# Theodore Sturgeon

> American speculative fiction writer (1918–1985)

**Wikidata**: [Q240253](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q240253)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Sturgeon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/theodore-sturgeon

## Summary
Theodore Sturgeon was an American speculative fiction writer (1918–1985) best known for his contributions to science fiction and fantasy, including the novel *More Than Human* and the short story "Sturgeon's Law," which popularized the adage "ninety percent of everything is crap." He was a prolific novelist, screenwriter, and literary critic, earning recognition through awards like the Nebula and Hugo Awards.

## Biography
- Born: 1918 (exact date and place not specified)
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Pioneering works in speculative fiction and coining "Sturgeon's Law"
- Employer(s): Not specified
- Field(s): Speculative fiction, screenwriting, literary criticism

## Contributions
- **Novels**: Authored *More Than Human* (1953), a significant work in speculative fiction.
- **Short Stories**: Wrote "Sturgeon's Law," which became a widely cited adage in the genre.
- **Screenwriting**: Contributed to *Star Trek: The Original Series*, including the episode "Amok Time."
- **Literary Criticism**: Published essays and reviews on speculative fiction.

## FAQs
- **What genres did Theodore Sturgeon write in?** Sturgeon wrote in speculative fiction, including science fiction and fantasy.
- **What is Sturgeon's Law?** Sturgeon's Law is the adage "ninety percent of everything is crap," which he popularized in his writing.
- **Did Sturgeon win any major awards?** Yes, he won the Nebula Award, Hugo Award for Best Short Story, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
- **What is Sturgeon's most famous work?** *More Than Human* (1953) is one of his most notable novels.
- **Was Sturgeon involved in *Star Trek*?** Yes, he wrote the episode "Amok Time" for *Star Trek: The Original Series*.

## Why They Matter
Theodore Sturgeon's work shaped speculative fiction by introducing critical perspectives through "Sturgeon's Law," which remains influential in evaluating creative output. His contributions to *Star Trek* and other media further cemented his legacy as a versatile writer. Without Sturgeon, the genre might lack the self-awareness and critique he brought to speculative fiction.

## Notable For
- Coined "Sturgeon's Law," a widely cited adage in speculative fiction.
- Authored *More Than Human*, a foundational work in speculative fiction.
- Wrote the *Star Trek* episode "Amok Time," contributing to the show's early seasons.
- Won the Nebula Award and Hugo Award for Best Short Story.
- Inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Theodore Sturgeon was born in 1918 and began his writing career in the 1930s, though exact details of his early life are not provided. He worked as a novelist, screenwriter, and literary critic, contributing to various genres of speculative fiction.

### Literary Contributions
Sturgeon's most notable novel is *More Than Human* (1953), which explores themes of human evolution and societal change. His short story "Sturgeon's Law" popularized the adage "ninety percent of everything is crap," which became a staple in speculative fiction criticism.

### Screenwriting and Television
Sturgeon wrote the episode "Amok Time" for *Star Trek: The Original Series*, which aired in 1967. His work in screenwriting showcased his ability to adapt his fiction for television.

### Awards and Recognition
Sturgeon received the Nebula Award, Hugo Award for Best Short Story, and was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. These accolades reflect his significant impact on the genre.

### Legacy
Theodore Sturgeon's legacy endures through his influential works and critical insights. "Sturgeon's Law" remains a benchmark for evaluating creative output, and his contributions to speculative fiction continue to inspire writers and critics.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Geni.com
3. Strange Bedfellows: Sex and Science Fiction (1st edition)
4. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/nominees/theodore-sturgeon/)
5. [Source](https://www.comic-con.org/awards/inkpot)
6. [Source](http://www.midamericon.org/halloffame/)
7. [Source](http://www.sf-fan.gr.jp/awards/2005.html)
8. [Source](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1971-hugo-awards/)
9. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/1970/)
10. [Source](https://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/award_category.cgi?279+1)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. CiNii Research
14. Integrated Authority File
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. SNAC
17. Find a Grave
18. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
19. NooSFere
20. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
21. Babelio
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. [Source](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1961-hugo-awards/)
24. [Source](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1956-hugo-awards/)
25. [Source](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1960-hugo-awards/)
26. [Source](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1963-hugo-awards/)
27. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1987)
28. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1974)
29. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/1967/)
30. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/1973/)
31. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/1969/)
32. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1971)
33. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1972)
34. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1975)
35. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1980)
36. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1988)
37. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1996)
38. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1997)
39. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1998)
40. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1999)
41. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2000)
42. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2001)
43. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2003)
44. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2004)
45. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2006)
46. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2008)
47. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2010)
48. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_2011)
49. [Fandom](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Theodore_Sturgeon)
50. [Source](http://www.physics.emory.edu/faculty/weeks//misc/sturgeon.html)