Arthur W. Saha
Encyclopedia
Arthur William Saha was an American speculative fiction
editor and anthologist, closely associated with publisher Donald A. Wollheim
.
, he enrolled in and graduated from Columbia University
. Saha also worked as a research chemist and is credited with the patent for the first fire resistant ironing board cover and for various paints and pigment
s used on the exteriors of the first space satellites. At one time he was a resident of Minnesota
; in his later years Saha resided in Cooperstown
, Otsego County
, New York
. While living in New York City
, he was an early associate of the Beats
. He died of cancer.
fandom, becoming a member of the Futurians
and First Fandom
, and was a close associate and ally of Wollheim and Frederik Pohl
in the early fan wars.
Later an editor at Wollheim's publishing house DAW Books
, Saha co-edited numerous "best of the year" science fiction
anthologies with Wollheim, and Wollheim’s choice as successor to Lin Carter
as editor of a similar line of fantasy
anthologies. Saha’s compilations were routinely entered in the Locus Poll Award
for Best Anthology; The 1978 Annual World's Best SF he co-edited with Wollheim came in second for the 1979 award.
He received a First Fandom Hall of Fame award
for 1992 for his contributions to the field of science fiction. He served as President of the New York Science Fiction Society, better known as the Lunarians, and as President of First Fandom for many years until his death.
" in 1967 to describe fans of Star Trek
. He had used the term in an interview that Pete Hamill was conducting on the science fiction phenomenon for TV Guide.
Speculative fiction
Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as...
editor and anthologist, closely associated with publisher Donald A. Wollheim
Donald A. Wollheim
Donald Allen Wollheim was an American science fiction ' editor, publisher, writer, and fan. As an author, he published under his own name as well as under pseudonyms, including David Grinnell....
.
Life
Saha was the son of William and Henrikka Saha, Finns. After serving in the Merchant Marine during World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, he enrolled in and graduated from Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
. Saha also worked as a research chemist and is credited with the patent for the first fire resistant ironing board cover and for various paints and pigment
Pigment
A pigment is a material that changes the color of reflected or transmitted light as the result of wavelength-selective absorption. This physical process differs from fluorescence, phosphorescence, and other forms of luminescence, in which a material emits light.Many materials selectively absorb...
s used on the exteriors of the first space satellites. At one time he was a resident of Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
; in his later years Saha resided in Cooperstown
Cooperstown, New York
Cooperstown is a village in Otsego County, New York, USA. It is located in the Town of Otsego. The population was estimated to be 1,852 at the 2010 census.The Village of Cooperstown is the county seat of Otsego County, New York...
, Otsego County
Otsego County, New York
Otsego County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. The 2010 population was 62,259. The county seat is Cooperstown. The name Otsego is from a Mohawk word meaning "place of the rock."-History:...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. While living in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, he was an early associate of the Beats
Beat generation
The Beat Generation refers to a group of American post-WWII writers who came to prominence in the 1950s, as well as the cultural phenomena that they both documented and inspired...
. He died of cancer.
Career in speculative fiction
Saha became active in New York City science fictionScience fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
fandom, becoming a member of the Futurians
Futurians
The Futurians were a group of science fiction fans, many of whom became editors and writers as well. The Futurians were based in New York City and were a major force in the development of science fiction writing and science fiction fandom in the years 1937-1945.-Origins of the group:As described...
and First Fandom
First Fandom
First Fandom is an association of experienced science fiction fans.In 1958 a number of fans at Midwestcon realized amid table-talk that they all had been active in fandom for more than 20 years. This inspired the creation of an organization for longstanding fans under the initial chairmanship of...
, and was a close associate and ally of Wollheim and Frederik Pohl
Frederik Pohl
Frederik George Pohl, Jr. is an American science fiction writer, editor and fan, with a career spanning over seventy years — from his first published work, "Elegy to a Dead Planet: Luna" , to his most recent novel, All the Lives He Led .He won the National Book Award in 1980 for his novel Jem...
in the early fan wars.
Later an editor at Wollheim's publishing house DAW Books
DAW Books
DAW Books is an American science fiction and fantasy publisher, founded by Donald A. Wollheim following his departure from Ace Books in 1971. The company therefore claims to be "the first publishing company ever devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy." The first DAW Book published was...
, Saha co-edited numerous "best of the year" science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
anthologies with Wollheim, and Wollheim’s choice as successor to Lin Carter
Lin Carter
Linwood Vrooman Carter was an American author of science fiction and fantasy, as well as an editor and critic. He usually wrote as Lin Carter; known pseudonyms include H. P. Lowcraft and Grail Undwin.-Life:Carter was born in St. Petersburg, Florida...
as editor of a similar line of fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
anthologies. Saha’s compilations were routinely entered in the Locus Poll Award
Locus Award
The Locus Award is a literary award established in 1971 and presented to winners of Locus magazine's annual readers' poll. Currently, the Locus Awards are presented at an annual banquet...
for Best Anthology; The 1978 Annual World's Best SF he co-edited with Wollheim came in second for the 1979 award.
