John W. Campbell Biography

John W. Campbell was an American science fiction writer and editor. He started writing science fiction stories when he was 18 years old. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Duke University after studying in Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he failed in German. His initial stories were published by Amazing. By 21, he was a well-known science fiction writer. He wrote under various pseudonyms including Don A. Stuart, Karl Van Campen, and Arthur McCann. His novel ‘The Mightiest Machine’ was well received. Its three sequels featuring its hero Aarn Munro appeared in The Incredible Planet. He was editor of the magazine ‘Astounding Science Fiction’, later called ‘Analog Science Fiction and Fact; until his death. He started the fantasy magazine ‘Unknown’. As an editor, he helped launch the careers of Robert A. Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, A.E. van Vogt and Theodore Sturgeon, and brought many already established writers into his camp. He wrote many articles on electronics and radio, and hosted a weekly science fiction radio program called Exploring Tomorrow. He is considered as one of the pioneers of the Golden Age of Science Fiction.