A historian and author of science fiction and fantasy, known for his Conan the Barbarian stories and non-fiction works on history and technology.
L. Sprague de Camp was a renowned American author of science fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction literature, renowned for his prolific career spanning six decades and over 100 books to his credit. He was a major figure in science fiction during the 1930s and 1940s, and his works continue to captivate readers to this day.
Born on November 27, 1907, in New York City, de Camp was one of three sons to Lyon de Camp, a businessman in real estate and lumber, and Emma Beatrice Sprague. His maternal grandfather, Charles Ezra Sprague, was a pioneering Volapükist, accountant, banker, and Civil War veteran. De Camp's early life was marked by a strict upbringing, with his parents sending him to the Snyder School in North Carolina, a militarystyle institution, in an attempt to instill discipline and curb his intellectual arrogance.
De Camp's writing career began in the 1930s, during which he wrote numerous science fiction and fantasy stories for pulp magazines. His first novel, Lest Darkness Fall, was published in 1939 and marked the beginning of a long and successful career. De Camp's works include biographies of other fantasy authors, such as Lovecraft: A Biography, which is still considered a definitive work on the subject.
De Camp's contributions to science fiction and fantasy were recognized with numerous awards, including:
De Camp's personal life was marked by his deep love for science fiction and fantasy, as well as his fascination with technology and engineering. He was an aeronautical engineer by education and worked as a surveyor and expert in patents before devoting himself full-time to writing.
De Camp's legacy continues to inspire new generations of science fiction and fantasy authors, and his works remain popular to this day. His dedication to the genre and his prolific output have left an indelible mark on the world of science fiction and fantasy.
Born in 1906
Creator of the iconic Conan the Barbarian character, known for his influential fantasy stories and poetry that have shaped the sword and sorcery genre.
Born in 1890
Creator of cosmic horror, crafting eerie tales of ancient deities and supernatural entities that lurk in the shadows, exploring the darker aspects of human nature. 82
Born in 1910
Prolific author of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, crafting iconic characters like Fafhrd and Gray Mouser, and exploring the intersection of mythology and modern life.
Born in 1920
A renowned science fiction author and biochemistry professor who wrote or edited more than 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards throughout his lifetime.
Born in 1917
Pioneering science fiction author who wrote prophetic and imaginative novels, such as "2001: A Space Odyssey", that explored the intersection of technology and humanity.
Born in 1920
Prolific author of poetic and imaginative science fiction, exploring the human condition through fantastical worlds and characters, with works adapted into films and TV shows.
