Few science fiction writers are as well-versed in the facts of science as David Brin; he holds a doctorate in astrophysics and has brought his knowledge to bear on his writing. Of particular interest to Brin is the notion of interspecies genetic mutation, that is, the conversion of dolphins (to use one of his examples) to higher, human forms of thinking. As he once told Jean W. Ross in Contemporary Authors (CA), "all of the best writers play with reality. They ask the questions that are normally asked, inefficiently, by college sophomores and they do it in a manner that illuminates a self or a world. Maybe someday I will be able to do that." With his large-scale novels that deal with ethical questions and problems beyond the limits of science fiction--and that happen to be very popular-- Brin has accomplished that goal.

Brin became interested in writing...