Phyllis Gotlieb
Phyllis Gotlieb, born in 1926 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a distinguished poet and science-fiction author, often referred to as "the Mother of Canadian Science Fiction." She pursued her education at the University of Toronto, where she earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Married to professor Calvin Gotlieb, she raised three children while building her literary career. Gotlieb's work is characterized by its innovative approach to science fiction, frequently focusing on themes of telepathy and psychological exploration rather than the conventional technological narratives. She has contributed numerous short stories to prominent science-fiction magazines and was commissioned to create radio verse plays aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Company. Her literary achievements have earned her significant recognition, including nominations for the Governor General's Award and multiple Aurora Awards, one of which honors her best novel, *A Judgment of Dragons*. Additionally, the Sunburst Award, presented annually to a Canadian author of fantasy fiction, is named after her novel *Sunburst* (1964), highlighting her influential role in the genre.
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Phyllis Gotlieb
Writer
- Born: May 25, 1926
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Died: July 14, 2009
- Place of death: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Biography
Phyllis Gotlieb was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1926, the daughter of Leo Gotlieb, the manager of a movie theater, and Mary Kates Bloom. She attended the University of Toronto, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1948 and a master’s degree in 1950. In 1949, she married Calvin Gotlieb, a professor of computer science, and the couple had three children, Leo, Margaret, and Jane.
Gotlieb is a poet as well as a science-fiction author. Her poetry is noted for its playfulness and creativity and her well- received science-fiction novels have earned her the title “the Mother of Canadian Science Fiction.” Many of her science-fiction books have dealt with telepathy, and these novels also explore psychological issues rather than the technological subjects that traditionally are the focus of science-fiction stories.
Gotlieb has published numerous short stories in science- fiction magazines, including Galaxy, Cosmos, and If. She also was commissioned to write several radio verse plays that were broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Company between 1969 and 1978.
Gotlieb was nominated for the Governor General’s Award, Canada’s most prestigious honor. She also received an Aurora Award for Best Novel for A Judgment of Dragons (1980) and an Aurora Award for Lifetime Achievement. The Sunburst Award, annually presented to a Canadian writer of fantasy fiction, is named for Gotlieb’s novel Sunburst (1964).