Alexander M. (Alexander Moore) Phillips

Born in Philadelphia on August 17, 1907, Alexander Moore Phillips was an American short story writer and novelist whose work appeared in pulp magazines such as Amazing Stories, Wonder Stories, and Unknown. Alongside his writing, he worked as a topographical draftsman for a title insurance company, giving his literary career a very grounded day-to-day counterpart.

Phillips served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1942 and spent time in Egypt and Palestine during World War II. His best-known book is The Mislaid Charm, a fantasy novel first published in 1947 after originally appearing in Unknown magazine; it is often noted as the first novel issued by Prime Press.

He was also an active figure in early science-fiction fandom in Philadelphia, where he and his wife, Allison, were involved in fanzine editing and fan organization. Phillips died in Philadelphia on May 4, 1991, leaving behind a small but memorable body of imaginative fiction.