Harold L. Goodwin
Harold L. Goodwin was an influential figure in both literature and government service, best known for his popular "Rick Brant Science Adventure Series," which he published under the pseudonym John Blaine starting in 1947. This series, aimed at young adults, spanned 25 titles, with the last book published in 1989. In addition to his fiction work, Goodwin authored nonfiction science books, including "All About Rockets and Space Flight." Born in 1914 in Ellenburg, New York, he graduated from the Eliot Radio Academy and began his career as a White House correspondent. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II, where he produced a notable news broadcast. Goodwin held various significant government roles, including director of atomic test operations for the Federal Civil Defense Administration and special assistant to the NASA administrator. He also acted as a special envoy to Pope John XXIII on behalf of the Mercury astronauts. Active in numerous professional organizations, Goodwin received several awards recognizing his contributions to science and public service.
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Harold L. Goodwin
Fiction Writer
- Born: November 20, 1914
- Birthplace: Ellenburg, New York
- Died: 1990
- Place of death: Bethesda, Maryland
Biography
Harold L. Goodwin began publishing his popular Rick Brant Science Adventure Series in 1947, using the pseudonym John Blaine. These books were science fiction adventures aimed at young adults. Goodwin wrote twenty-five books for the series, the last of which appeared in 1989. Goodwin also wrote nonfiction books about science, including All About Rockets and Space Flight.
Goodwin was born in Ellenburg, New York, in 1914. His family moved from New York to Springfield, Massachusetts, where Goodwin attended the Eliot Radio Academy. Upon graduation, he began his career as a White House correspondent for Transradio News Service. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II. His CBS News of the World broadcast was the first armed services news broadcast in the South Pacific during the war.
Goodwin was also a government official. For six years, he was the director of atomic test operations for the Federal Civil Defense Administration. He then was appointed scientific adviser to the United States Information Agency. In the 1960’s, Goodwin held the office of special assistant to the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. During this time he also acted as special presidential Envoy to Pope John XXIII on behalf of the Mercury astronauts. In 1961, Goodwin became deputy director of the National Sea Grant Program, and he remained in this position until his retirement in 1973.
Married with three sons, Goodwin was the recipient of many awards for his service to both science and the government, including service awards from the Federal Civil Defense Administration and the United States Information Agency. Goodwin also participated in many organizations, most notably the Washington Book Guild, the Marine Technology Society, and the World Aquaculture Society.