The Guardian, 14 Nov 2010:
E.C. Tubb, who has died aged 90, was an author of many names, his work hidden behind some 65 pseudonyms during his 60 years as a freelance writer. This army of pen names met the demands of publishers around the world, but disguised an output that was far more distinguished than the statistics – 125 novels and almost twice as many short stories – might suggest.
His main output was science fiction and his outlook on what humankind faced was often uncompromising, even bleak. The universe Tubb portrayed held dangers around every corner, and the future was usually not the glittering utopia others predicted. The lives of pioneers establishing colonies on the moon or Mars – in Moon Base and Alien Dust respectively – are harsh and perilous. The population of the starship in The Space-Born is strictly controlled, the inhabitants living only long enough to give birth to and train the next generation making their way to the stars. Waking from cryogenic sleep in the future, Tubb's characters find a world obsessed with money (Death is a Dream) or a perfect society thrown into chaos (Century of the Manikin).
The Space-Born was adapted for French television in 1962. Tubb's short story "Little Girl Lost" became an episode of the TV series Night Gallery, hosted by Rod Serling, in 1972; that year, "Lucifer" won the Europa prize for best short story.
Tubb was born and raised in London, the son of Edwin, an engineer, and his wife, Marie, a dressmaker. He discovered American science fiction magazines in Woolworths and second-hand bookshops in his early teens, but his collection was destroyed during the Blitz.
In the mid-'40s, he returned to London from Paris, where he had been with the American Red Cross. He worked as a lorry driver, salesman and kitchen-utensil demonstrator and also became a regular attendee of science-fiction fan gatherings such as the London Circle. In 1958 he became one of the co-founders of the British Science Fiction Association and editor of the club's official magazine, Vector. Following his first professional sale of a story, to New Worlds magazine, Tubb began writing for the cheap paperbacks market. His first novels appeared in 1951. Tubb learned his craft quickly and was soon writing more ambitious novels. Space Hunger, The Hand of Havoc and Enterprise 2115, all written as Charles Grey, were among the best of the 30 novels he sold from 1951 to 1954.
Like John Brunner and Ken Bulmer, Tubb emerged from the era – notorious for gaudy covers and even gaudier writing – with his reputation unscathed. In 1955, he won the Cytricon Literary Award for best British science fiction writer. He was briefly the editor of the magazine Authentic Science Fiction, wrote westerns and comic strips during lulls in the SF market, and was one of the few "old wave" authors published alongside Brian Aldiss and J.G. Ballard in New Worlds during Michael Moorcock's editorship.
In the late 1960s, Tubb created his most enduring character, Earl Dumarest, a space-wandering mercenary searching for the legendary birthplace of mankind, Earth. Over a series of 31 novels (1967-85), Dumarest sought information and followed clues on dozens of exotic and vividly colourful worlds, keeping one step ahead of the emotionless, power-hungry Cyclan brotherhood. The series ended abruptly when Tubb's publisher, Donald Wollheim, died in 1990, and Wollheim's heirs rejected the 32nd novel, in which Dumarest reached his goal. Two more Dumarest novels eventually appeared: The Return (published in French in 1992 and in English in 1997) and Child of Earth (2008).
In the 1970s, Tubb wrote 17 novels featuring Cap Kennedy, a troubleshooting throwback to the SF pulp era of colourful, intergalactic adventures. He also wrote novelisations of Gerry Anderson's TV series Space: 1999. In 2002 he revised the first of these, Breakaway, to make it scientifically more plausible.
Tubb's output diminished in later years due to failing eyesight. His indefatigable agent, Phil Harbottle, oversaw the reprinting of more than 50 of Tubb's novels in America, many in large print, and many revised or restored by Tubb. Two new novels, Starslave and To Dream Again, are due for publication.
Tubb was married twice: in 1939 to Yvonne Castle and in 1944 to Iris Smith. She survives him, along with their daughters, Jennifer and Linda.
