About Lester del Rey
Lester del Rey, a towering figure in the golden age of science fiction, was born on June 2, 1915, in Clydesdale, Minnesota. His exact birth name remains a matter of speculation, with some sources suggesting Leonard Knapp or Ramon Felipe Alvarez-del Rey. This aura of mystery, combined with his vivid imagination, became defining characteristics of both his personal life and his writing career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Del Rey's early life was marked by hardship and wandering. Orphaned at a young age, he lived with various relatives before embarking on a series of odd jobs that spanned the United States. These experiences, combined with a voracious appetite for reading, fueled his creative ambitions.In the late 1930s, del Rey began writing science fiction, inspired by the burgeoning pulp magazine scene. His first published story, "The Faithful" (1938), appeared in Astounding Science Fiction and was a harbinger of the themes that would dominate much of his work: the exploration of human potential and the intersection of technology and morality.
Literary Contributions
Over the course of his career, Lester del Rey wrote dozens of novels and short stories, many of which became landmarks in the science fiction genre. His works often reflected his fascination with religion, ethics, and humanity’s place in the cosmos. Some of his most notable contributions include:"Marooned on Mars" (1952): One of the earliest examples of realistic young adult science fiction, this novel inspired a generation of readers to dream about space exploration.
"The Eleventh Commandment" (1962): This novel explored themes of theology and morality in a dystopian future, showcasing del Rey’s ability to grapple with profound philosophical questions.
"Day of the Giants" (1959): A novel blending science fiction and Norse mythology, exemplifying his talent for merging speculative fiction with mythological narratives.
In addition to his novels, del Rey was a prolific short story writer, with works such as "Helen O’Loy" (1938) and"Nerves" (1942) becoming classics. "Helen O’Loy", in particular, is often credited as one of the earliest depictions of artificial intelligence and its emotional consequences.
Editorial Career and Legac
Beyond his work as an author, Lester del Rey played a pivotal role in shaping the science fiction landscape through his editorial career. In 1977, he co-founded Del Rey Books, a science fiction and fantasy imprint of Ballantine Books, alongside his wife, Judy-Lynn del Rey. Under their stewardship, Del Rey Books became a powerhouse in the publishing world, introducing readers to new authors and fostering the careers of established ones.
Awards and Recognition
Lester did not receive as many individual accolades as some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to the genre were widely acknowledged. In 1991, he was awarded the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), recognizing his lifetime achievements and lasting impact on the field.