May, Julian 1931-
MAY, Julian 1931-
(Bob Cunningham, Lee N. Falconer, John Feilen, Matthew G. Grant, Ian Thorne, Jean Wright Thorne, George Zanderbergen, pseudonyms)
PERSONAL: Born July 10, 1931, in Chicago, IL; daughter of Matthew M. and Julia (Feilen) May; married Thaddeus "Ted" E. Dikty (a writer and publisher), 1953; children: Alan Samuel, David Bernard, Barbara Ellen. Education: Attended Rosary College, 1949-52. Hobbies and other interests: Electronic music, gardening, fly fishing.
ADDRESSES: Office—P.O. Box 851, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Agent—Ralph M. Vicinanza, Ltd., 303 West 18th St., New York, NY 10011.
CAREER: Freelance writer. Booz Allen Hamilton, Chicago, IL, editor, 1953; Consolidated Book Publishers, Chicago, editor, 1954-57; Publication Associates, editor and co-owner, Chicago, 1957-68, Naperville, IL, 1968-74, West Linn, OR, 1974-80, and Mercer Island, WA, 1980-92. Has also worked in art design, art direction, commercial art, and photography.
AWARDS, HONORS: Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, 1982, and Hugo and Nebula Award nominations, all for The Many-Colored Land.
WRITINGS:
SCIENCE FICTION; "RAMPART WORLDS" SERIES
Perseus Spur, Del Rey (New York, NY), 1999.
Orion Arm, Del Rey (New York, NY), 2000.
Sagittarius Whorl, Del Rey (New York, NY), 2001.
SCIENCE FICTION; "THE SAGA OF PLIOCENE EXILE" SERIES
The Many-Colored Land, Houghton Mifflin (Boston, MA), 1981.
The Golden Torc, Houghton Mifflin (Boston, MA), 1981.
Brede's Tale (short story), Starmont House (Mercer Island, WA), 1982.
The Nonborn King, Houghton Mifflin (Boston, MA), 1983.
The Adversary, Houghton Mifflin (Boston, MA), 1984.
A Pliocene Companion: A Reader's Guide to "The Many-Colored Land," "The Golden Torc," "The Nonborn King," and "The Adversary," Houghton Mifflin (Boston, MA), 1984.
SCIENCE FICTION; "GALACTIC MILIEU" SERIES
Intervention: A Root Tale to the Galactic Milieu and a Vinculum between It and the Saga of Pliocene Exile, Houghton Mifflin (Boston, MA), 1987, published in two volumes as The Surveillance and The Metaconcert, Ballantine (New York, NY), 1989.
Jack the Bodiless, Knopf (New York, NY), 1992.
Diamond Mask, Knopf (New York, NY), 1994.
Magnificat, Knopf (New York, NY), 1996.
FANTASY FICTION
(With Marion Zimmer Bradley and Andre Norton) Black Trillium, Doubleday (New York, NY), 1990.
Blood Trillium, Bantam Spectra (New York, NY), 1992.
Sky Trillium, Ballantine (New York, NY), 1997.
Conqueror's Moon ("Boreal Moon Tale" Series), Ace (New York, NY), 2004.
JUVENILE NONFICTION
There's Adventure in Atomic Energy, Popular Mechanics Press (Chicago, IL), 1957.
There's Adventure in Chemistry, Popular Mechanics Press (Chicago, IL), 1957.
There's Adventure in Electronics, Popular Mechanics Press (Chicago, IL), 1957.
There's Adventure in Geology, Popular Mechanics Press (Chicago, IL), 1958.
There's Adventure in Rockets, Popular Mechanics Press (Chicago, IL), 1958.
You and the Earth beneath Us, Children's Press (Chicago, IL), 1958.
There's Adventure in Jet Aircraft, Popular Mechanics Press (Chicago, IL), 1959.
There's Adventure in Marine Science, Popular Mechanics Press (Chicago, IL), 1959.
Show Me the World of Astronomy, Pennington Press (Cleveland, OH), 1959.
Show Me the World of Electronics, Pennington Press (Cleveland, OH), 1959.
Show Me the World of Modern Airplanes, Pennington Press (Cleveland, OH), 1959.
Show Me the World of Space Travel, Pennington Press (Cleveland, OH), 1959.
The Real Book about Robots and Thinking Machines, Doubleday (New York, NY), 1961.
There's Adventure in Astronautics, Hawthorn (New York, NY), 1961.
There's Adventure in Automobiles, Hawthorn (New York, NY), 1961.
Motion, Accelerated Instruction Methods, 1962.
(With husband, T. E. Dikty) Every Boy's Book of American Heroes, Fell (New York, NY), 1963.
They Turned to Stone, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1965.
Weather, Follett (New York, NY), 1966.
Rockets, Follett (New York, NY), 1967.
They Lived in the Ice Age, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1968.
Astronautics, Follett (New York, NY), 1968.
The Big Island, Follett (New York, NY), 1968.
The First Men, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1968.
Horses: How They Came to Be, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1968.