* * * * *
m1. 1939 to Yvonne Castle
m2. 1944 to Iris Kathleen Smith
Children:
Jennifer Evelyn Tubb (1948- )
Linda Edwina Tubb (1954- )
Grandchildren:
Lisa Elcomb
Julie Hickmott
E.C. Tubb, who has died aged 90, was an author of many names, his work hidden behind some 65 pseudonyms during his 60 years as a freelance writer. This army of pen names met the demands of publishers around the world, but disguised an output that was far more distinguished than the statistics – 125 novels and almost twice as many short stories – might suggest.
His main output was science fiction and his outlook on what humankind faced was often uncompromising, even bleak. The universe Tubb portrayed held dangers around every corner, and the future was usually not the glittering utopia others predicted. The lives of pioneers establishing colonies on the moon or Mars – in Moon Base and Alien Dust respectively – are harsh and perilous. The population of the starship in The Space-Born is strictly controlled, the inhabitants living only long enough to give birth to and train the next generation making their way to the stars. Waking from cryogenic sleep in the future, Tubb's characters find a world obsessed with money (Death is a Dream) or a perfect society thrown into chaos (Century of the Manikin).
The Space-Born was adapted for French television in 1962. Tubb's short story "Little Girl Lost" became an episode of the TV series Night Gallery, hosted by Rod Serling, in 1972; that year, "Lucifer" won the Europa prize for best short story.
Tubb was born and raised in London, the son of Edwin, an engineer, and his wife, Marie, a dressmaker. He discovered American science fiction magazines in Woolworths and second-hand bookshops in his early teens, but his collection was destroyed during the Blitz.
In the mid-'40s, he returned to London from Paris, where he had been with the American Red Cross. He worked as a lorry driver, salesman and kitchen-utensil demonstrator and also became a regular attendee of science-fiction fan gatherings such as the London Circle. In 1958 he became one of the co-founders of the British Science Fiction Association and editor of the club's official magazine, Vector. Following his first professional sale of a story, to New Worlds magazine, Tubb began writing for the cheap paperbacks market. His first novels appeared in 1951. Tubb learned his craft quickly and was soon writing more ambitious novels. Space Hunger, The Hand of Havoc and Enterprise 2115, all written as Charles Grey, were among the best of the 30 novels he sold from 1951 to 1954.
Like John Brunner and Ken Bulmer, Tubb emerged from the era – notorious for gaudy covers and even gaudier writing – with his reputation unscathed. In 1955, he won the Cytricon Literary Award for best British science fiction writer. He was briefly the editor of the magazine Authentic Science Fiction, wrote westerns and comic strips during lulls in the SF market, and was one of the few "old wave" authors published alongside Brian Aldiss and J.G. Ballard in New Worlds during Michael Moorcock's editorship.
In the late 1960s, Tubb created his most enduring character, Earl Dumarest, a space-wandering mercenary searching for the legendary birthplace of mankind, Earth. Over a series of 31 novels (1967-85), Dumarest sought information and followed clues on dozens of exotic and vividly colourful worlds, keeping one step ahead of the emotionless, power-hungry Cyclan brotherhood. The series ended abruptly when Tubb's publisher, Donald Wollheim, died in 1990, and Wollheim's heirs rejected the 32nd novel, in which Dumarest reached his goal. Two more Dumarest novels eventually appeared: The Return (published in French in 1992 and in English in 1997) and Child of Earth (2008).
In the 1970s, Tubb wrote 17 novels featuring Cap Kennedy, a troubleshooting throwback to the SF pulp era of colourful, intergalactic adventures. He also wrote novelisations of Gerry Anderson's TV series Space: 1999. In 2002 he revised the first of these, Breakaway, to make it scientifically more plausible.
Tubb's output diminished in later years due to failing eyesight. His indefatigable agent, Phil Harbottle, oversaw the reprinting of more than 50 of Tubb's novels in America, many in large print, and many revised or restored by Tubb. Two new novels, Starslave and To Dream Again, are due for publication.
Tubb was married twice: in 1939 to Yvonne Castle and in 1944 to Iris Smith. She survives him, along with their daughters, Jennifer and Linda.
