George Griffith
George Griffith was an English author born in 1857, renowned for his contributions to science fiction during the pre-World War I era. He gained significant popularity in Britain but struggled to resonate with American audiences, largely due to his anti-American political views. This tension may have contributed to his overshadowing by fellow science fiction writer H. G. Wells, despite some claims that Griffith's works could have outsold Wells'. Among his notable publications is "Stories of Other Worlds," a series featured in Pearson's Magazine in 1900, and "A Honeymoon in Space," released in 1901. Griffith is believed to have authored over forty books, with a substantial portion focusing on science fiction, while others reportedly explore themes related to prison life. In addition to his literary pursuits, Griffith was passionate about exploration and reportedly set a world record for circumnavigating the globe. He also played a role in the exploration efforts that led to the discovery of the Amazon River's source. Griffith passed away in 1906 in England, leaving behind a significant, though often overlooked, literary legacy.
On this Page
Subject Terms
George Griffith
Writer
- Born: August 20, 1857
- Birthplace: Plymouth, Devonshire, England
- Died: June 4, 1906
- Place of death: England
Biography
George Griffith was born in England in 1857. Eventually he grew to be one of the most-popular science-fiction writers in Britain during the pre-World War I era. Griffith’s popularity, however, did not cross the Atlantic into the United States. His political views were very anti-American, which led many American readers to disregard his work. At the same time, American science fiction writer H. G. Wells was also publishing books, and his efforts overshadowed Griffith’s. Though it has not been proven, some believe that Griffith’s works greatly outsold that of Wells.
Notable works of Griffith’s include Stories of Other Worlds, a series of stories that appeared in issues of Pearson’s Magazine in 1900. In 1901 Griffith published A Honeymoon in Space, one of his more popular works. Griffith is rumored to have written over forty books; nearly thirty of them works of science fiction, and the rest are rumored to be about life in prison.
Aside from his work as an accomplished science-fiction writer, Griffith had numerous hobbies, one of which was world exploration. At one point in his life, Griffith broke a world record for traveling around the world. He was also one of the explorers who helped discover the source of the Amazon River. Griffith died in 1906 in England.