Arthur Sellings | |
|---|---|
Arthur Sellings c.1956 | |
| Born | Arthur Gordon Ley 31 May 1921 Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England |
| Died | 24 September 1968 (aged 47) Worthing, Sussex, England |
| Occupations | Author, scientist |
| Writing career | |
| Pen name | Ray Luther, Martin Luther |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
Arthur Sellings was the pseudonym of Arthur Gordon Ley, (31 May 1921 – 24 September 1968) an English scientist, book and art dealer, and science fiction author. In addition to Sellings he also used the pseudonyms Ray Luther and Martin Luther for his publications. He is known best for his well-crafted descriptions of adaptability during stress, in stories noted for their humor, suspense and attention to plot and character. His posthumous novel Junk Day is considered his best work.
Ley was born on 31 May 1921 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, the son of Arthur James Ley and Stella Grace (Sellings) Ley. As well as his native town, he also lived in Kensington and, later, Worthing. He married, on 17 August 1945 in Stoke Newington, Gladys Pamela Judge.
In addition to his writing, Ley was a book and art dealer and antiquarian and, from 1955 to 1968, a scientific researcher for the British government. His success for a 1955 writing contest sponsored by The Observer resulted in the publication of his first book, Time Transfer, by Michael Joseph Ltd. His research work inspired some of his science fiction. His work appeared in Fantastic, Galaxy Science Fiction, Imagination, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Nebula Science Fiction, New Worlds, New Writings in SF, and Worlds of Tomorrow, among other periodicals.
Ley died of heart failure on 24 September 1968 in Worthing, Sussex, England.