Kansas City, MO, May 29, 1999: Inductees in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame were announced at a ceremony held at ConQuesT 30 on Saturday, May 29th. Ted Poovey, Director of the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society, announced that Robert Silverberg and Ray Bradbury will be the 1999 inductees. William Tienken announced that A. Merritt and Jules Verne will be inducted posthumously.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame was founded in 1996 by the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society and the J. Wayne and Elsie M. Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction at the University of Kansas. The induction will take place in conjunction with the Campbell Conference and the presentation of the John W. Campbell and Theodore T. Sturgeon Memorial Awards at the University of Kansas Alumni Center on July 9, 1999.

Raymond Douglas Bradbury(1920- ) author, fan, poet, screenwriter and playwright , is one of the best known figures in the science fiction genre. Bradbury’s work is as diverse as the novel FAHRENHEIT 451, the novel and play DANDELION WINE, and the screenplay to the movie Moby Dick. Bradbury has the rare ability to appeal equally to critics and fans.

Robert Silverberg(1935- ) has authored over 100 novels and edited over 70 anthologies. He published his first novel, REVOLT ON ALPHA C, at age 19 and received the Hugo award for "most promising new author" two year later. This highly prolific author has contributed much the science fiction genre. Not surprisingly, Silverberg is the youngest author to be inducted in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

Jules Gabriel Verne(1825-1905) helped shape and found modern science fiction. This French author wrote 64 novels including such classics as Voyage au centre de la tere (JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH), Vingt mille lieues sous les mers (TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA) and LŐile mystérieuse (THE MYSTEREOUS ISLAND).

Abraham Merritt(1884-1943), author and editor, influenced many writers with his romantic adventure fantasies. His novels included THE MOON POOL and PEOPLE OF THE PIT. His most popular story, THE SHIP OF ISHTAR, was serialized in Argosy in 1924.

Both inductees have been invited to the July induction, but due to a previous commitments are not expected to attend. Keith Stokes, Chairman of the Hall of Fame, announced that Bradbury will visit Lawrence and Kansas City in the spring of 2000.

The cost of attending the Campbell Conference is $15 and the awards dinner is $26 in advance. It is not necessary to attend both events. Checks payable to KU Endowment Association should be sent to Professor James Gunn, English Department, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045. (913) 864-3380.

The members of the Hall of Fame are selected by the Board of Directors: Robin Wayne Bailey, James Gunn, Joe Haldeman, Larry Hopkins, Ted Poovey, Keith W. Stokes and William Tienken.

http://www.kcsciencefiction.org/hof.htm