Bio of a Space Tyrant

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The Bio of a Space Tyrant series is a six-book science-fiction series by Piers Anthony based within the solar system. The series revolves around the character Hope Hubris and his family. It charts Hope's ascent from poor Hispanic refugee to President of Jupiter. It is considerably more adult-themed than many of Anthony's earlier works.

The novels exist in a future several hundred years distant at a point where the nations of Earth have expanded into and filled the solar system. Various planets, moons and asteroids within the solar system have political, religious and geographical affiliations similar to those on present-day Earth. Many events in the series parallel modern-day situations; for instance, Mars is controlled by the countries formerly comprising the Middle East, and they have the largest supply of iron, which is the primary fuel in Anthony's universe. Ganymede parallels Cuba, and has a Communist government allied with Saturn's, which corresponds with Russia, and a "missile crisis" is an event in the series. Many other such correspondences abound.

The series is presented as a first-person autobiography of Hope Hubris, and the broad strokes of his life are painted from the earliest pages, including his status as a perceived tyrant and womanizer. It is clear from the introductions and epilogues that Hope died before the publication of his memoirs and that his career as military man, politician, executive and statesman was greatly misunderstood by the public, most notably his various affairs with women, which are a major focus of the series.

1 Novels in the series
2 Solar geography

[edit] Novels in the series

[edit] Refugee

Published in 1983. Follows Hope and his family's flight from their home on Callisto to Jupiter.

[edit] Mercenary

Published in 1984. Chronicles Hope's years as a migrant laborer and 20+ year career in the Navy, largely under the guidance of his sister, Spirit.

[edit] Politician

Published in 1985. Hope's marriage is a major focus during the story about his political career as he ascends through the Jupiter political system, culminating in his election as President.

[edit] Executive

Published in 1985. Hope's career as President after his widely popular election and subsequent constitutional convention, establishing him as the "space tyrant" of the title.

[edit] Statesman

Published in 1986. The waning years of Hope's life in exile after leaving office, mostly dealing with his advocation of a new light-speed travel method and attempts to foster unity and peace in the solar system.

[edit] The Iron Maiden

Published in 2001. Covers the same period as the first five books but from the point of view of Hope's sister, Spirit. Fills in many gaps when the two siblings were apart.