JAKOBSSON, Ejler

(1911-1986)

   Finnish-born editor, in the USA from 1926. He became a PULP-MAGAZINE writer in the 1930s and joined the staff of one of the pulp chains, Popular Publications, in 1943. He briefly had responsibility for ASTONISHING STORIES and SUPER SCIENCE STORIES, but both magazines werealready in the process of closing down due to paper shortages and Frederik POHL's departure. EJ remained with the company and became editor on itsrevival in 1949 of Super Science Stories, a position he retained until the magazine again (and finally) ceased publication in 1951; Damon KNIGHT was his assistant for part of this period. EJ returned to SF-MAGAZINE editing in 1969, when he took over the editorship of GALAXY SCIENCE FICTION and IF - again in succession to Pohl. With the assistance of Judy-Lynn DEL REYand Lester DEL REY, he attempted to make the magazine more contemporary and trendy, with mixed results, though Robert SILVERBERG praised his work. He was succeeded as editor by Jim BAEN in mid-1974. During EJ's editorshipthe following anthologies were published (his name did not appear on their title pages): The Best from Galaxy Vol I (anth 1972) ed The Editors of Galaxy Magazine; The Best from If (anth 1973) ed anon; The Best fromGalaxy Vol II (anth 1974) ed The Editors of Galaxy Magazine; The Best from If Vol II (anth 1974) ed The Editors of If Magazine.

   MJE