Benjamin William Bova produced more than 120 works of science fiction and fact during a career spanning six decades. Beyond his prolific output as a novelist, he influenced the genre significantly through his editorial roles at major science fiction publications and his leadership within organizations dedicated to the exploration of space and literary craft.
Editorial Contributions and Industry Recognition
Bova assumed the role of editor for Analog Science Fact & Fiction in 1972 following the passing of John W. Campbell. His tenure at the magazine proved highly successful, earning him the Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor in six consecutive years from 1973 through 1979. He later served as the editorial director of Omni magazine from 1978 to 1982, further solidifying his presence in the industry.
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Born in Philadelphia in 1932, Bova began his professional life as a technical writer in the 1950s, contributing to Project Vanguard and the Avco Everett Research Laboratory. His educational background included studies at Temple University and the University of California. Later in life, he returned to academia to obtain a master of arts in communications from the State University of New York at Albany in 1987 and a doctor of education from California Coast University in 1996.
Professional Advocacy and Creative Consulting
Bova served as president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and held the position of president emeritus for the National Space Society. His expertise extended to film and television, where he worked as a consultant for projects including the 2010 film Repo Men and the adaptation of Altered Carbon. His creative body of work includes the Grand Tour novel series and a screenplay for an episode of Land of the Lost titled The Search.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 November 1932, Philadelphia
- Died: 29 November 2020, Naples
- Primary Fields: Science fiction literature, journalism
- Education: Temple University, University of California, California Coast University
- Total books: Over 120 works
- Awards: Six Hugo Awards for Best Professional Editor
- Professional Roles: Editor of Analog, editor of Omni
- Affiliations: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Bova focus on in his writing?
He focused primarily on science fiction and science fact, with his Grand Tour series detailing the human exploration and colonization of the Solar System.
How was his career as an editor recognized?
He received the Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor six times between 1973 and 1979 for his editorial work at Analog Science Fact & Fiction.
Achievements
- Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor — 1979
- Genres: science fiction and fantasy
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