Festus Pragnell

(January 16, 1905 – December 17, 1977)

Frank William Pragnel, professionally known as Festus Pragnell, was a UK writer active in the 1930s and the 1940s. His first story appeared in Wonder Stories, July 1935. He was part of the submission panel for Amateur Science Stories. While he was not present he sent a message to the delegates at the 1937 Leeds Convention. He contributed to Tomorrow where in #5 he was described as:

... noted in British science-fiction circles for his prominent views on child nourishment, education, and upbringing.

He was a member of the Science Fiction Association (SFA) although it's not entirely clear when he joined or whether he was an honorary member. His was one of the names proposed for SFA president in April 1937 but he was never announced as a new member in Novae Terrae in accordance with usual practice, and the first explicit reference to his membership is in September 1938 when he is referred to as 'Noted SFA-member-author'. In December 1938 he was referred to as a councillor of the SFA.

The Best of Fandom 1958 included 'A Visit to Festus Pragnell' by C. S. Youd first published in BEM.

• Entry in The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction
• Festus Pragnell in Internet Speculative Fiction Database

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Person

1905—1977

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