.
It wasn't until the late 1950s that Le Guin began her writing career. Her first big hit was A Wizard of Earthsea (1968), followed by The Left Hand of Darkness (1969). Many critics describe these as Le Guin's masterpieces. In fact, she was awarded the coveted Hugo and Nebula awards for best novel for the latter piece. She was the first woman in history to receive both awards.
Ursula K. Le Guin's writing was different from many other authors at the time. She ignored typical ideas about writing fiction and addressed real-life issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. These concepts made Le Guin's novels relatable to a wide audience and earned her a place among the literary greats.