Hugo Gernsback

Hugo Gernsback published the first science fiction magazine, Amazing Stories, and is often called the “Father of Science Fiction.”  

Born in Luxembourg, Gernsback immigrated to the United States in 1904. His fascination for electricity and radios led Gernsback to market a home radio set in 1906, and, in 1908, he launched his first magazine, Modern Electrics. It was in this magazine that Gernsback published his novel, Ralph 124C 41+ (1911). A catalogue of the marvelous technology of the 27th century, it revealed his interest in scientific prediction. It was soon followed by a series featuring the scientific adventures of the fictional Baron Munchausen.

In 1923, Gernsback coined the term “scientific fiction,” and its diminutive: “scientifiction.” In 1926, he launched Amazing Stories, the first true science fiction magazine published in English. As an immediate commercial success, it allowed him to launch several more magazines, including Wonder Stories and Science Fiction Plus. The Science Fiction Achievement Awards are named the “Hugos” in Gernsback's honor.