Science Fiction Writer, Political Scientist. While born in the US, he grew up in Asia and Europe. He was the godson of Sun Yat-sen, as his father was an advisor to Sun. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University in 1936, specializing in Asiatic politics and Far Eastern studies. He taught at Duke from 1937 to 1946 and also served in the US Army during World War II. His Alma Mater called in 1947, and he became Professor of Asiatic Politics at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington until his death. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Colonel. While at Johns Hopkins, he wrote his best known non-fiction work, “Psychological Warfare”. He was deeply involved in this area of study with the Army and traveled extensively and was also an advisor to President Kennedy. A very private man, he used the pseudonym Cordwainer Smith to avoid having to deal with fans. His first published story, and perhaps his most famous, “Scanners Live in Vain”, was set in his “Instrumentality of Mankind” series. The story was selected for the first volume of the work ”Science Fiction Hall of Fame: 1924-1969”. He died from a heart attack.
Science Fiction Writer, Political Scientist. While born in the US, he grew up in Asia and Europe. He was the godson of Sun Yat-sen, as his father was an advisor to Sun. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University in 1936, specializing in Asiatic politics and Far Eastern studies. He taught at Duke from 1937 to 1946 and also served in the US Army during World War II. His Alma Mater called in 1947, and he became Professor of Asiatic Politics at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in Washington until his death. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Colonel. While at Johns Hopkins, he wrote his best known non-fiction work, “Psychological Warfare”. He was deeply involved in this area of study with the Army and traveled extensively and was also an advisor to President Kennedy. A very private man, he used the pseudonym Cordwainer Smith to avoid having to deal with fans. His first published story, and perhaps his most famous, “Scanners Live in Vain”, was set in his “Instrumentality of Mankind” series. The story was selected for the first volume of the work ”Science Fiction Hall of Fame: 1924-1969”. He died from a heart attack.
Bio by: Kenneth Gilbert
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