Arkady Strugatsky (1925–1991) and Boris Strugatsky (1933–2012), known collectively as the Strugatsky brothers, were iconic Soviet science fiction authors who significantly influenced Russian and global speculative fiction in the 20th century. They collaborated on their writing from the 1950s until Arkady's death in 1991, producing some of the most important works of Soviet science fiction, including "Roadside Picnic," which was later adapted into Andrei Tarkovsky’s film "Stalker," and "Hard to Be a God."

Their novels and short stories are celebrated for their philosophical depth, complex characters, and social commentary, which reflect and critique life in the Soviet Union. Through allegorical and dystopian narratives, the Strugatsky brothers explored themes such as human progress, morality, and the tension between utopian ideals and reality.

As pioneering figures in Russian science fiction, their influence extends well beyond Soviet literature, inspiring adaptations in film, television, and video games. Today, readers and scholars regard Arkady and Boris Strugatsky as central figures in 20th-century science fiction, with their works continuing to capture the attention of fans of classic Soviet and Russian sci-fi around the world.

Their last works, published during the glasnost period, include: Khromaia sud'ba ["Lame Destiny"] (1989), which intertwines The Ugly Swans with other material from 1986; these works were eventually published together in English as Lame Fate / Ugly Swans (omnibus 2020; new translation by Maya Vinokour). Another significant work is Grad obrechennyi ["The Doomed City"] (written 1970-1987; published in 1989), which is perhaps their most substantial work to date. Additionally, there is Otiagoshchennye zlom, ili sorok let spustia ["Burdened by Evil, or 40 Years After"] (1989), a piece that evokes the style of Mikhail Bulgakov.

Arkady Strugatski also published a few items under the pseudonym S. Yaroslavtsev, with the only book-length work being ["Expedition to Hell"] (parts 1 and 2, 1974 *Mir priklyuchenij*; part 3, June-July 1984 Ural'skij sledopyt; 1988), which is a juvenile space opera based on a joint screenplay by the brothers for an animated film that was never produced.

Throughout their careers, the brothers evolved from a relatively optimistic perspective, where utopia seemed attainable in the near future, to a view that recognized the unresolved tensions between utopian ethics and the overwhelming nature of stagnation. They became the foremost Soviet science fiction writers, continuing a Russian literary tradition that spans from Nikolai Gogol and Shchedrin (Mikhail E. Saltykov [1826-1889]) to Vladimir Mayakovsky and Yuri Olesha (1889-1960). They tied for Russia's first Aelita Award in 1981, and several of their novels offer a profound commentary on the consequences of a society devoid of cognitive ethics, which can devolve into a predatory bestiary.

After Arkady's death in 1991, Boris became relatively inactive, though he published two novels—neither of which was translated: "Search for Designation; or, Twenty-Seventh Theory of Ethics" (1994) and "The Powerless Ones of this World" (2003), both under the pseudonym S. Vititsky. Their partnership had clearly been an intensely creative one.

This biography was inspired by the overview found on The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. A great review of their works can be found on the Paris Review site as well.