Terry Gene Carr

Terry Gene Carr Biography

Terry Gene Carr (February 19, 1937 – April 7, 1987) was an influential American science fiction author, editor, and fan. Born in Grants Pass, Oregon, Carr developed a love for science fiction in his youth and became active in fandom by 1949. He co-created the fictitious fan 'Carl Brandon' to highlight diversity issues in the science fiction community.

Carr attended the City College of San Francisco and the University of California, Berkeley. While contributing to and editing fanzines, he co-edited 'Fanac,' which won the Hugo Award for Best Fanzine in 1959. In 1973, he also won the Hugo for Best Fan Writer. These early achievements paved the way for his professional career.

As an editor at Ace Books, Carr established the Ace Science Fiction Specials, publishing seminal works like 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin and 'Rite of Passage' by Alexei Panshin. After leaving Ace, he pursued freelance editing, creating the celebrated anthology series 'Universe' and the annual 'Best Science Fiction of the Year' collections. His editorial contributions earned him Hugo Awards for Best Professional Editor in 1985 and posthumously in 1987.

Carr also authored notable works, including the novel 'Cirque' and short stories like 'The Dance of the Changer and the Three.' His collaborations with his wife, Carol Carr, include 'Some Are Born Cats.' Terry Carr passed away on April 7, 1987, from congestive heart failure, leaving an enduring legacy in science fiction literature.

Trivia About Terry Carr

• Terry Carr was instrumental in creating the fictitious fan 'Carl Brandon' to critique the lack of diversity in science fiction fandom.
• He was a key member of several fan organizations, including the Golden Gate Futurians and the Fanoclasts.
• Carr taught at the Clarion Science Fiction Workshop, mentoring future writers.
• His collection of fanzines is part of the Eaton Collection of Science Fiction at the University of California, Riverside.

Famous Quotes by Terry Carr

• "The Golden Age of Science Fiction is twelve."
• "Science fiction is the literature of the human species encountering change."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Terry Carr?

Terry Carr was an American science fiction author, editor, and fan, celebrated for his contributions to the genre as both a writer and a promoter of groundbreaking works.

What are Terry Carr's most notable editorial contributions?

Carr edited the Ace Science Fiction Specials, introducing works like 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin and 'Rite of Passage' by Alexei Panshin.

What did Terry Carr write?

Carr authored the novel 'Cirque' and several short stories, including 'The Dance of the Changer and the Three,' and collaborated on works like 'Some Are Born Cats' with his wife, Carol Carr.

Related Literary Movements

Terry Carr was a key figure in the New Wave science fiction movement, which sought to elevate the literary quality of the genre by focusing on innovative themes and styles. His editorial work helped promote emerging voices and experimental approaches in science fiction.

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