A. E. Van Vogt
A.E. Van Vogt: A Prolific Science Fiction Author
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alfred Elton van Vogt was born on April 26, 1912, in Hochfeldweide (now part of Východná), Austria-Hungary, to Ukrainian parents. He later adopted the pen name "A.E. Van Vogt" and is commonly known as A.E.V.
Birth and Death Dates
April 26, 1912 - January 29, 2000
Nationality and Profession(s)
Van Vogt was a Canadian-American science fiction author, best known for his contributions to the genre in the mid-20th century. He was a prolific writer, producing over 50 novels and numerous short stories.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a Ukrainian family, Van Vogt developed an interest in literature at an early age. His father, a poet and folklorist, encouraged his love of reading and writing. The family immigrated to Canada when van Vogt was six years old. After completing high school, he worked as a laborer before enlisting in the Canadian Army during World War II.
Major Accomplishments
Van Vogt's breakthrough novel, Slan (1951), introduced readers to his signature blend of science fiction and philosophical themes. This novel explored the concept of psychic powers and their implications on society. His subsequent works, including The Voyage of the Space Beagle (1950) and The World of Null-A (1945), solidified his position as a leading science fiction author.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Van Vogt include:
Slan (1951): A novel that explores the concept of psychic powers and their implications on society.
The Voyage of the Space Beagle (1950): A collection of interconnected short stories that follow a group of space travelers as they encounter various alien species.
The World of Null-A (1945): A novel that introduces readers to the concept of a null-A, or alpha minus, individual who possesses a unique mental capacity.Impact and Legacy
A.E. Van Vogt's works have had a lasting impact on the science fiction genre. His exploration of philosophical themes and his use of complex characters and plots influenced many other authors, including Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. Van Vogt's writing style, which combined elements of mystery, adventure, and science fiction, paved the way for future generations of science fiction writers.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Van Vogt's legacy can be attributed to several factors:
His innovative approach to storytelling: By combining elements of mystery, adventure, and science fiction, Van Vogt created a unique narrative style that captivated readers.
His exploration of complex themes: Van Vogt's works often explored philosophical concepts such as the nature of reality, the consequences of advanced technology, and the implications of psychic powers on society.
His influence on other authors: Many notable science fiction authors have cited Van Vogt as an inspiration for their work.
Quotes by A. E. Van Vogt
It’s difficult for me to feel that a solid page without the breakups of paragraphs can be interesting. I break mine up perhaps sooner than I should in terms of the usage of the English language.
Chum was a British boy’s weekly which, at the end of the year was bound into a single huge book; and the following Christmas parents bought it as Christmas presents for male children.
I figure that that has a ten year cycle. At the end of that ten years, I began to get worried that I would run into what is known as the writer's block, the feeling of not being able to do these things.
In those days I was new to covers; merely felt pleased that a story of mine had been honored. I later met Rogers who did some of my early covers and I was impressed with him.
As a craftsman, I made my living at writing from the moment I crossed the line at age 20, and sold my first story to True Story Magazine.
I had casually rented an apartment that cost $75 a month because I expected my writing to pay my way.
It came about as follows: over the years when I was involved in dianetics, I wrote the beginnings of many stories. I would get an idea, and then write the beginning, and then never touch it again.