Alligator Hole, Follett (New York, NY), 1969.
Before the Indians, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1969.
Climate, Follett (New York, NY), 1969.
How We Are Born, Follett (New York, NY), 1969.
Living Things and Their Young, Follett (New York, NY), 1969.
Man and Woman, Follett (New York, NY), 1969.
Moving Hills of Sand, Follett (New York, NY), 1969.
Why the Earth Quakes, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1969.
Do You Have Your Father's Nose?, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
Dodos and Dinosaurs Are Extinct, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
(With others) The Ecology of North America, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
The First Living Things, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1970.
How to Build a Body, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
Millions of Years of Eggs, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
A New Baby Comes, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
Tiger Stripes and Zebra Stripes, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
Why Birds Migrate, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1970.
Why Plants Are Green Instead of Pink, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
Wildlife in the City, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1970.
Blue River: The Land beneath the Sea, Holiday House, 1971.
Cactus Fox, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1971.
These Islands Are Alive, Hawthorn (New York, NY), 1971.
Why People Are Different Colors, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1971.
The Antarctic: Bottom of the World, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
The Arctic: Top of the World, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Cascade Cougar, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
The Cloud Book, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Deserts: Hot and Cold, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Eagles of the Valley, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Forests That Change Color, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Giant Condor of California, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Glacier Grizzly, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Islands of the Tiny Deer, Young Scott Books, 1972.
The Land Is Disappearing, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Living Blanket on the Land, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
The Mysterious Evergreen Forest, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Plankton: Drifting Life of the Waters, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1972.
The Prairie Has an Endless Sky, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Prairie Pronghorn, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Rainbows, Clouds, and Foggy Dew, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Sea Lion Island, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Sea Otter, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Snowfall!, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
What Will the Weather Be?, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Birds We Know, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Fishes We Know, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Insects We Know, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of a Bullfrog, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of a Cottontail Rabbit, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of an Opossum, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of a Polyphemus Moth, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of a Raccoon, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of a Red Fox, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
The Life Cycle of a Snapping Turtle, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Mammals We Know, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Reptiles We Know, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Wild Turkeys, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1973.
How the Animals Came to North America, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1974.
Cars and Cycles, Bowmar-Noble, 1978.
The Warm-Blooded Dinosaurs, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1978.
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHIES
Captain Cousteau: Undersea Explorer, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Hank Aaron Clinches the Pennant, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Jim Brown Runs with the Ball, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Johnny Unitas and the Long Pass, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Matthew Henson: Co-Discoverer of the North Pole, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Mickey Mantle Slugs It Out, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Sitting Bull: Chief of the Sioux, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Sojourner Truth: Freedom Fighter, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Willie Mays: Most Valuable Player, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1972.
Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of Aviation, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Bobby Orr: Star on Ice, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Ernie Banks: Home Run Slugger, Crestwood, 1973 (Mankato, MN).
Fran Tarkenton: Scrambling Quarterback, Crestwood, 1973 (Mankato, MN).
Gale Sayers: Star Running Back, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Hillary and Tenzing: Conquerors of Mount Everest, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar: Cage Superstar, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Quanah: Leader of the Comanche, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Thor Heyerdahl: Modern Viking Adventurer, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Roberto Clemente and the World Series Upset, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1973.
Billie Jean King: Tennis Champion, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Bobby Hull: Hockey's Golden Jet, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Lee Trevino: The Golf Explosion, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1974.
O. J. Simpson: Juice on the Gridiron, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Roy Campanella: Brave Man of Baseball, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1974.
A. J. Foyt: Championship Auto Racer, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Arthur Ashe: Dark Star of Tennis, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Bobby Clarke: Hockey with a Grin, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Chris Evert: Princess of Tennis, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Evel Knievel: Daredevil Stuntman, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Evonne Goolalgong: Smasher from Australia, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Frank Robinson: Slugging toward Glory, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Janet Lynn: Figure Skating Star, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Pele: World Soccer Star, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Joe Namath: High Flying Quarterback, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Muhammad Ali: Boxing Superstar, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Vince Lombardi: The Immortal Coach, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Phil Esposito: The Big Bruin, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1975.
SPORTS NONFICTION
The Baltimore Colts, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
The Dallas Cowboys, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
The Green Bay Packers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
The Miami Dolphins, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
The New York Jets, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
The Stanley Cup, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The Super Bowl, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The Indianapolis 500, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The Kentucky Derby, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The Masters Tournament of Golf, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The U. S. Open Golf Championship, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Wimbledon: World Tennis Focus, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The World Series, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The NBA Playoffs: Basketball's Classic, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The Olympic Games, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The PGA Championship, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Winter Olympics, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
America's Cup Yacht Race, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Boxing's Heavyweight Championship Fight, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Daytona 500, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Forest Hills and the American Tennis Championship, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Grand Prix, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Triple Crown, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Rose Bowl, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Washington Redskins, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1977.
The Los Angeles Rams, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1977.
The Minnesota Vikings, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1977.
The New York Giants, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1977.
