H. H. Hollis
H. H. Hollis, the pseudonym of Ben Neal Ramey, was an influential figure in both the legal and literary realms. Born in 1921 in Dallas, Texas, he had notable historical connections, being distantly related to prominent figures such as David Crockett. Hollis pursued higher education at Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas, where he earned degrees in economics and law. During his time at university, he was actively involved in advocating for academic freedom, leading a significant student strike in 1944.
Professionally, Hollis specialized in admiralty law and was instrumental in desegregating public schools in Texas. His literary career began in the 1960s, primarily in the science fiction genre. His work often included satirical elements, with stories like "Ouled Nail" and "Sword Game" gaining recognition, the latter being nominated for Nebula Awards. Hollis also explored innovative themes in his narratives, such as the future of capital punishment and unconventional courtroom practices. He played a key role in revitalizing the Houston Science Fiction Society before his passing in 1977, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be acknowledged in the science fiction community.
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H. H. Hollis
Writer
- Born: 1921
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas
- Died: 1977
Biography
H. H. Hollis was the pseduonym of Ben Neal Ramey, who was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1921. His family had deep roots in Texas history as he was distantly related to David Crockett and to Leander Calvin Cunningham, one of the Texan soldiers at the Battle of San Jacinto. He attended Ben Milam Grammar School, North Dallas High School, and Southern Methodist University, where he earned a degree in economics. He also received a law degree from the University of Texas; while attending the university in 1944, he was one of the leaders of a three-day student strike in support of university president Homer Rainey, who was involved in a dispute with the board of regents over academic freedom.
Hollis became an attorney in Houston, Texas, specializing in admiralty law. He was among a group of lawyers who won the first lawsuit in Texas to desegregate the public schools. In the 1960’s, he began writing short stories under the Hollis pseudonym. His first professional story, “Ouled Nail,” appeared in If magazine in 1966. He was a regular contributor to that and other magazines during the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Two of his stories were published in the science-fiction anthologies Again, Dangerous Visions and Lone Star Universe. These stories both feature Corky Craven, a futuristic attorney, as the main character. The premise for “Every Day in Every Way,” published in Lone Star Universe, is that Texas will be practicing capital punishment in the future, but will invest the authority in only one judge throughout the state. To prevent the abuse of power, the judge can only apply the death sentence to twelve people each year and can only serve a one-year-term in office. At the end of the term, the judge also must go to the electric chair. “Stoned Counsel,” published in Again, Dangerous Visions, depicts a trial of the future in which the opposing lawyers take hallucinogenic drugs instead of making oral arguments and questioning witnesses.
His novelette, “The Guerrilla Trees,” which originally appeared in the June, 1968 issue of If, and his short story “Sword Game,” which originally appeared in the April, 1968 issue of Galaxy, were both nominated for Nebula Awards. A time travel story, “Sword Game” was also selected for the anthology The Year’s Best Science Fiction, 1969. “Too Many People,” another novelette which originally appeared in the January, 1971, issue of Galaxy, was selected for the anthology Best Science Fiction for 1972.
Hollis always claimed that he wrote science fiction for fun, and many of his stories are satirical. Around 1970, he helped reestablish the Houston Science Fiction Society. He died in 1977, and that year the New England Science Fiction Association selected “The Guerrilla Trees” for its list of core works of science fiction.