Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson (September 23, 1920–March 29, 1987) was an American science-fiction writer, journalist, and devoted fan. Born in Huntington Station, New York, he became an early member of the Futurian Society, edited and co-edited fanzines in the late 1930s, and published his first professional story in 1940. His fiction included the novels The Girls from Planet 5, 30-Day Wonder, and And Then the Town Took Off, as well as the collections Those Idiots from Earth and Time Out for Tomorrow.

Wilson’s short fiction often combined humor, satire, and imaginative speculation. His story “Mother to the World” won the 1968 Nebula Award for Best Novelette, while “The Eight Billion” and “The Story Writer” also received Nebula recognition. Alongside his writing, he worked as a journalist and later directed Syracuse University’s News Bureau; he also helped the university build an important collection of science-fiction manuscripts and personal papers.