Barry B. Longyear is an American author known for his contributions to the science fiction genre. He gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly for his novel Enemy Mine, which explores themes of conflict and understanding between different species. The book was later adapted into a film in 1985, further increasing his recognition. In addition to Enemy Mine, Longyear has written numerous short stories and novels, often focusing on complex characters and moral dilemmas. His work has earned him several awards, including the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award, highlighting his impact on contemporary science fiction literature.