Donald A. Wollheim

Born in New York City in 1914, Donald A. Wollheim became one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in science fiction. He was a founding member of the Futurians, the famously energetic New York fan group that included several future writers and editors, and he wrote fiction himself under his own name and under pseudonyms such as David Grinnell.

Wollheim's biggest impact came through editing and publishing. He worked at Ace Books, where he helped bring science fiction to a wide paperback audience, and in 1971 he founded DAW Books, a publishing house devoted entirely to science fiction and fantasy. He also edited annual "year's best" anthologies, helping readers discover new voices and follow the field as it changed.

He died in 1990, but his influence is still easy to spot in modern genre publishing. For many readers, authors, and editors, Wollheim was one of the people who helped turn science fiction from a niche enthusiasm into a major publishing category.