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Raymond CummingsAmerican engineer and writer.
Date of Birth: 30.08.1887
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Ray Cummings: Author and Engineer
- Literary Debut
- Science Fantasy Pioneer
- Martian Adventures
- Pulp Fiction and Pseudonyms
- Legacy
Ray Cummings: Author and Engineer
Born in New York City on August 30, 1887, Ray Cummings left an indelible mark on the world of literature and science. He initially pursued engineering and even worked as a secretary for Thomas Alva Edison. However, his passion for storytelling ultimately led him to become a renowned author.
Literary Debut
Cummings's writing career took off in 1919 with the publication of "The Girl in the Golden Atom" in _All-Story_ magazine. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he became a prolific contributor to _Argosy_ and other popular publications, churning out countless short stories and novels.
Science Fantasy Pioneer
Cummings's most significant contribution to literature lies in the realm of science fantasy. He is credited with boosting its popularity before the advent of dedicated science fiction magazines. His "Matter, Space, and Time" series, including _The Fire People_ (1922), _The Man Who Mastered Time_ (1924), and _Princess of the Atom_ (1929), captivated readers with their imaginative exploration of scientific concepts.
Martian Adventures
Inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs's "Barsoom" series, Cummings penned the "Tama" duology. _Tama of the Light Country_ (1930) and _Tama, Princess of Mercury_ (1931) depict the adventures of a human woman abducted to Mercury, where she ascends to rulership.
Pulp Fiction and Pseudonyms
Cummings was also known for his contributions to pulp magazines, where he penned a vast body of short stories and novellas spanning fantasy, detective, and adventure genres. His work appeared in _Amazing Stories_, _Astounding Science Fiction_, and _Wonder Stories_, among others. Occasionally, he published under the pseudonyms Ray King, Gabriel Cummings, and Gabriel Wilson.
Legacy
While Cummings's popularity waned by the early 1940s, his prolific output left a lasting impact on the pulp era. He passed away in Mount Vernon, New York, on January 23, 1957. His legacy as a pioneer of science fantasy continues to inspire generations of readers and writers.
