Date of Birth: April 26, 1912
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: January 26, 2000
Biography
Alfred Elton van Vogt, widely known as A. E. van Vogt, was a Canadian-born science fiction author who played a significant role in the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Born on April 26, 1912, in Gretna, Manitoba, Canada, van Vogt moved with his family to Winnipeg at a young age. His literary career began with short stories, and he rapidly gained fame with his complex, often surreal narratives filled with grand themes of space opera, futuristic technologies, and psychological elements. Van Vogt’s first major success came with the publication of “Black Destroyer” in *Astounding Science Fiction* in 1939. This story marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the magazine’s editor, John W. Campbell. Over the next few decades, van Vogt produced numerous novels and short stories, including acclaimed works such as “Slan” (1940), “The World of Null-A” (1948), and “The Voyage of the Space Beagle” (1950). His writing was characterized by its imaginative scope, intricate plotting, and often philosophical underpinnings. In addition to his writing, van Vogt was known for his interest in the science of General Semantics, which influenced much of his work. He also ventured into the world of Dianetics, having a professional relationship with L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. Van Vogt’s influence on the science fiction genre is profound, with many later authors citing him as a major inspiration.
5 Interesting Facts about A. E. van Vogt
1. A. E. van Vogt originally wrote in French before switching to English, which significantly broadened his readership.
2. He was a major influence on the development of the genre known as “space opera,” blending science fiction with grand, operatic themes.
3. Van Vogt was a charter member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and was named a Grand Master by the organization in 1995.
4. His novel “The Voyage of the Space Beagle” is often cited as an influence on the *Alien* film series.
5. Van Vogt’s works have been translated into multiple languages, expanding his influence well beyond the English-speaking world.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from A. E. van Vogt
1. “Change is the process by which the future invades our lives.”
2. “There’s only one way to understand and assimilate the new, and that is to keep an open mind.”
3. “The reader’s challenge is to keep up with the author, to understand the complex, interlocking structure of the tale.”
4. “Science fiction is a way of thinking, a way of logic that bypasses a lot of nonsense.”
5. “If you make people think they are thinking, they will love you. If you really make them think, they will hate you.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, A. E. van Vogt’s estimated net worth was around $2 million, a considerable sum for an author of his time.
Children
A. E. van Vogt had one child, a son named Charles van Vogt.
Relevant Links
1. [A. E. van Vogt – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._E._van_Vogt
3. [The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction](http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/van_vogt_a_e
4. [Biography on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7903.A_E_van_Vogt
