Charles Hornig

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Charles D. Hornig (1940s). Courtesy of Rob Hansen

(May 25, 1916 – October 11, 1999)

Charles Derwin Hornig became involved in fandom in 1930. (He took out an ad in the Chicon program book proclaiming “Ten Years a Fan.”) He was the youngest professional SF editor ever.[1]

In 1933, the 17-year-old Hornig was publishing a very early fanzine called The Fantasy Fan, and sent a copy to Hugo Gernsback, who happened to be looking for a new editor just then. Gernsback was so impressed with Hornig's fanzine that he sent for him and hired him. Hornig remained Wonder Stories' editor until 1936, when the magazine was sold. (For some of that time he attended evening classes in order to finish high school while editing for Gernsback during the day.)

He used the penname Derwin Lesser.

Along with Hugo Gernsback, Hornig founded the SFL in 1934, and Hornig continued to administer it while it existed. By the late 1930s, he was editing Fantasy Magazine. He attended the Second Eastern and Nycon. In 1940, he wrote much of Gernsback's comic book, Superworld Comics, that only lasted three issues.

Hornig was an Esperantist. He owned a Stfnash.

In World War II, Hornig was a conscientious objector. He was sent to a Civilian Public Service camp, but deserted after a year and ultimately went to prison. He wrote about his experience in the seventh issue of E. Everett Evans' The Timebinder.

Fanzines and Apazines:

Awards, Honors and GoHships:


Person 19161999
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  1. Although Michael Moorcock became editor of Tarzan Adventures when he was 16.