He received a First Fandom Hall of Fame award
First Fandom Hall of Fame award
First Fandom Hall of Fame award is an annual award for contributions to the field of science fiction dating back more than 30 years. Contributions can be as a fan, writer, editor, artist, agent, or any combination of the five. It is awarded by First Fandom and is usually presented at the beginning...
for 1992 for his contributions to the field of science fiction. He served as President of the New York Science Fiction Society, better known as the Lunarians, and as President of First Fandom for many years until his death.
Coinage
Saha is credited with coining the term "TrekkieTrekkie
A Trekkie or Trekker is a fan of the Star Trek franchise, or of specific television series or films within that franchise.-History:In 1967, science fiction editor Arthur W...
" in 1967 to describe fans of Star Trek
Star Trek
Star Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
. He had used the term in an interview that Pete Hamill was conducting on the science fiction phenomenon for TV Guide.
The Annual World’s Best SF (with Donald A. Wollheim)
- The 1972 Annual World's Best SFThe 1972 Annual World's Best SFThe 1972 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the initial volume in a series of nineteen...
(=Wollheim’s World’s Best SF: Series One) (1972) - The 1973 Annual World's Best SFThe 1973 Annual World's Best SFThe 1973 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the second volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1973, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the same...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Two) (1973) - The 1974 Annual World's Best SFThe 1974 Annual World's Best SFThe 1974 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the third volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1974, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the same...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Three) (1974) - The 1975 Annual World's Best SFThe 1975 Annual World's Best SFThe 1975 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the fourth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1975, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the same...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Four) (1975) - The 1976 Annual World's Best SFThe 1976 Annual World's Best SFThe 1976 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the fifth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1976, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the same year...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Five) (1976) - The 1977 Annual World's Best SFThe 1977 Annual World's Best SFThe 1977 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the sixth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1977, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the same...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Six) (1977) - The 1978 Annual World's Best SFThe 1978 Annual World's Best SFThe 1978 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the seventh volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1978, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the same...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Seven) (1978) - The 1979 Annual World's Best SFThe 1979 Annual World's Best SFThe 1979 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the eighth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1979...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Eight) (1979) - The 1980 Annual World's Best SFThe 1980 Annual World's Best SFThe 1980 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the ninth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1980, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the same...
(=Wollheim's World's Best SF: Series Nine) (1980) - The 1981 Annual World's Best SFThe 1981 Annual World's Best SFThe 1981 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the tenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1981, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the same year...
(1981) - The 1982 Annual World's Best SFThe 1982 Annual World's Best SFThe 1982 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the eleventh volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1982, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the...
(1982) - The 1983 Annual World's Best SFThe 1983 Annual World's Best SFThe 1983 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the twelfth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in May 1983, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the same...
(1983) - The 1984 Annual World's Best SFThe 1984 Annual World's Best SFThe 1984 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the thirteenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in June 1984, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the...
(1984) - The 1985 Annual World's Best SFThe 1985 Annual World's Best SFThe 1985 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the fourteenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in June 1985, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the...
(1985) - The 1986 Annual World's Best SFThe 1986 Annual World's Best SFThe 1986 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the fourteenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in June 1986, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the...
(1986) - The 1987 Annual World's Best SFThe 1987 Annual World's Best SFThe 1987 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the fourteenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in June 1987, followed by a hardcover edition issued in July of the same...
(1987) - The 1988 Annual World's Best SFThe 1988 Annual World's Best SFThe 1988 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the seventeenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in June 1988, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the...
(1988) - The 1989 Annual World's Best SFThe 1989 Annual World's Best SFThe 1989 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the eighteenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in June 1989, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the...
(1989) - The 1990 Annual World's Best SFThe 1990 Annual World's Best SFThe 1990 Annual World's Best SF is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha, the nineteenth volume in a series of nineteen. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in July 1990, followed by a hardcover edition issued in August of the...
(1990)
The Year's Best Fantasy Stories
- The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 7The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 7The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 7 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in 1981....
(1981) - The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 8The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 8The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 8 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in 1982....
(1982) - The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 9The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 9The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 9 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in 1983....
(1983) - The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 10The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 10The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 10 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in October, 1984....
(1984) - The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 11The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 11The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 11 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in November, 1985....
(1985) - The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 12The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 12The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 12 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in November, 1986....
(1986) - The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 13The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 13The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 13 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in November, 1987....
(1987) - The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 14The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 14The Year's Best Fantasy Stories: 14 is an anthology of fantasy stories, edited by Arthur W. Saha. It was first published in paperback by DAW Books in November, 1988....
(1988)