author
Emil Petaja
1915–2000
A lifelong fan who became a prolific writer, Emil Petaja blended science fiction, fantasy, horror, detective fiction, and poetry across a seven-decade career. His Finnish heritage inspired acclaimed novels drawing on the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic.
2 Audiobooks
The Answer
by Emil Petaja
This World is Ours!
by Emil Petaja
About the author
Born in Milltown, Montana, in 1915, Emil Theodore Petaja was an American writer of Finnish descent. After discovering Weird Tales as a teenager, he immersed himself in science fiction and fantasy fandom, eventually publishing 13 novels, nearly 150 short stories, and numerous poems.
Petaja’s work ranged across science fiction, fantasy, horror, detective fiction, and what he called “weird fiction.” He is especially remembered for novels influenced by the Kalevala, as well as for his friendship with and efforts to preserve the work of fantasy artist Hannes Bok.
In 1995, the Science Fiction Writers of America named Petaja its first Author Emeritus, recognizing his lifetime contribution to the field. He died in San Francisco in 2000 at the age of 85.