HYAMS, Edward S(olomon)

(1910-1975)

   UK writer, prolific in various genres, fiction and nonfiction, from before WWII; he was also active as a translator. Although not widely known as a writer of sf or fantasy, he published several novels of sf interest. Not in Our Stars (1949) depicts the discovery of a fungus of use in biological warfare. The Astrologer (1950) is an early novel on the ecological theme of soil exhaustion, and the DISASTER its protagonist tries to avert by denying men sex, like Lysistrata. The Final Agenda (1973) places a worldwide organization of anarchists in power in aNEAR FUTURE venue, and traces with considerable sympathy their attempts to found an ecological UTOPIA. Morrow's Ants (1975) is about the creation of a HIVE-MIND. Typically of writers not identified with the genre, ESH tends to use sf components in a didactic fashion, although in his case to considerable effect.

   JC

   Other works: The Wings of the Morning (1939), a Wellsian discursive novel set just before a future WAR; Sylvester (1951; vt 998 1952 US); The Last Poor Man (1966); The Death Lottery (1971); Prince Habib's Iceberg (1974).

   See also: ASTRONOMY; ECOLOGY; SCIENTISTS.