Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie were two prominent American authors who made significant contributions to the world of literature during the early 20th century. Their works captivated readers with their unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and adventure. Despite their individual achievements, Balmer and Wylie are often remembered for their collaborations, particularly their groundbreaking novel “When Worlds Collide.” In this article, we will delve into the lives of these two talented writers, exploring their personal and professional journeys, as well as the lasting impact they have had on the literary landscape.
The Lives of Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie: Are They Still Alive?
Edwin Balmer was born on October 26, 1883, in Chicago, Illinois, while Philip Wylie was born on May 12, 1902, in Beverly, Massachusetts. Balmer grew up in a literary family, with his father working as a journalist and his mother being an author. Similarly, Wylie was influenced by his father, who was a Presbyterian minister and an author of religious books.
Unfortunately, both Balmer and Wylie are no longer alive. Balmer passed away on March 21, 1959, at the age of 75, while Wylie died on October 25, 1971, at the age of 69. Despite their deaths, their literary legacies continue to live on, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike.
5 Best Books by Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie
- “When Worlds Collide” (1933): This groundbreaking novel, co-authored by Balmer and Wylie, tells the story of a rogue planet hurtling towards Earth, threatening to destroy all life. The gripping narrative and vivid descriptions of the cataclysmic events have made this book a timeless classic in the science fiction genre.
- “The Star Kings” (1949): Balmer and Wylie collaborated once again on this thrilling tale of interstellar warfare. The book follows the adventures of a young man who discovers he is the rightful ruler of the universe and must fight against evil forces to claim his throne.
- “The Last Book of Wonder” (1916): This collection of fantasy short stories by Balmer showcases his imaginative storytelling abilities. From mythical creatures to enchanted lands, this book takes readers on a magical journey through the realms of the unknown.
- “Gladiator” (1930): Philip Wylie’s solo effort, “Gladiator,” explores the concept of superhuman abilities and the moral dilemmas that arise from them. The story revolves around a man who gains incredible physical and mental powers, ultimately questioning the nature of humanity.
- “Torchlight to Valhalla” (1921): Balmer’s novel delves into the world of reincarnation and explores themes of love, destiny, and the afterlife. The book follows the protagonist’s journey through multiple lives, examining the interconnectedness of souls across time.
Intriguing Tidbits about Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie
Did you know that:
- Balmer and Wylie first met in 1916 when they were both working as journalists for the same magazine. Their shared passion for writing and storytelling sparked a friendship that would eventually lead to their collaboration on “When Worlds Collide.”
- Balmer was known for his meticulous research and attention to detail. He believed that grounding his stories in scientific facts would make them more believable and engaging for readers.
- Wylie, on the other hand, was known for his strong social and political views. His writings often reflected his concerns about the direction of society and the potential consequences of technological advancements.
- Both Balmer and Wylie were prolific writers outside of their collaborations. Balmer wrote numerous short stories and novels, while Wylie explored various genres, including self-help and social commentary.
- Despite their success as authors, Balmer and Wylie never achieved the same level of fame as some of their contemporaries. However, their impact on the science fiction genre cannot be understated, as their works laid the foundation for future generations of writers.
Love Life and Friendships: A Peek into Their Personal Lives
Balmer and Wylie’s personal lives were just as intriguing as their literary endeavors. Balmer was married to Helen Hartley Jenkins, who also had a successful career as a writer. The couple had two children together and enjoyed a happy family life.
Wylie, on the other hand, had a tumultuous love life. He was married three times and had multiple affairs throughout his life. Despite these personal challenges, Wylie maintained close friendships with fellow writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and H.G. Wells, with whom he often exchanged ideas and critiques.
Rich or Poor: The Financial Journey of Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie
The financial journey of Balmer and Wylie was a mixed bag. Balmer came from a relatively affluent background, thanks to his father’s successful career as a journalist. However, his own financial success as an author was not as significant, and he often struggled to make ends meet.
Wylie, on the other hand, experienced periods of both financial success and hardship. His early works garnered significant attention and financial rewards. However, as his career progressed, he faced financial difficulties due to his extravagant lifestyle and failed business ventures.
Despite their financial challenges, Balmer and Wylie remained dedicated to their craft, continuing to write and publish works that would leave a lasting impact on the literary world.
Memorable Quotes by Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie
Some of the best quotes are:
- “The greatest tragedy in mankind’s entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.” – Philip Wylie
- “We live in a world of silent injustice and it is the duty of the writer to speak out against it.” – Edwin Balmer
- “The universe is not only stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.” – Philip Wylie
- “Art, to me, is the interpretation of the impression which nature makes upon the eye and brain.” – Edwin Balmer
- “The true measure of a man is not his intelligence or how high he rises in this freak establishment. No, the true measure of a man is this: how quickly can he respond to the needs of others and how much of himself he can give.” – Philip Wylie
The Literary Landscape: Main Places Where Their Books are Set
Balmer and Wylie’s books transport readers to various locations, both real and imagined. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the far reaches of outer space, their stories spanned a wide range of settings and landscapes.
