 A writer also of numerous science-fiction short stories, Heinlein was one of a group of writers who came to prominence under the editorship (1937–1971) of John W. Campbell at "Astounding Science Fiction" magazine, though Heinlein denied that Campbell influenced his writing to any great degree.Heinlein used his science fiction as a way to explore provocative social and political ideas, and to speculate how progress in science and engineering might shape the future of politics, race, religion, and sex.Within the framework of his science-fiction stories, Heinlein repeatedly addressed certain social themes