The Futurians¶
J.B. Prescott and Science Fiction's Future¶
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Overview¶
In the late 1930s, J.B. Prescott became a prominent member of The Futurians, a group of science fiction fans and writers based in New York City. This association would prove influential not only for Prescott's own work but for the future of science fiction itself. The younger members of the group would go on to become some of the genre's most celebrated names.
The Futurians: Members¶
The group included future luminaries such as:
Isaac Asimov¶
Contribution: Boundless curiosity and prolific writing Influence on DRIVE: Imagination and Innovation Legacy: Foundation series, Robot stories, and countless works of science fact
Frederik Pohl¶
Contribution: Editorial excellence and collaborative spirit Influence on DRIVE: Helped shape the Creator's Circle concept Legacy: Gateway series, editing excellence, and social science fiction
Damon Knight¶
Contribution: Literary criticism and craft emphasis Influence on DRIVE: Continuous improvement and resilience Legacy: Founded Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA)
James Blish¶
Contribution: Intellectual depth and artistic integrity Influence on DRIVE: Vision and genre-bridging Legacy: Cities in Flight series, literary criticism
Judith Merril¶
Contribution: Advocacy for diverse voices Influence on DRIVE: Empathy and inclusivity Legacy: Pioneering female science fiction editor and anthologist
Donald A. Wollheim¶
Contribution: Passionate promotion of science fiction Influence on DRIVE: Elevating creative writing as legitimate literature Legacy: Publishing house founder, influential editor
Cyril Kornbluth¶
Contribution: Sharp social satire Influence on DRIVE: Using imagination to critique society Legacy: "The Marching Morons" and collaborative works
Prescott's Role Among The Futurians¶
The Elder Statesman¶
By the late 1930s, Prescott was already an established pulp writer when he joined The Futurians. While many members were in their teens or early twenties, Prescott was in his forties with two decades of professional writing behind him.
What He Brought: - Professional writing experience - Publishing industry connections - Mentorship and guidance - Stories of working with genre pioneers - Practical advice on the writing life
What He Gained: - Renewed creative energy from younger perspectives - Exposure to new ideas and approaches - A community of passionate creators - Intellectual stimulation and debate - Inspiration for the Curious Order
The Philosophy Exchange¶
DRIVE Principles in The Futurians¶
Prescott's developing philosophy of Narrative DRIVE resonated with the group:
Dedication The Futurians' commitment to the craft and genre exemplified dedication. They weren't just readers but creators, critics, and advocates.
Resilience Many faced rejection and struggled financially, yet persisted. Their resilience would carry them through decades of genre work.
Imagination The group pushed boundaries of what science fiction could be, exploring ideas from space opera to social satire.
Vision They saw science fiction not as escapism but as a lens for understanding the present and shaping the future.
Empathy Their best works connected deeply with human experiences, even when set on alien worlds.
Meetings and Collaborations¶
The Gatherings¶
Futurians meetings typically involved: - Discussion of recent pulp stories and novels - Reading and critiquing each other's work - Debates about science, politics, and the future - Planning fanzines and amateur publications - Dreaming about professional careers
Prescott's Contributions: He would share stories from his career, including: - Working with Hugo Gernsback - The business side of pulp writing - Balancing art and commerce - Maintaining creativity over decades
Collaborative Projects¶
While Prescott was primarily a solo writer, his time with The Futurians involved: - Contributing to fanzines - Mentoring younger writers on their stories - Participating in round-robin story discussions - Offering feedback on manuscripts - Sharing markets and opportunities
Individual Influences¶
Isaac Asimov: Imagination and Innovation¶
What Prescott Learned: Asimov's ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible influenced how Prescott would later teach creative principles.
What Asimov Gained: Prescott's storytelling techniques and pulp plotting expertise helped Asimov craft his early robot stories.
Frederik Pohl: Collaboration and Mentorship¶
Mutual Influence: - Pohl's collaborative nature aligned with Prescott's vision for creative community - Prescott's emphasis on mentorship informed Pohl's later editorial work - Both believed in supporting fellow writers
Damon Knight: Literary Criticism and Improvement¶
Exchange of Ideas: - Knight's critical rigor complemented Prescott's practical experience - Both valued continuous craft improvement - Their discussions helped formulate ideas about what made good writing
James Blish: Intellectual Depth and Artistic Integrity¶
Shared Values: - Both believed genre fiction could tackle serious themes - Neither saw entertainment and meaning as contradictory - Both valued maintaining artistic integrity while working professionally
Judith Merril: Advocacy for Female Writers¶
Important Conversations: - Merril's advocacy influenced Prescott's inclusive approach - Helped ensure the future Curious Order welcomed all voices - Discussions about representation in genre fiction
Donald A. Wollheim: Promotion of Science Fiction¶
Mutual Goals: - Both wanted to elevate science fiction's reputation - Shared belief in the genre's literary legitimacy - Collaborated on promoting quality work
The Futurians' Impact on The Curious Order¶
Founding Principles¶
The Futurians directly influenced the Curious Order's structure:
Community Over Competition The collaborative spirit of The Futurians informed the Creator's Circle concept.
Mentorship Culture Prescott saw how experienced members helping newcomers strengthened everyone.
Regular Gatherings The importance of in-person meetings for creative growth.
Critical Engagement Constructive criticism as essential to improvement.
Shared Resources Members helping each other with markets, techniques, and opportunities.
Historical Context¶
The Late 1930s Science Fiction Scene¶
The Pulp Era: - Science fiction primarily in pulp magazines - Low pay, high output demanded - Genre still finding its identity - Fandom just beginning to organize
The Futurians' Innovation: - One of the first organized fan groups - Bridged fandom and professional writing - Incubator for future genre leaders - Model for later writing groups
Legacy of the Connection¶
For Science Fiction¶
The Futurians, with Prescott's participation, helped: - Professionalize science fiction writing - Create support networks for writers - Elevate genre fiction's critical status - Establish fandom culture - Launch remarkable careers
For The Curious Order¶
The Curious Order inherited from The Futurians: - Community-based creative support - Balance of critique and encouragement - Dedication to craft improvement - Welcoming atmosphere for new members - Belief in fiction's power to inspire
Prescott's Reflection¶
Years later, Prescott wrote about his Futurians experience:
"They were young, broke, and brilliant. They believed science fiction could change the world, and they were right. My time with The Futurians reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place. They gave me back my sense of wonder, and I'd like to think I gave them some tools to shape that wonder into lasting art."
The Futurians' Ongoing Influence¶
Many Futurians went on to: - Win Hugo and Nebula Awards - Edit major science fiction magazines - Found publishing houses - Create enduring series and standalone classics - Mentor subsequent generations - Shape the genre's direction for decades
Lessons for Modern Creators¶
What contemporary writers can learn from Prescott and The Futurians:
Find Your Community Creative work benefits from connection with fellow creators.
Welcome New Perspectives Experienced creators gain from engaging with emerging voices.
Share Knowledge Generously What you teach others enriches your own understanding.
Maintain Enthusiasm Let passion for the work reignite your own creative fire.
Build Institutions The structures you create can support creativity for generations.
Further Reading¶
About The Futurians¶
- "The Futurians" by Damon Knight (memoir)
- "The Way the Future Was" by Frederik Pohl (autobiography including Futurians chapter)
- Various histories of science fiction fandom
Related Pages¶
Where the future was forged, one story at a time.
Semper curiosus. Semper creatrix.