Richard Gordon

Richard Alexander Steuart Gordon (1947–2009) was a Scottish writer born in Banff, Scotland. He authored a variety of works, including science fiction novels, encyclopedias, and travel guides, frequently combining historical accuracy with imaginative narratives. Gordon's early writing career began in the 1960s, with his science fiction stories appearing in 'New Worlds' magazine. He pursued a career in writing after initially working as a market researcher. Throughout his career, he used several pen names, including Alex Stuart, Alex R. Stuart, and Stuart Gordon, before publishing later works under his own name.

Beyond his fiction, Gordon delved into non-fiction in the late 1980s, producing works on the paranormal and illustrated guides to northern Scotland. His encyclopedia on the paranormal drew criticism from skeptics for its reliance on non-skeptical sources. Gordon also spent time teaching English abroad, including in Poland and China, where he passed away in 2009 following a heart attack. His writing often referenced his Scottish roots, particularly the Moray region, even when his fictional settings were elsewhere.

Richard Gordon's writing career commenced in the 1960s, with his initial science fiction contributions appearing in 'New Worlds' magazine under the name Richard A. Gordon. To avoid confusion with another author named Richard Gordon, he adopted various pseudonyms. He first used Alex Stuart, but due to complaints from another author, he changed it to Alex R. Stuart, and later used Stuart Gordon. His later works were published under his birth name. Gordon’s fiction often incorporated his Scottish heritage, with characters occasionally visiting his hometown, and he frequently referenced his Moray roots. A unique aspect of his early work was the distinctive dedications found in some of his books.

In the latter part of his career, Richard Gordon expanded into non-fiction. Before his death, he completed several books focusing on paranormal subjects, as well as a series of illustrated guides detailing walks and history in northern Scotland. He also wrote articles under the pseudonym The Moray Rambler. His 1992 publication, 'The Paranormal: An Illustrated Encyclopedia,' faced criticism from Gordon Stein, director of the Center for Inquiry. Stein's review in 'Skeptical Inquirer' pointed out the book's use of questionable information and a lack of references to skeptical literature, suggesting a departure from a critical examination of paranormal claims.

Born in Banff, Scotland, Richard Gordon received his education in Buckie and Perthshire. He studied history at Newcastle University but chose a career in writing over postgraduate studies. Gordon later moved to London in 1969, where he undertook training in teaching English as a foreign language. In his 50s, he began teaching internationally, first in Poland and then relocating to China in 2003. He was employed at Shanghai High School International Division from 2005 until his death. Gordon passed away on February 7, 2009, in a Shanghai hospital after collapsing from a heart attack at a subway station.