Chicago, being Balmer’s hometown, featured prominently in many of his works. The city’s vibrant energy and distinctive architecture served as the backdrop for several of his novels and short stories.
Wylie, on the other hand, often explored otherworldly settings in his works. From the desolate wastelands of post-apocalyptic Earth to the distant planets of the galaxy, his stories took readers on thrilling journeys through uncharted territories.
Journey from the First to Last: A Look at Balmer and Wylie’s Books in Order
For readers who wish to embark on a chronological journey through the works of Balmer and Wylie, the following list provides a glimpse into their literary evolution:
Edwin Balmer:
- “The Indian Drum” (1909)
- “The Achievements of Luther Trant” (1910)
- “When Worlds Collide” (co-authored with Philip Wylie) (1933)
- “The Half Moon” (1937)
- “The Man with Three Eyes” (1940)
Philip Wylie:
- “The Murderer Invisible” (1931)
- “Gladiator” (1930)
- “The Savage Gentleman” (1932)
- “The Disappearance” (co-authored with Edwin Balmer) (1951)
- “The Answer” (1955)
From Pages to Screen: The Adaptation of When Worlds Collide
One of the most notable achievements of Balmer and Wylie’s collaboration was the screen adaptation of their novel “When Worlds Collide.” Released in 1951, the film brought their apocalyptic story to life, captivating audiences with its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling narrative.
Directed by Rudolph Maté, the film follows the events of the novel closely, depicting the desperate attempts of a group of scientists and civilians to escape Earth before it is destroyed by a rogue planet. Despite some alterations to the original story, the film remained true to the spirit of Balmer and Wylie’s vision.
The success of the film further solidified the legacy of Balmer and Wylie, introducing their work to a wider audience and cementing their status as pioneers of science fiction literature.
Artists Who Inspired Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie
As with any creative endeavor, Balmer and Wylie drew inspiration from various sources and artists. Their works were influenced by the literary giants of their time, as well as the emerging trends in popular culture.
Balmer, being a fan of mystery and adventure, often found inspiration in the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe. Their ability to craft intricate and suspenseful narratives fueled Balmer’s own storytelling ambitions.
Wylie, on the other hand, was deeply influenced by the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. Their imaginative worlds and thought-provoking themes inspired Wylie to push the boundaries of science fiction and explore the social and moral implications of technological advancements.
If You Liked Balmer and Wylie: 5 Other Writers and Books to Explore
If you enjoyed the works of Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie, you are sure to appreciate the following authors and their captivating stories:
- H.P. Lovecraft: Known for his cosmic horror tales, Lovecraft’s works explore the limits of human understanding and the insignificance of humanity in the face of ancient and otherworldly forces.
- Ray Bradbury: Bradbury’s imaginative storytelling and poetic prose have made him one of the most beloved science fiction authors of all time. His works, such as “Fahrenheit 451” and “The Martian Chronicles,” continue to captivate readers with their timeless themes.
- Isaac Asimov: Asimov’s extensive body of work spans various genres, but he is best known for his contributions to science fiction. His “Foundation” series and “I, Robot” are essential reads for any fan of the genre.
- Robert A. Heinlein: Heinlein’s novels explore themes of space exploration, social and political commentary, and the nature of humanity. “Stranger in a Strange Land” and “Starship Troopers” are among his most popular works.
- Ursula K. Le Guin: Le Guin’s unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, coupled with her thought-provoking exploration of gender and society, has earned her a place among the most influential writers of the genre. “The Left Hand of Darkness” and “A Wizard of Earthsea” are must-reads for any fan of speculative fiction.
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie Lovers
If you are a fan of Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie, or know someone who is, here are some gift ideas and buying guide to enhance the reading experience:
- Complete Works Collection: Consider purchasing a complete works collection of Balmer and Wylie’s novels and short stories. This comprehensive set will allow fans to delve into their entire body of work and explore the evolution of their writing styles.
- Vintage Editions: Look for vintage editions of Balmer and Wylie’s books to add a touch of nostalgia to your collection. These editions often feature beautiful cover art and unique illustrations that capture the essence of the time period in which they were published.
- Literary Memorabilia: For the avid collector, consider gifting literary memorabilia such as signed first editions, letters, or original artwork related to Balmer and Wylie. These unique items not only hold sentimental value but also serve as a tangible connection to the authors themselves.
- Book Club Membership: Joining a book club dedicated to Balmer and Wylie’s works can be a great way to connect with like-minded readers and engage in meaningful discussions about their novels. Look for online communities or local book clubs that focus on science fiction and mystery genres.
- Literary Merchandise: Show off your love for Balmer and Wylie with literary merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, or posters featuring quotes and artwork inspired by their novels. These items make great gifts for fellow fans or can be a delightful addition to your own collection.
Conclusion
Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie may no longer be with us, but their impact on the literary world lives on. Through their collaboration on “When Worlds Collide” and their individual works, they have left an indelible mark on the science fiction and mystery genres. Their imaginative storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and enduring characters continue to captivate readers to this day. Whether you are discovering their works for the first time or are a longtime fan, the stories of Balmer and Wylie are sure to transport you to new worlds and ignite your imagination.
