Groff Conklin Obit

Science Fiction Times
No 457
August 1968

Groff Conklin

Groff Conklin, leading science fiction anthologist, died July 20 at his summer home in Pauling, NY. He was 63 years old at the time of his death, which was due to emphysema. His permanent home was in New York City.

Mr. Conklin edited a total of 38 science fiction and fantasy anthologies. His first, The Best of Science Fiction (1946) was the first hard cover collection to specifically use the term "science fiction" in its title. With very few exceptions, Mr. Conklin selected stories for his books which had not been published in other anthologies.

He was editor of Grosset and Dunlap's series in the early 1950's, and was book reviewer for Galaxy magazine for five years starting with the first, October 1950 {?}, issue. Mr. Conklin was also active outside the field. For the last three years he was science editor for the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language which is being prepared for publication next year. He wrote books on home improvement and maintenance, and had been a freelance writer on scientific and technical subjects. He was formerly book editor for Robert M. McBride and Co., and scientific researcher for the N.W. Ayer & Son advertising agency.

- Howard Devore