* * * * *
m1. 1939 to Yvonne Castle
m2. 1944 to Iris Kathleen Smith
Children:
Jennifer Evelyn Tubb (1948- )
Linda Edwina Tubb (1954- )
Grandchildren:
Lisa Elcomb
Julie Hickmott
The Guardian, 14 Nov 2010:
E.C. Tubb, who has died aged 90, was an author of many names, his work hidden behind some 65 pseudonyms during his 60 years as a freelance writer. This army of pen names met the demands of publishers around the world, but disguised an output that was far more distinguished than the statistics – 125 novels and almost twice as many short stories – might suggest.
His main output was science fiction and his outlook on what humankind faced was often uncompromising, even bleak. The universe Tubb portrayed held dangers around every corner, and the future was usually not the glittering utopia others predicted. The lives of pioneers establishing colonies on the moon or Mars – in Moon Base and Alien Dust respectively – are harsh and perilous. The population of the starship in The Space-Born is strictly controlled, the inhabitants living only long enough to give birth to and train the next generation making their way to the stars. Waking from cryogenic sleep in the future, Tubb's characters find a world obsessed with money (Death is a Dream) or a perfect society thrown into chaos (Century of the Manikin).
The Space-Born was adapted for French television in 1962. Tubb's short story "Little Girl Lost" became an episode of the TV series Night Gallery, hosted by Rod Serling, in 1972; that year, "Lucifer" won the Europa prize for best short story.
Tubb was born and raised in London, the son of Edwin, an engineer, and his wife, Marie, a dressmaker. He discovered American science fiction magazines in Woolworths and second-hand bookshops in his early teens, but his collection was destroyed during the Blitz.
In the mid-'40s, he returned to London from Paris, where he had been with the American Red Cross. He worked as a lorry driver, salesman and kitchen-utensil demonstrator and also became a regular attendee of science-fiction fan gatherings such as the London Circle. In 1958 he became one of the co-founders of the British Science Fiction Association and editor of the club's official magazine, Vector. Following his first professional sale of a story, to New Worlds magazine, Tubb began writing for the cheap paperbacks market. His first novels appeared in 1951. Tubb learned his craft quickly and was soon writing more ambitious novels. Space Hunger, The Hand of Havoc and Enterprise 2115, all written as Charles Grey, were among the best of the 30 novels he sold from 1951 to 1954.
Like John Brunner and Ken Bulmer, Tubb emerged from the era – notorious for gaudy covers and even gaudier writing – with his reputation unscathed. In 1955, he won the Cytricon Literary Award for best British science fiction writer. He was briefly the editor of the magazine Authentic Science Fiction, wrote westerns and comic strips during lulls in the SF market, and was one of the few "old wave" authors published alongside Brian Aldiss and J.G. Ballard in New Worlds during Michael Moorcock's editorship.
In the late 1960s, Tubb created his most enduring character, Earl Dumarest, a space-wandering mercenary searching for the legendary birthplace of mankind, Earth. Over a series of 31 novels (1967-85), Dumarest sought information and followed clues on dozens of exotic and vividly colourful worlds, keeping one step ahead of the emotionless, power-hungry Cyclan brotherhood. The series ended abruptly when Tubb's publisher, Donald Wollheim, died in 1990, and Wollheim's heirs rejected the 32nd novel, in which Dumarest reached his goal. Two more Dumarest novels eventually appeared: The Return (published in French in 1992 and in English in 1997) and Child of Earth (2008).
In the 1970s, Tubb wrote 17 novels featuring Cap Kennedy, a troubleshooting throwback to the SF pulp era of colourful, intergalactic adventures. He also wrote novelisations of Gerry Anderson's TV series Space: 1999. In 2002 he revised the first of these, Breakaway, to make it scientifically more plausible.
Tubb's output diminished in later years due to failing eyesight. His indefatigable agent, Phil Harbottle, oversaw the reprinting of more than 50 of Tubb's novels in America, many in large print, and many revised or restored by Tubb. Two new novels, Starslave and To Dream Again, are due for publication.
Tubb was married twice: in 1939 to Yvonne Castle and in 1944 to Iris Smith. She survives him, along with their daughters, Jennifer and Linda.
