John Brosnan
John Raymond Brosnan was an Australian-born writer and science fiction enthusiast, born on October 7, 1947, in Perth, Australia. He developed a passion for science fiction in 1966 and became actively involved in the genre through the Australian and New Zealand Amateur Publishing Association, where he published a fanzine titled *Why Bother?*. Brosnan's journey led him to London, where he worked in various roles, including as a publicity manager and a clerk. He gained recognition as an author with the publication of *James Bond in the Cinema* in 1972, followed by other works focused on film and genre literature, including his collaborations on horror novels under pseudonyms. Throughout his life, he was an active participant in science fiction conventions and maintained connections with fellow writers. Despite his literary contributions, Brosnan struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties. He passed away from acute pancreatitis in April 2005, leaving behind a legacy within the science fiction community. His work and dedication to the genre continue to be remembered by fans and writers alike.
On this Page
Subject Terms
John Brosnan
Writer
- Born: October 7, 1947
- Birthplace: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Died: April 8 or 9, 2005
- Place of death: Harrow, England
Biography
John Raymond Brosnan was born in Perth, Australia, on October 7, 1947. He became a science fiction fan in 1966 when he read Australian Science Fiction Review. After meeting the magazine’s editor, John Bangsund, on one of the editor’s trips to Perth, Brosnan moved to Sydney, Australia, soon afterwards. In Sydney, he met science fiction writer John Baxter and joined the Australian and New Zealand Amateur Publishing Association. Brosnan was quite an active member of the association in its early years, publishing the fanzine Why Bother?.
In 1970, Brosnan was part of Big Bus Trip, an expedition that transported several science fiction fans overland from Australia to attend the World Science Fiction Convention in Heidelberg, Germany. Brosnan stopped off in London and did not bother to go to the convention. After settling in London, he was employed as a clerk for the Inland Revenue in Kensington and later as the publicity manager for Fountain Press. He returned to Australia only once, in 1974, the year he became a freelance writer.
After settling in London, he wrote his first book, James Bond in the Cinema, published in 1972, and he followed this up with several other books on cinema, including The Primal Screen: A History of Science Fiction Film, published in 1991. He collaborated on a number of horror novels with Leroy Kettle under the pseudonyms Harry Adam Knight (HAK) and Simon Ian Childers (SIC). The choice of these names was in keeping with the content of the books. In order to pay the bills, he acted as the science fiction and fantasy consultant for Granada Publishing’s paperback book division between 1977 and 1982. Brosnan attended a number of science fiction conventions in Australia and was a frequent attendee at gatherings in Britain. He also continued to produce fanzines, most notably Big Scab. He was the recipient of the J. Lloyd Eaton award in 1980.
Brosnan was an alcoholic later in life and was unable to stop drinking; he also was plagued with constant financial problems. Until his death from acute pancreatitis, Brosnan survived thanks to the kindness of friends (especially writers Baxter, Kettle, Rob Holdstock, and Malcolm Edwards) and his landlord. The fifty- seven-year-old author was found dead at his home in Harrow, England, in April, 2005.