Ada Palmer

Ada Palmer is an American historian and writer, born in 1981, recognized with the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in 2017. Her debut novel, "Too Like the Lightning," published in 2016, garnered critical acclaim and was a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Novel. Palmer holds advanced degrees in history from Harvard University and teaches at the University of Chicago, specializing in the Renaissance. Her academic work delves into the rediscovery of classical texts and their influence on secular worldviews, particularly the impact of Lucretius's "De rerum natura" on Renaissance thought and the development of political science. She has also authored works examining the historical construction of the "Renaissance" as a concept.

Palmer's scholarly research centers on the Renaissance, with a particular interest in the rediscovery and influence of classical philosophy. Her book, "Reading Lucretius in the Renaissance," posits that Lucretius's epic poem "De rerum natura" was a foundational text for a profane worldview, one that operates without divine intervention. This perspective, she argues, significantly impacted the development of secular ethics and political thought, directly influencing thinkers like Niccolò Machiavelli and the emergence of utilitarianism. Her academic teaching reflects this, including a notable course at the University of Chicago that immerses students in a reenactment of a papal conclave, highlighting the period's complex interplay of power and belief.

In her literary endeavors, Palmer bridges genres, blending science fiction with historical elements. Her "Terra Ignota" series, beginning with "Too Like the Lightning," is described as "rational adjacent," drawing from both scientific speculation and historical context. This approach reflects her academic background, allowing her to explore complex philosophical and societal ideas through narrative. Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Compton Crook Award for best first novel, underscoring her impact on contemporary speculative fiction. She is also developing a new historical fiction series, the "Hearthfire Saga," focusing on Viking mythology.

Beyond her academic and literary careers, Palmer is an advocate for disability rights, particularly focusing on self-care and the challenges of invisible disabilities, having been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and polycystic ovary syndrome. Her creative output extends to music composition, including an album inspired by Norse mythology, demonstrating a multifaceted engagement with narrative and myth across different artistic mediums.