Lester Del Rey
Lester del Rey (1915-1993) was an American writer and editor, a notable figure of science fiction's Golden Age and later one of its most influential editors. Over a long career he wrote popular science fiction and, with his wife Judy-Lynn del Rey, helped shape modern fantasy and science-fiction publishing.
Del Rey wrote fast-moving, accessible science fiction, including well-known short stories and novels for both adult and younger readers. Much of his best-known work remains under copyright, but several of his early stories have entered the public domain.
The library offers those early public-domain works: Earthbound, Pursuit, and The Sky Is Falling. They offer a taste of the brisk, imaginative storytelling that made him popular.
Our editions present these early works clearly. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
Lester Del Rey in the library · 3 works
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Pursuit A Sci-Fi Thriller of Identity, Escape, and Discovery
The Sky Is Falling
Audiobooks by Lester Del Rey
Every Lester Del Rey title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 3 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about Lester Del Rey
What did Lester del Rey write?
Del Rey wrote science fiction — short stories and novels — from the late 1930s onward, and later became a hugely influential editor. His famous stories include 'Helen O'Loy' and 'Nerves.' As an editor, the Del Rey imprint shaped modern fantasy publishing. Much of his best-known work remains under copyright.
Which Lester del Rey works are available here?
The library offers his early works that are in the public domain: Earthbound, Pursuit, and The Sky Is Falling. These date from earlier in his career. Some of his most famous stories and his editorial legacy remain outside the public domain.
What kind of science fiction did del Rey write?
Del Rey wrote clear, fast-moving, accessible science fiction, ranging from thoughtful stories about robots and human nature to brisk adventures, including books aimed at younger readers. His storytelling favoured strong ideas and readability. He was a solid, popular craftsman of the genre.
Where should I start with these works?
Pursuit and Earthbound are both accessible science-fiction reads and either makes a fine starting point among the public-domain works. They're quick and entertaining. Begin with whichever premise appeals.
Why is Lester del Rey important?
Del Rey was a respected Golden Age science-fiction author, but his greatest impact came as an editor: the Del Rey imprint he helped run played a major role in launching modern commercial fantasy and science fiction. His influence on the field's publishing was substantial. He shaped what generations of readers found on bookshelves.
Why aren't his famous works available here?
Because much of his best-known writing remains under copyright. Only several early stories have entered the public domain, and those are what the library can legally offer. We're clear about which titles are included.
Where can I read these works for free?
Del Rey's early public-domain works are freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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