John Carnell
John Carnell was a notable British figure in the field of science fiction, born on April 8, 1912, in Plumstead, London. Initially trained as a printer, he rose to become a printing manager before serving in the British Royal Artillery during World War II, where he earned distinctions such as the Africa Star and Italy Star for his service. After the war, Carnell transitioned into publishing, becoming the managing editor and director for Nova Publications and leading various science fiction magazines, including New Worlds in Science Fiction and Science Fantasy. He was instrumental in promoting science fiction literature in Britain, editing numerous anthologies and founding the New Writings in SF series, which spanned twenty-one volumes. Beyond his professional achievements, Carnell was active in various organizations, including the Church of England and the British Science Fiction Association. He married Irene Cloke in 1939, with whom he had two children. Carnell's dedication to science fiction and imaginative literature left a lasting impact on the genre before his passing on March 23, 1972, in London.
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John Carnell
Writer
- Born: April 8, 1912
- Birthplace: Plumstead, London, England
- Died: March 23, 1972
- Place of death: London, England
Biography
John Carnell was born April 8, 1912, in Plumstead, London, England, as the son of William John and Louisa (Woollett) Carnell. He attended both primary and secondary schools in London before becoming an apprentice printer from 1927 to 1932. Carnell became the printing manager for A. G. Gamage, Ltd., in London in 1935, but stopped working in 1940 to serve in the British Royal Artillery and Amphibious Warfare divisions from 1940 to 1945. He served honorably and was rewarded for his gallantry with both the Africa Star and Italy Star. On June 17, 1939, he married Irene Cloke, his secretary at the time, and had two children with her named Michael John and Leslyn Hilary. When he returned from his military service, he became the managing editor and director for Nova Publications in London, a position that he held from 1946 to 1962.
From early on, Carnell operated his own literary agency devoted entirely to science fiction. Carnell edited many science fiction anthologies, including No Place like Earth. He also worked as the editor of the science fiction magazines New Worlds in Science Fiction, Science Fantasy, and Science Fiction Adventures, and encouraged young writers to explore their interest in the subject.
Carnell in many ways pioneered science fiction in Britain by inundating the publishing world with anthologies of world-class science fiction. In 1964, he began compiling the twenty-one- volume New Writings in SF series, which was completed in 1972. Of his career accomplishments, Carnell wrote, “Since the early 1930’s, my interest has been almost exclusively with science fiction and the imaginative concepts of the World of Tomorrow,” and that his endeavors had “led to a wide interest in general science, of which astronomy is probably the most exciting.”
In his personal life, John Carnell involved himself in many activities and continued his involvement with activities and groups that he started with in his youth. A member of the Church of England, Carnell also was an honorary member of the British Science Fiction Association, an associate member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and vice president of the Bombardment Units Association from 1946 to 1972. He was also a member of the Victory Ex- Service Club and traveled widely in Europe, Africa, the United States, and Canada. John Carnell died March 23, 1972, at the age of fifty-nine, in London, where he spent nearly all of his adult life.