04.15.02

Damon Knight, whose contributions to the field of science fiction were enormous and varied, died last night in Eugene, Oregon.

Damon was one of the great short-story writers of American science fiction. He founded and edited Orbit, an anthology that set the standards for literary science fiction. He co-founded the Milford and Clarion Writers Workshops. He founded SFWA, the Science Fiction Writers of America. In the late 1980s, he discovered the Internet, and became a force to reckon with on the legendary SF Round Table on Genie. (Not long after after Damon's arrival, the sysop received an irritated query: "Who's this young punk, Damon Knight?")

Damon was committed to precision and clarity in writing, and he was a man of illuminating wit and honesty. He and his wife, Kate Wilhelm, have been major influences on many of the finest writers in SF and fantasy. His family and his friends will miss him greatly.

        Eileen Gunn