Reid Spotlight: James Gunn and the Center for the Study of Science Fiction

Do you know who James Gunn is? Have you ever heard of the Center for the Study of Science Fiction? If you don't, not to worry; I'm going to put Gunn and the center in the spotlight and give you some background.

Gunn is the director of the center at the University of Kansas and professor emeritus of English at the university. He's the editor of the The Road to Science Fiction series and has a Hugo award for Isaac Asimov: The Foundations of Science Fiction, a nonfiction book published in 1983.

James Gunn (photo from Wikipedia)

His science fiction includes The Immortals and almost a hundred other stories. Plus, he was named Grand Master of Science Fiction in 2007 by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Now that you know who Gunn is if you didn't already, what is the Center for the Study of Science Fiction? Basically, it's a not-for-profit organization created in 1982 with the goals to educate people in science fiction and garner more interest in the genre. It's known for presenting the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for the best science-fiction novel and has an intensive writer's workshop. On its website, you'll find links to several resources. You also can earn college-credit taking science fiction courses it offers through the University of Kansas.

I recommend you read some of Gunn's works and check out the Center for the Study of Science Fiction website at www2.ku.edu/~sfcenter. It's always good to learn something new.