The Company

Kage Baker (born Katherine Haupt, 1952-2010) was an American science fiction writer. She worked in educational publishing before transitioning to writing full time. Baker was known for her groundbreaking works like the "Company" and "Empress of Mars" series, which featured complex female characters in alternate historical and steampunk settings. Her ability to weave together elements of science fiction, history, and speculative anthropology brought her both critical and commercial acclaim. Baker's accolades include the Nebula Award for Best Novella in 2009 and the Lambda Literary Award in 2000. She received widespread recognition for her innovative and feminist storytelling, which challenged conventional tropes and pushed the boundaries of science fiction. However, she remained a somewhat enigmatic figure, maintaining a strong divide between her personal and writing life.