Lester Del Rey

Born Leonard Knapp on June 2, 1915, in Minnesota, he became widely known by the pen name Lester del Rey. He began publishing science fiction in the 1930s and earned lasting attention for stories such as Helen O'Loy, one of the early genre classics about robots and human feeling.

Over the years, he wrote novels, short fiction, and nonfiction, including many books for younger readers in the Winston Science Fiction line. His work was known for clear storytelling, a sense of wonder, and an enthusiasm for science fiction as a field rather than just a market.

He was also an influential editor. Alongside Judy-Lynn del Rey, he helped lead Del Rey Books, the Ballantine imprint that became a major home for science fiction and fantasy. Late in life he received recognition as a Grand Master from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He died on May 10, 1993.