# Aleksandar Žiljak

> Croatian science fiction writer and illustrator

**Wikidata**: [Q1562288](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1562288)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandar_Žiljak)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aleksandar-ziljak

## Summary
Aleksandar Žiljak is a Croatian science fiction writer, illustrator, and computer scientist. Born in Zagreb in 1963, he is known for his contributions to speculative fiction and visual arts, operating under his own name and the pseudonym Karl S. MacEwan.

## Biography
*   **Born:** June 19, 1963, in Zagreb, Croatia.
*   **Nationality:** Croatian.
*   **Education:**
    *   Licentiate degree from the University of Zagreb (concluded 1987).
    *   Master's degree from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb (concluded 1990).
*   **Known for:** Science fiction writing, illustration, and computer science.
*   **Employer(s):** Worked as a secondary school teacher (1992–1997).
*   **Field(s):** Science Fiction, Illustration, Computer Science, Translation.

## Contributions
### Literary and Artistic Output
Aleksandar Žiljak has produced a body of work spanning multiple creative disciplines. His primary contributions include:
*   **Science Fiction Writing:** Authoring speculative fiction stories and novels, primarily in the Croatian language.
*   **Illustration:** Creating visual artwork to accompany literary works, contributing significantly to the aesthetic of the publications he is involved with.
*   **Translation:** Translating works into Croatian, facilitating the cross-cultural exchange of science fiction literature.

### Academic and Professional Work
His contributions extend into technical and educational fields:
*   **Computer Science:** As a computer scientist, he bridges the gap between technical disciplines and creative writing. His academic background includes advanced degrees from the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing.
*   **Education:** Contributed to the academic sector as a secondary school teacher for five years in the 1990s.

## FAQs
**Who is Aleksandar Žiljak?**
Aleksandar Žiljak is a Croatian professional recognized for his work as a science fiction writer, illustrator, and computer scientist. He also has experience as a translator and educator.

**What languages does Aleksandar Žiljak write in?**
He speaks, writes, and signs in Croatian and English.

**What pseudonym does Aleksandar Žiljak use?**
He uses the pseudonym Karl S. MacEwan for some of his works.

**What is his educational background?**
Žiljak earned a licentiate degree from the University of Zagreb in 1987 and a master's degree from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing at the University of Zagreb in 1990.

## Why They Matter
Aleksandar Žiljak represents a unique intersection of technology and the arts. His multifaceted career demonstrates how technical expertise in computer science can coexist with and inform creative endeavors in writing and illustration. As a contributor to the Croatian science fiction scene, he helps shape the genre within his region, both through original stories and translations. His work as an illustrator further amplifies his impact, providing the visual language that complements the speculative narratives he and others create.

## Notable For
*   **Multidisciplinary Career:** Distinguished by simultaneously pursuing careers as a science fiction writer, illustrator, and computer scientist.
*   **Academic Credentials:** Holding advanced degrees (Licentiate and Master's) from a major technical institution, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb.
*   **Pseudonymous Work:** Writing under the name Karl S. MacEwan, adding a layer of distinct identity to his literary output.
*   **Educational Contribution:** Serving as a secondary school teacher in the 1990s.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Aleksandar Žiljak was born on June 19, 1963, in Zagreb, Croatia. His educational path led him to the University of Zagreb, a prominent institution in the region. In 1987, he completed a licentiate degree at the university. He continued his studies at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing within the same university, earning a master's degree in 1990. This technical foundation laid the groundwork for his later identification as a computer scientist.

### Professional Career
Žiljak's professional life is characterized by a blend of technical and creative roles.
*   **Teaching:** From 1992 to 1997, he worked as a secondary school teacher.
*   **Computer Science:** He is formally classified as a computer scientist, a profession he practices alongside his artistic work. This role involves the study and practice of computer science, focusing on theoretical foundations and system design.

### Literary and Artistic Work
Žiljak is most prominently known as a Croatian science fiction writer and illustrator.
*   **Writing:** He writes primarily in Croatian and English. His works are cataloged under the pseudonym Karl S. MacEwan in some databases.
*   **Illustration:** His skills extend to visual arts, where he works as an illustrator, often for science fiction narratives.
*   **Translation:** He works as a translator, making literature accessible to a wider audience.

### Identity and Recognition
*   **Citizenship:** He is a citizen of Croatia.
*   **Gender:** Male.
*   **Authority Files:** His identity is preserved in numerous international authority files, including the Library of Congress (ID: nb2007004186), the German National Library (GND ID: 1021748692), and VIAF (ID: 51214699). He is also recognized in the science fiction community with an ISFDB author ID (145830).

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20230206-links.txt.gz)
3. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
4. Virtual International Authority File