Donald A. Wollheim

Born in 1914, he became active early in science fiction fandom and went on to build a long career as an editor, publisher, and writer. He also wrote fiction under his own name and under pseudonyms including David Grinnell, but his biggest impact came from championing other writers and helping define the field for modern readers.

He worked at Ace Books, where he became closely associated with science fiction paperback publishing, and in 1971 he founded DAW Books. That made him a central figure in bringing genre fiction to a wide audience in affordable editions, and many readers encountered major science fiction and fantasy authors through lines he edited.

Remembered as one of the key builders of paperback science fiction in the United States, he remained an important presence in the genre until his death in 1990. His legacy lives on not just in the books he wrote, but in the careers he helped launch and the reading habits he helped create.