Frederik Pohl
About the Book
One of science fiction's undisputed grandmasters, Frederik Pohl built an astonishing career that spanned more than seven decades. In publishing novels, short stories, and essays, Pohl won millions of readers and seemingly as many awards while leaving a lasting mark on the genre.Michael R. Page traces Pohl's extraordinary journey from discovering books as a boy at the Brooklyn Public Library to publishing the novel All the Lives He Led at age 91. A first-of-its-kind study, Frederik Pohl delves into the iconic works of fiction like The Space Merchants, Jem, and the tales of the Gateway universe, as well as Pohl's creative alliances with the likes of Kornbluth, Clarke, and Asimov. But Page also examines Pohl's as-essential contributions in other areas. He represented many of the major SF writers as a literary agent in the 1940s and 1950s. He helped professionalize the field by midwifing SF publishing at Ballantine and Ace Books. Finally, while working at Galaxy and If, he aided countless careers as, in Gardner Dozois' words, "quite probably the best SF magazine editor who ever lived."
About the Author
Michael R. Page is a lecturer in the department of English at the University of Nebraska. He is the author of The Literary Imagination from Erasmus Darwin to H. G. Wells: Science, Evolution, and Ecology.Reviews
"An assiduously documented, clearly written, and useful account of Pohl's career."--LOCUS"This authoritative volume will be indispensable for those interested in this vibrant writer of science fiction and his abiding influence on US science fiction. Highly recommended."--Choice
"A well-rounded and appealing portrait of an intellectually fertile and sophisticated talent."--Science Fiction Studies
Blurbs
"Frederik Pohl--writer, editor, critic, literary agent, futurist, teacher--was one of the central figures of twentieth century American science fiction, playing an extraordinarily influential role for more than fifty years. This is a splendid overview of his long and remarkable career."--Robert Silverberg
"Frederik Pohl did more than any other human to transform the very character of science fiction literature, from adventure-story roots into a tool for exploring plausible tomorrows. Other giants are known for their own great works. But, as this stirring and detailed biography shows, Fred Pohl taught us to be more than just storytellers. Science fiction became the R&D department for human destiny."--David Brin
"Frederik Pohl was one of science fiction's most intelligent and creative writers. His consistent talent and brilliance helped define our field from the 1950s well into the twenty-first century. Michael R. Page's book is a fascinating inspection of the man and his career. Highly recommended."--Greg Bear
"An up-and-coming scholar has done a thorough and insightful job of analyzing the life and impact on science fiction of the iconic master whose career covered every aspect of the science fiction of our times."--James Gunn
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