Philip Ashley Fanning

Robert Shaw (1931-1996) was a science fiction writer and enthusiast from Northern Ireland, celebrated for his original concepts and humor. His early exposure to science fiction through magazines left a profound impact, leading him to join Irish Fandom in 1950, a group instrumental in early science fiction fandom. Shaw contributed to fanzines and began publishing his own short stories in the mid-1950s. After a period living in Canada and working in engineering and journalism, he transitioned to writing full-time in England.

Shaw's literary output spanned a wide range, from grounded stories with subtle fantastic elements to grand, imaginative narratives. He explored themes of perception, influenced by his own visual disturbances, and concepts like 'slow glass,' which allows viewing the past. His work earned him accolades, including two Hugo Awards for Best Fan Writer, and significant recognition within the science fiction community for both his writing and his engaging public persona.

Born and raised in Belfast, Robert Shaw's fascination with science fiction began around age eleven. The availability of American science fiction magazines, often left behind by troops during World War II, served as a significant early influence. This exposure was later described by Shaw as more impactful than psychedelic experiences. In 1950, he became involved with Irish Fandom, a notable early science fiction fan group that met in Belfast and produced fanzines like Hyphen and Slant, to which Shaw contributed. During this period, he acquired the nickname "BoSh" and began publishing his first professional science fiction stories in 1954.

After a period living in Canada and working in fields like aircraft design and journalism, Shaw dedicated himself to writing full-time. His work often delved into speculative concepts, most notably the idea of "slow glass" introduced in his story "Light of Other Days," which enabled observers to view the past. Shaw's writing explored the nature of perception, a theme possibly informed by his lifelong struggles with migraine-induced visual disturbances and near-blindness. His novels, such as the Orbitsville trilogy and the Land and Overland trilogy, presented vast, imaginative settings and unique technological or societal frameworks, such as worlds where metal was absent.

Shaw was highly regarded within the science fiction fan community for his wit and contributions. He continued to be a keen reader and supporter of fanzines throughout his life. His humorous speeches, often delivered at science fiction conventions under the guise of "Serious Scientific Talks," became legendary and were later collected in published volumes. These contributions to the fan culture, alongside his writing, earned him two consecutive Hugo Awards for Best Fan Writer in 1979 and 1980. He also co-authored "The Enchanted Duplicator," a fictionalized account of science fiction fandom.

“I write science fiction for people who don't read a great deal of science fiction.”