Neil Bell
Neil Bell was an English author known for his contributions to science fiction and fantasy literature, born Stephen Southwold in 1887. Throughout his career, he published over forty novels and numerous short story collections under the name Neil Bell, which he adopted after initially publishing under Southwold in the 1950s. His writing, which began in the 1930s and continued until his death in 1964, frequently explored themes of madness and the human condition. One notable work, "The Lord of Life" (1933), features a scientist threatening global destruction, a concept that later became prevalent in cinematic narratives. Another significant title, "Love and Julian Farne" (1938), delves into the life of a man considered "not normal," leading to speculation about autobiographical elements reflecting Bell's own experiences in love. Following his death, several of his works were published posthumously, cementing his legacy in the genre. Bell's innovative storytelling often incorporated advanced plot devices, making him a unique figure in early speculative fiction.
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Neil Bell
- Born: 1887
- Died: 1964
Biography
Neil Bell, a prolific English author of science fiction and fantasy novels, was born Stephen Southwold in 1887, although some sources claim that his real name may have been Stephen H. Critten. While he did publish several titles under the name Southwold in the 1950’s, it is believed that he legally changed his name to Neil Bell at some point. Nevertheless, writing as Neil Bell, he published more than forty novels and numerous collections of short stories, beginning in the 1930’s and continuing until his death in 1964. Several more titles were published posthumously.
The theme of madness often figures in his stories. His 1933 novel, The Lord of Life, featured a scientist holding the world hostage with the threat of super weapon capable of destroying all life. A hardy submarine crew survived the blast, but with only one woman among them, their hopes of repopulating the planet were in vain. Such plot devices were ahead of their time and have since become cinematic staples with even more successful satiric offspring. Neil Bell’s 1938 novel Love and Julian Farne describes the romantic history of “a man who is not normal.” The book and Bell’s personal commentary on its jacket caused some speculation that it might be autobiographical and thus be an indication that Bell himself had a “not normal” love life.