* * * * *
m1. 1939 to Yvonne Castle
m2. 1944 to Iris Kathleen Smith
Children:
Jennifer Evelyn Tubb (1948- )
Linda Edwina Tubb (1954- )
Grandchildren:
Lisa Elcomb
Julie Hickmott
E.C. Tubb, who has died aged 90, was an author of many names, his work hidden behind some 65 pseudonyms during his 60 years as a freelance writer. This army of pen names met the demands of publishers around the world, but disguised an output that was far more distinguished than the statistics – 125 novels and almost twice as many short stories – might suggest.
His main output was science fiction and his outlook on what humankind faced was often uncompromising, even bleak. The universe Tubb portrayed held dangers around every corner, and the future was usually not the glittering utopia others predicted. The lives of pioneers establishing colonies on the moon or Mars – in Moon Base and Alien Dust respectively – are harsh and perilous. The population of the starship in The Space-Born is strictly controlled, the inhabitants living only long enough to give birth to and train the next generation making their way to the stars. Waking from cryogenic sleep in the future, Tubb's characters find a world obsessed with money (Death is a Dream) or a perfect society thrown into chaos (Century of the Manikin).
The Space-Born was adapted for French television in 1962. Tubb's short story "Little Girl Lost" became an episode of the TV series Night Gallery, hosted by Rod Serling, in 1972; that year, "Lucifer" won the Europa prize for best short story.
Tubb was born and raised in London, the son of Edwin, an engineer, and his wife, Marie, a dressmaker. He discovered American science fiction magazines in Woolworths and second-hand bookshops in his early teens, but his collection was destroyed during the Blitz.
In the mid-'40s, he returned to London from Paris, where he had been with the American Red Cross. He worked as a lorry driver, salesman and kitchen-utensil demonstrator and also became a regular attendee of science-fiction fan gatherings such as the London Circle. In 1958 he became one of the co-founders of the British Science Fiction Association and editor of the club's official magazine, Vector. Following his first professional sale of a story, to New Worlds magazine, Tubb began writing for the cheap paperbacks market. His first novels appeared in 1951. Tubb learned his craft quickly and was soon writing more ambitious novels. Space Hunger, The Hand of Havoc and Enterprise 2115, all written as Charles Grey, were among the best of the 30 novels he sold from 1951 to 1954.
Like John Brunner and Ken Bulmer, Tubb emerged from the era – notorious for gaudy covers and even gaudier writing – with his reputation unscathed. In 1955, he won the Cytricon Literary Award for best British science fiction writer. He was briefly the editor of the magazine Authentic Science Fiction, wrote westerns and comic strips during lulls in the SF market, and was one of the few "old wave" authors published alongside Brian Aldiss and J.G. Ballard in New Worlds during Michael Moorcock's editorship.
In the late 1960s, Tubb created his most enduring character, Earl Dumarest, a space-wandering mercenary searching for the legendary birthplace of mankind, Earth. Over a series of 31 novels (1967-85), Dumarest sought information and followed clues on dozens of exotic and vividly colourful worlds, keeping one step ahead of the emotionless, power-hungry Cyclan brotherhood. The series ended abruptly when Tubb's publisher, Donald Wollheim, died in 1990, and Wollheim's heirs rejected the 32nd novel, in which Dumarest reached his goal. Two more Dumarest novels eventually appeared: The Return (published in French in 1992 and in English in 1997) and Child of Earth (2008).
In the 1970s, Tubb wrote 17 novels featuring Cap Kennedy, a troubleshooting throwback to the SF pulp era of colourful, intergalactic adventures. He also wrote novelisations of Gerry Anderson's TV series Space: 1999. In 2002 he revised the first of these, Breakaway, to make it scientifically more plausible.
Tubb's output diminished in later years due to failing eyesight. His indefatigable agent, Phil Harbottle, oversaw the reprinting of more than 50 of Tubb's novels in America, many in large print, and many revised or restored by Tubb. Two new novels, Starslave and To Dream Again, are due for publication.
Tubb was married twice: in 1939 to Yvonne Castle and in 1944 to Iris Smith. She survives him, along with their daughters, Jennifer and Linda.
* * * * *
m1. 1939 to Yvonne Castle
m2. 1944 to Iris Kathleen Smith
Children:
Jennifer Evelyn Tubb (1948- )
Linda Edwina Tubb (1954- )
Grandchildren:
Lisa Elcomb
Julie Hickmott
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