author
Tom Purdom
b. 1936
A thoughtful science fiction writer and critic, he explored big social changes with a grounded, human touch. His work ranged from novels and short stories to music journalism, and he remained an active voice in Philadelphia’s cultural life for decades.
4 Audiobooks
The man who wouldn't sign up
by Tom Purdom
The warriors
by Tom Purdom
The Green Beret
by Tom Purdom
Sordman the Protector
by Tom Purdom
About the author
Born on April 19, 1936, in New Haven, Connecticut, Tom Purdom grew up in several parts of the United States before settling in Philadelphia, a city that became central to both his life and career. He began publishing science fiction in the 1950s, and his early novels included I Want the Stars, The Tree Lord of Imeten, and Five Against Arlane.
Over a long career, he became known for science fiction that paid close attention to politics, culture, and the ways people adapt to change. His novelette Fossil Games was a Hugo Award finalist, and his fiction was joined by a substantial body of nonfiction, including music criticism and journalism.
Purdom was also deeply involved in the science fiction community. He was a charter member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association and served in leadership roles there, while continuing to write and publish well into later life. He died on January 14, 2024, leaving behind a body of work that linked speculative ideas with everyday human concerns.