Murray Leinster
Murray Leinster (1896-1975) was an American writer, a hugely prolific and inventive author of science fiction often called the 'Dean of Science Fiction.' Over a career of more than half a century he produced a vast body of stories and helped pioneer several of the genre's central ideas.
Leinster is credited with anticipating concepts like the modern computer network and 'first contact' between alien civilisations, and his story 'First Contact' gave that idea its enduring name. A tireless contributor to the pulp magazines, he wrote across many genres, and a number of his stories are in the public domain.
The library offers his public-domain stories 'The Aliens' and 'The Ambulance Made Two Trips' — examples of the clever, idea-driven science fiction that made his long reputation.
Our editions present these works clearly. Read a story free, and read or listen with a membership.
Murray Leinster in the library · 2 works
Audiobooks by Murray Leinster
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Frequently asked questions about Murray Leinster
What did Murray Leinster write?
Leinster wrote an enormous amount of science fiction, along with fiction in other genres, over more than fifty years. He is famous for the story 'First Contact,' which named the science-fiction concept, and for pioneering ideas like a computer network. His huge output earned him the nickname the 'Dean of Science Fiction.'
Which Murray Leinster works are available here?
The library offers two of his public-domain stories: 'The Aliens' and 'The Ambulance Made Two Trips.' Both are examples of his inventive science fiction. Others of his many works remain under copyright.
Did Leinster predict the internet?
His 1946 story 'A Logic Named Joe' remarkably anticipated something very like the modern personal computer and a connected information network, decades before they existed. He also popularised the 'first contact' scenario in science fiction. His imaginative foresight is one reason he is so admired in the genre's history.
Where should I start with these works?
'The Aliens' is a good starting point among the public-domain stories — an example of his 'first contact' theme and idea-driven storytelling. 'The Ambulance Made Two Trips' offers another taste of his imagination. Both are short and accessible.
Why is Murray Leinster important?
Leinster was one of the most prolific and inventive science-fiction writers of the 20th century, anticipating major ideas like computer networks and popularising the 'first contact' story. His long, productive career and pioneering concepts earned him lasting respect as the 'Dean of Science Fiction.' His influence on the genre's ideas is significant.
When did Murray Leinster live?
Leinster lived from 1896 to 1975. He began publishing in the 1910s and wrote prolifically for the pulp and science-fiction magazines for decades. His long, productive career spanned much of the history of modern science fiction.
Where can I read Murray Leinster for free?
Leinster's public-domain stories are freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read a story free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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