A.E. van Vogt: A Golden Age Writer

One of Canada’s genuine writers from the mid-20th century was Alfred Elton van Vogt--better known as A.E. van Vogt. He was born on April 26, 1912, in Gretna, Manitoba, Canada. He was considered a genius science fiction author during the golden age.

In the first years of his writing career, he successfully published his first science fiction story entitled ’Black Destroyer’ (July 1939). With that begins his fame as one brilliant writer. He was able to produce numerous stories in just a short period of time since he was extremely prolific. Some of his great masterpieces were the ‘Slan’ (1946), ‘The Voyage of the Space Beagle’ (1950), ‘The Universe Maker’ (1953), ‘Empire of the Atom’ (1957) and the ‘Children of Tomorrow’ (1970).

A.E. van Vogt was able to come up with stories that were usually based from his own dreams. He used to remember the occurrences from his dream and then incorporate them in his masterpieces. His written works possessed all the power and vision a dream can only impart.

Exemplary for his works, van Vogt has been given several recognitions. These include the ’Casper Award‘ (from the Canadian Aurora Awards) for all his lifetime achievements as a writer. In 1995, the Science Fiction Writers of America has also awarded him with the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award. In 1996, he has also been given recognitions on two occasions: the World Science Fiction Convention gave him a special award, while the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame recognised him as part of its inductees.

A.E. van Vogt truly acts as one splendid author from the history of writing.