Mark Clifton (1906–1963) was an American science fiction writer. About half of his work falls into two series: the "Bossy" series, about a computer with artificial intelligence, was written either alone or in collaboration with Alex Apostolides or Frank Riley; and the "Ralph Kennedy" series, which is more comical, and was written mostly solo, including the novel When They Come From Space, although there was one collaboration with Apostolides.
Easton Press Mark Clifton books
They'd Rather Be Right - Masterpieces of Science Fiction - 1990 (co-written with Frank Riley)
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Author Mark Clifton
Mark Clifton, born on July 27, 1906, in Alexandria, Louisiana, was an American science fiction writer and the recipient of the prestigious Hugo Award. He was known not only for his contributions to the genre but also for his involvement in various professional capacities within the science fiction community. Clifton's early life was marked by adversity. Raised in poverty, he left school at a young age to support his family. Despite these challenges, he developed a passion for reading and writing, and his interest in science fiction blossomed. Clifton's first published story, "What Have I Done?" appeared in "Astounding Science Fiction" in 1952, and he quickly gained recognition for his unique storytelling style.
One of Clifton's most notable works is the novel They'd Rather Be Right, co-written with Frank Riley. Published in 1957, the novel explores themes of immortality and the consequences of a technology that can make people "right" by eliminating their mistakes. This work earned Clifton and Riley the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1955. In addition to his creative writing, Mark Clifton served as the editor of the science fiction magazine "If" from 1958 to 1959. He also became involved in science fiction fandom and played a role in organizing conventions and supporting aspiring writers. Clifton's writing often delved into social issues and human psychology, and his stories were known for their exploration of complex characters and thought-provoking themes. Despite his relatively short active career in science fiction, Clifton left a lasting impact on the genre.
Mark Clifton passed away on October 10, 1963, at the age of 57. While his bibliography may not be extensive, his contributions to science fiction, both through his writing and his involvement in the community, continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans and scholars of the genre.