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| George Scithers | |
|---|---|
| Name | George Scithers |
| Birth date | 1929 |
| Death date | 2010 |
| Occupation | Editor, Publisher, Writer |
| Nationality | American |
George Scithers was an American editor, publisher, and writer prominent in science fiction and fantasy fandom, professional magazines, and small-press publishing. He served as editor of leading periodicals, organized conventions, and influenced authors, artists, and publishers across multiple generations. His work intersected with major figures, institutions, and publications in speculative fiction and fan culture.
Born in 1929, Scithers grew up amid contemporary cultural shifts associated with World War II, the Great Depression, and postwar American society. He completed formal schooling while engaging with local literary communities, corresponding with contributors to Amazing Stories, Astounding Science Fiction, and regional clubs associated with Science Fiction League and FAPA. Early influences included readers and writers connected to John W. Campbell Jr., H. P. Lovecraft, Robert A. Heinlein, and editors at Weird Tales.
Scithers became a professional editor, assuming leadership roles at magazines such as Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine and Amazing Stories where he worked with authors linked to Ursula K. Le Guin, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Harlan Ellison. He founded and operated small presses and fanzines, collaborating with printers, distributors, and illustrators tied to DAW Books, Tor Books, DAW Publications, and independent imprints associated with Donald A. Wollheim and James White. As an editor he commissioned fiction and nonfiction from contributors like Roger Zelazny, Philip K. Dick, Vernor Vinge, and Michael Swanwick, working alongside art directors and cover artists influenced by Frank Frazetta, Michael Whelan, and Virgil Finlay. Scithers' editorial tenure intersected with professional organizations including the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and the World Science Fiction Society, and with distribution networks involving Books in the United States, magazines, and specialty bookstores such as those connected to The Strand and Borderlands Books.
As an author and columnist, Scithers produced fiction, critiques, and editorial commentaries that appeared alongside works by Gardner Dozois, Ellen Datlow, Kelly Freas, and Syd Mead. His short stories engaged themes common to narratives by James Blish, Frederik Pohl, Connie Willis, and Joe Haldeman, and were published in venues associated with Analog Science Fiction and Fact, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and small-press anthologies curated by editors like Peter S. Beagle and David G. Hartwell. Scithers also compiled and edited collections and reference works that paralleled bibliographies maintained by Donald H. Tuck, Jack L. Chalker, and librarians at institutions such as The Library of Congress and the British Library.
A prominent figure in fan communities, Scithers organized and participated in conventions and fan meetings connected to Worldcon, Philcon, Chicon, and regional gatherings including Noreascon and ConFrancisco. He coordinated fanzine exchanges, fan fund drives like the Elgin Awards, and panels featuring authors such as Anne McCaffrey, George R. R. Martin, Neil Gaiman, and Terry Pratchett. His activities intersected with fan historians, bibliographers, and fan publishers associated with Mimeo Revolution, The Fan, and fanzine editors like Donald M. Grant and Rich Larson.
Scithers received honors and awards from organizations including the Hugo Award, the World Fantasy Award, and fan recognitions administered by the World Science Fiction Society and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. His editorial achievements were acknowledged in poll results and retrospective discussions alongside awardees such as Gerry Anderson, E. E. "Doc" Smith, Neil R. Jones, and Lois McMaster Bujold. Professional peers and successors including Ellen Datlow, Garry Kilworth, and David Pringle cited his influence in histories of periodicals and anthologies.
Scithers' personal archives, correspondence, and editorial files became resources for researchers, biographers, and curators at repositories connected to University of California, New York Public Library, and private collectors associated with Speculative Fiction Collection initiatives. His mentorship of younger editors and interactions with writers like Charles de Lint, Patricia A. McKillip, Gordon R. Dickson, and Tanith Lee shaped subsequent editorial practices at major houses including Penguin Books and HarperCollins. His legacy persists in fan scholarship, bibliographies, and the continuing influence on magazines, small presses, and convention programming across the speculative fiction community.
Category:American editors Category:Science fiction editors