Sven Christer Swahn

(August 3, 1933 -- January 15, 2005)

Prolific and highly regarded Swedish author, critic, essayist and translator, Swahn was an sf reader from an early age and was a professional writer long before encountering fandom: his first encounter was actually when he was invited to be the guest of honor at the small 1966 Swedish sf convention Malcon 2, and the reason for his invitation was a number of essays on current British sf he had published in a major daily newspaper. Enthusiastic and friendly, he kept in touch with several of those he met at the convention, was sent fanzines and became a regular at conventions both in Sweden and Britain, sometimes contributing to fanzines and forming friendships with many sf fans and professionals: he corresponded with James Blish, Stanislav Lem, Michael Moorcock and others, while Brian and Margaret Aldiss were annual guests at Swahn's summer house in the Karlskrona archipelago. A pro who liked to hang with fans rather than an active fan himself, he was one of the great popularisers of sf in Sweden, as well as arguably the so far finest sf author in the country.

Entry in SF Encyclopedia: https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/swahn_sven_christer