author
Stephen Tall
1908–1981
A science fiction writer and biology professor, he published warm, idea-rich stories under the name Stephen Tall and is still remembered in the field through an award for outstanding first novels. His work often mixed scientific curiosity with a humane sense of wonder.
1 Audiobook
The Lights on Precipice Peak
by Stephen Tall
About the author
Born Compton Newby Crook in Rossville, Tennessee, he wrote most often as Stephen Tall. He studied biology at George Peabody College and later did graduate work at Arizona State University and Johns Hopkins University, building a career as an educator as well as a writer.
Alongside his academic life, he became known for science fiction that brought together speculative ideas, humor, and an interest in people as much as technology. He taught for many years at Towson State University in Maryland and retired in 1973.
He died on January 15, 1981. A few years later, Balticon established the Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Memorial Award in his honor, helping keep his name alive for new generations of science fiction readers.