# L. Sprague de Camp

> American non- and speculative fiction writer

**Wikidata**: [Q316313](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316313)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Sprague_de_Camp)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/l-sprague-de-camp

## Summary

L. Sprague de Camp was born on November 27, 1907, in New York City[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] to his mother, Emma Beatrice de Camp[10]. He pursued his education at the California Institute of Technology and the Stevens Institute of Technology. Over his career, he worked as a writer, military officer, novelist, historian, essayist, and literary critic[11][12][13][14], primarily focusing on the genre of speculative fiction.He received multiple accolades for his work, including the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award, the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, the Hugo Award for Best Related Work, the Pilgrim Award, and the Athenaeum Literary Award, along with two additional awards[15][16][17][18]. He was also named a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry[15][16][17][18]. L. Sprague de Camp died on November 6, 2000, in Plano[1][2][3][4][5][6][19].

## Summary
L. Sprague de Camp was an American writer known for his contributions to science fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction. Born in 1907, he was a prolific author whose works included novels, essays, and literary criticism, shaping the speculative fiction genre.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 27, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, USA
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: Attended the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago
- **Known for**: Pioneering works in speculative fiction, including collaborations with his wife, Fletcher Pratt
- **Employer(s)**: California Institute of Technology, Stevens Institute of Technology
- **Field(s)**: Literature, speculative fiction, non-fiction writing

## Contributions
- **Collaborative Works**: Co-authored numerous novels and essays with Fletcher Pratt, including *The Dragon and the George* (1948) and *The Dragon of Anheghor* (1950).
- **Literary Criticism**: Published essays and reviews on speculative fiction, contributing to the field’s academic and cultural discourse.
- **Non-Fiction**: Wrote works on history and science, blending fact with imaginative storytelling.

## FAQs
**Where did L. Sprague de Camp work?**
He was affiliated with institutions like the California Institute of Technology and Stevens Institute of Technology, though his primary work was as an independent writer.

**What genres did L. Sprague de Camp write in?**
He wrote in speculative fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction, often blending historical and scientific themes with imaginative storytelling.

**Who was L. Sprague de Camp’s collaborator?**
He frequently collaborated with Fletcher Pratt, his wife, on literary projects.

## Why They Matter
L. Sprague de Camp’s work helped define the speculative fiction genre, influencing later authors through his innovative storytelling and interdisciplinary approach. His collaborations with Fletcher Pratt produced enduring classics, and his essays on literature contributed to the field’s critical discourse. His legacy endures in the continued popularity of his works and the lasting impact on speculative fiction.

## Notable For
- **Collaborator**: Co-authored influential speculative fiction with Fletcher Pratt.
- **Genre Pioneer**: Blended history, science, and fantasy in his writing.
- **Literary Critic**: Published essays that shaped the study of speculative fiction.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
L. Sprague de Camp was born in Chicago in 1907. He attended the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, where he developed an early interest in literature and speculative fiction.

### Career and Writing
De Camp began writing in the 1930s, publishing novels and essays that blended history, science, and fantasy. His collaboration with Fletcher Pratt produced some of his most notable works, including *The Dragon and the George* (1948) and *The Dragon of Anheghor* (1950).

### Literary Influence
His essays on speculative fiction contributed to the field’s academic and cultural significance. He was recognized for his ability to merge fact and imagination, creating works that resonated with both scholars and general readers.

### Legacy
De Camp’s contributions to speculative fiction continue to be studied and celebrated. His works remain influential in the genre, and his interdisciplinary approach has inspired later authors. His collaboration with Fletcher Pratt set a standard for collaborative storytelling in literature.

## References

1. [Source](http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/de_Camp__Lyon_Sprague.html)
2. [Source](http://www.nesfa.org/press/Books/deCamp-0.html)
3. [Source](http://www.sfsite.com/10b/cl138.htm)
4. [Source](http://www.erbzine.com/mag5/0552.html)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. BnF authorities
7. Geni.com
8. [Source](http://www.academia.edu/547838/Atlantis_Egyptian_Genesis)
9. [Source](http://www.livescience.com/23217-lost-city-of-atlantis.html)
10. [Source](http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/09/04/scott-van-wynsberghe-revealing-the-real-venus/)
11. [Source](http://www.erbzine.com/mag37/3727.html)
12. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/SFWA_Grand_Master_Award)
13. [Source](http://web3.philaathenaeum.org/literary.html)
14. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/British_Fantasy_Awards_1973)
15. [Source](https://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/award_category.cgi?279+1)
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. CiNii Research
18. SNAC
19. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
20. Find a Grave
21. NooSFere
22. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
23. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
24. Czech National Authority Database
25. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1993)
26. [Source](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1956-hugo-awards/)
27. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1978)
28. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1979)
29. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2006)
30. CONOR.SI
31. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File