Will Jenkins

William F. Jenkins, known to science fiction fans by his penname Murray Leinster, was among the most prolific American writers of the 20th century.

As Murray Leinster, Will Jenkins broke into print at the age of seventeen, and lived by his typewriter through more than 1,500 published stories, 100+ books, and a dozen motion pictures. His work was also published in many anthologies in a career that spanned almost 60 years.

Will often said, “I think of something impossible, and then write a story about it.” In this way, he initiated new fictional concepts: “Sidewise in Time,” the first parallel universe story ("Astounding Stories," June 1934); "First Contact," confronting the implications of the first contact between human and alien spaceships ("Astounding Science-Fiction," May 1945); and “Symbiosis,” presenting a novel but effective weapon against biological warfare ("Collier’s," June 1947).

He was a frustrated scientist. His father’s job loss when he was 13 ended the possibility of college and the career in chemistry he wanted. He tinkered throughout his life, endlessly inventing and leaving bits of experiments all over the house, to his wife’s frequent dismay. The most successful result of his tinkering was a filming method, "front projection," patented in 1955. His imagination — and constant study of philosophy, theology, history and science — fueled his writing for all of his life.