Robert Silverberg

An Online Exhibit

Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery

Special Collections


UMBC
http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/specoll/popcul.php





The Prodigy

The youngest science fiction author ever to earn a Hugo award, Robert Silverberg’s ascendance to the ranks of science fiction divinity commenced in the early 1950s as a budding pulp magazine talent.

With the publication of his first novel, Revolt on Alpha C, in 1955, the youthful writer was ushered into the professional arena and a literary career was born.


Starblaze Editions, 1979

Ballantine Books, 1966

Ace Books, 1961

Ace Books, 1962




Career


Arbor House, 1982

His was a career that would see a mind-boggling production of published works including short fiction and nonfiction stories, novels, and anthologies for which the publishing industry could not be sated.

Nonetheless, it is Silverberg’s science fiction creations and particularly his supremely successful Majipoor series that would serve as the talismans of his success.




The Psychology of a Silverberg Character


Warner Books, 1990
Robert Silverberg’s later science fiction writings are notably distinguished for their character emphasis. Whether victim or villain, human or beast, Silverberg’s fictional characters possess a pulsing vitality and mortal quality of their own. They suffer pain, misfortune, and isolation but, true to their creator’s nature, they inevitably discover transcendence from their ills.

While initially dark in theme, it is this empathetic style that has become exceedingly popular and made Robert Silverberg an enduring figure in the fickle realm of science fiction publishing.



His Legacy


Avon Books, 1969

Ballantine Books, 1972
Cherished classics such as Nightwings, Dying Inside, The Book of Skulls, and the Majipoor trilogy have reaped Robert Silverberg numerous science fiction recognitions.

Among the most prestigious awards are 3 Hugo Awards, 5 Nebulas, the Jupiter, and the Prix Apollo. Silverberg was also presented with the Grandmaster Award by the Science Fiction Writers of America.



Continued Excellence

These days, Robert Silverberg concentrates his boundless talents on churning out a fresh flow of science fiction novels. The most current results of his energies include the final books of the Majipoor Trilogy, as well as newcomers such as The Alien Years and The Longest Way Home.

Clearly, it is a relief to Silverberg’s vast readership that a writing career birthed in the imagination of youth and fed on the labors of prodigious production and determination has yet to rest its pen.


Signet, 1971

Warner Books, 1970

Ace Books, 1958

Warner Books, 1990




For More Information

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Credits

Special thanks to Amy McGarrahan (Special Collections Intern) and Nicole Smith (Special Collections Student Assistant) for their work on this project.

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Bibliography

Science Fiction Pulps:
  • The Science Fiction Source Book, Wingrove David; Van Nostrand Reinhold Company; 135 West 50th St; New York, NY 10020
  • Science Fiction, Roberts Adam, Routledge, 29 West 35th St; New York, NY 10001; 2000
  • Science Fiction Culture, Bacon-Smith Camille; University of Pennsylvania Press; Philadelphia; 19104-4011; 2000
  • 2000 AD. : Illustrations from the Golden Age of Science Fiction Pulps, Sadoul Jacques; H. Regnery; Chicago; 1975
  • Over My Shoulder: Reflections on a Science Fiction Era, Eshbach Lloyd Arthur; O. Train, Philadelphia; 1983
Science Fiction Fanzines:
  • Science Fiction Culture, Bacon-Smith Camille; University of Pennsylvania Press; Philadelphia; 19104-4011; 2000
  • The World of Fanzines, Wertham Fredrik MD. ; Southern Illinois University Press; Chicago; 1973
  • The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, Nicholls Peter ; Granada Publishing Limited; Frogmore; St. Albans, Herts AL2 2NF, 1979
  • DIY: The Rise of Lo-Fi Culture, Spencer Amy; Marion Boyars; London; New York; 2005