RIP, Charles Brown of Locus Magazine, one of science fiction's grand old men

Locus Magazine reports that publisher Charles N Brown, one of science fiction's great figures, has died peacefully in his sleep on his way home from ReaderCon. I read Locus from the time I was old enough to see over the counter at Bakka, the science fiction bookstore where I later worked, and for some years now I have been a columnist with the magazine. Charles's obsessive, affectionate fascination with the field and all its readers, writers, fans and critics made him one of the most beloved figures in it, a sort of Forry Ackerman minus the id. Liza Groen Trombi -- my editor at Locus -- is taking over the magazine; I wish her the best of luck with it and look forward to my continued association with it. My sincere condolences to the Locus staff and Charles's many friends around the world.

Brown co-founded Locus with Ed Meskys and Dave Vanderwerf as a one-sheet news fanzine in 1968, originally created to help the Boston Science Fiction Group win its Worldcon bid. Brown enjoyed editing Locus so much that he continued the magazine far beyond its original planned one-year run. Locus was nominated for its first Hugo Award in 1970, and Brown was a best fan writer nominee the same year. Locus won the first of its 29 Hugos in 1971.

During Brown's long and illustrious career he was the first book reviewer for Asimov's; wrote the Best of the Year summary for Terry Carr's annual anthologies (1975-87); wrote numerous magazines and newspapers; edited several SF anthologies; appeared on countless convention panels; was a frequent Guest of Honor, speaker, and judge at writers' seminars; and has been a jury member for various major SF awards.

Charles N. Brown, 1937-2009

(Image: charles brown, a Creative Commons Attribution photo from catsprks' photostream)

[#1 posted by jjasper, July 13, 2009 11:56 AM]

He will be missed.

[#2 posted by Anonymous, July 13, 2009 12:40 PM]

Oh mi god!

Now I feel really old! He was a "new guy" by the time I met him.

A great loss,

Cathryn

[#3 posted by aelfscine, July 13, 2009 12:43 PM]

I got turned down for a job as his assistant because I was too male.

[#4 posted by Losrandir, July 13, 2009 12:55 PM]

His work was one of the fundamental pillars of modern SF community. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

[#5 posted by Devilstower, July 13, 2009 2:38 PM]

He started to take my picture once, back in 1997, when I'd managed the (never repeated) feat of making the Nebula shortlist, being a World Fantasy nominee, and having some of my books picked up for a television series.

Charlie had me framed up for the photo, then stopped, scowled at me, and said "Naw, you're too ugly to be on my magazine."

I've probably told that story a hundred times since then -- which is far better than having the picture.

Bye, Charles, we'll miss you.

[#6 posted by BDiamond, July 13, 2009 4:49 PM]

At age 53, I'm still a wannabe SF writer. Charles Brown's Locus has been an enormous source of information and inspiration over the years. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

[#7 posted by Saskplanner, July 13, 2009 6:37 PM]

I met him first at the Worldcon in 1977. He was pretty much of a dick to me so that was kind of sad but he did have a huge and undeniable impact on SF for a very long time.

RIP. Maybe you're nicer in another world.

[#8 posted by Anonymous, July 13, 2009 7:30 PM]

respect. R.I.P.

[#9 posted by DXMachina, July 14, 2009 5:44 AM]

I met him just this weekend at Readercon, and he seemed like a genuinely nice man. R.I.P.