FLINT, Homer Eon

(1892-1924)

   US writer (born Flindt) whose work appeared mainly in the Frank A. MUNSEY magazines from the teens of the century. His first sf story was "The Planeteer" for All-Story Weekly in 1918; it deals with sexual rivalry and personal ambition in a Bellamistic (Edward BELLAMY) society. Its sequel, "The King of Conserve Island" (1918), describes the corruption and collapse of the socialist world under the propaganda attacks of a reactionary, capitalist society. The Dr Kinney stories examine the implications of various political ideas: "The Lord of Death" (1919) describes the ultimate Spencerian survival of the fittest onMERCURY; "The Queen of Life" (1919) is based on the opposite point of view, preservation of life for its own sake and Malthusianism on a VENUS characterized by superscience; "The Devolutionist" (1921) covers the ambivalences of an efficient, more or less benevolent dictatorship and a bumblingly anarchistic or democratic underground; and the final story, "The Emancipatrix" (1921), contrasts a hive world and primitive humans ona ring-shaped planet. In the last two stories, the alien contact takes place by means of an apparatus acquired from Venus. HEF's writing style and PULP-MAGAZINE habits did not always adequately express his deep interest in the emergence of behavioural and historical patterns from various political and social philosophies. The series was much later assembled as The Devolutionist and The Emancipatrix (1921 Argosy; coll of linked stories 1965) and The Lord of Death and The Queen of Life (1919 All-Story Weekly; coll of linked stories 1965).HEF is remembered in partfor the mystery of his death (having picked up a hitchhiker - who turned out to have had a criminal record - he was found dead in his crashed car) and rather more for his sf novel with Austin HALL (whom see for details), The Blind Spot (1921 Argosy; 1951). However, the Dr Kinney stories are hisreal legacy.

   EFB/JC

   See also: HISTORY OF SF; PARALLEL WORLDS; PLANETARY ROMANCE.