Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (March 13, 1911 - January 24, 1986), better known as L. Ron Hubbard, was the founder of the Church of Scientology, as well as the author of Dianetics and the body of works comprising Scientology doctrine. He was also an author in numerous speculative fiction genres for the pulp magazines and, later in life, returned to science fiction.
Hubbard was a highly controversial public figure during his lifetime. Many details presented by Hubbard of his life and knowledge remain disputed by critics, media , scientists, and even governments . Official Scientology biographies present him as "larger than life, attracted to people, liked by people, dynamic, charismatic and immensely capable in two dozen fields". He was larger than life, attracted to people, liked by people, dynamic, charismatic and immensely capable in two dozen fields. from www.scientology.org biography. L. Ron Hubbard Site (accessed 4/15/06) In contrast, unofficial biographies (some of which are by former Scientologists) as well as some reports in the press paint a much less flattering picture which often contradicts official Church accounts.