The Oakland Raiders, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1977.
The San Francisco 49ers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1977.
The Oakland Raiders: Superbowl Champions, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1978.
The Baltimore Colts (different from previous publication of same title), Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The Cincinnati Bengals, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The Dallas Cowboys (different from previous publication of same title), Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The Denver Broncos, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The Green Bay Packers (different from previous publication of same title), Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The Kansas City Chiefs (different from previous publication of same title), Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The Miami Dolphins (different from previous publication of same title), Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The New York Jets (different from previous publication of same title), Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (different from previous publication of same title), Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
The San Diego Chargers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1980.
NONFICTION; UNDER PSEUDONYM JOHN FEILEN
Air, Follett (New York, NY), 1965.
Deer, Follett (New York, NY), 1967.
Squirrels, Follett (New York, NY), 1967.
Dirt Track Speedsters, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Racing on the Water, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Winter Sports, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Four-Wheel Racing, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1978.
Motocross Racing, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1978.
NONFICTION; UNDER PSEUDONYM MATTHEW G. GRANT
A Walk in the Mountains, Reilly & Lee, 1971.
Buffalo Bill of the Wild West, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Champlain: Explorer of New France, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Clara Barton: Red Cross Pioneer, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Columbus: Discoverer of the New World, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Coronado: Explorer of the Southwest, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Crazy Horse: War Chief of the Oglala, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Daniel Boone in the Wilderness, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Davy Crockett: Frontier Adventurer, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
DeSoto: Explorer of the Southeast, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Dolly Madison: First Lady of the Land, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Elizabeth Blackwell: Pioneer Doctor, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Francis Marion: Swamp Fox, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Geronimo: Apache Warrior, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Harriet Tubman: Black Liberator, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Jane Addams: Helper of the Poor, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Jim Bridger: The Mountain Man, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
John Paul Jones: Naval Hero, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Leif Ericson: Explorer of Vinland, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Lewis and Clark: Western Trailblazers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Kit Carson: Trailblazer of the West, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Lafayette: Freedom's General, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Osceola and the Seminole War, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Paul Revere: Patriot and Craftsman, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Pontiac: Indian General and Statesman, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Robert E. Lee: The South's Great General, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Squanto: The Indian Who Saved the Pilgrims, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Sam Houston of Texas, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Susan B. Anthony: Crusader for Women's Rights, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
Ulysses S. Grant: General and President, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1974.
NONFICTION; UNDER PSEUDONYM IAN THORNE
Meet the Coaches, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Meet the Defensive Linemen, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Meet the Linebackers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Meet the Quarterbacks, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Meet the Receivers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
Meet the Running Backs, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1975.
The Great Centers, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Great Defenseman, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Great Goalies, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
The Great Wingmen, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
King Kong, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Mad Scientists, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Godzilla, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Ancient Astronauts, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Dracula, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Frankenstein, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Monster Tales of Native Americans, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1978.
The Bermuda Triangle, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1978.
Bigfoot, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1978.
The Loch Ness Monster, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1978.
UFOs, edited by Howard Schroeder, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1978.
NONFICTION; UNDER PSEUDONYM GEORGE ZANDERBERGEN
The Beatles, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Made for Music: Elton John, Stevie Wonder, John Denver, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Laugh It Up: Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Mary Tyler Moore, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Nashville Music: Loretta Lynn, Mac Davis, Charley Pride, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Stay Tuned: Henry Winkler, Lee Majors, Valerie Harper, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
Sweetly Singing: Cher, Roberta Flack, Olivia Newton John, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1976.
NONFICTION; UNDER PSEUDONYM BOB CUNNINGHAM
Ten-Five: Alaska Skip, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Ten-Seven for Good Sam, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Ten-Seventy: Range Fire, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Ten-Thirty-Three: Emergency, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
Ten-Two Hundred: Come on Smokey!, Crestwood (Mankato, MN), 1977.
FILM NOVELIZATIONS; UNDER PSEUDONYM IAN THORNE
The Wolf Man, Crestwood House (Mankato, MN), 1977.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Crestwood House (Mankato, MN), 1981.
Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman, Crestwood House (Mankato, MN), 1981.
The Blob, Crestwood House (Mankato, MN), 1982.
The Deadly Mantis, Crestwood House (Mankato, MN), 1982.
It Came from Outer Space, Crestwood House (Mankato, MN), 1982.
OTHER
(Under pseudonym Jean Wright Thorne) Horse and Rider, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
(Under pseudonym Jean Wright Thorne) Rodeo, Creative Educational Society (Mankato, MN), 1976.
(Under pseudonym Lee N. Falconer) A Gazetteer of the Hyborian World of Conan, Starmont House, 1977.
Editor, "Life in God's Love" series, Franciscan Herald, 1963.
ADAPTATIONS: The 1951 novelette Dune Roller has been adapted for television and radio.
SIDELIGHTS: "I love action-filled science fiction. I am a fan. I have been accused of being a fan and I admit to it," Julian May told Darrell Schweitzer inScience Fiction Review. After twenty-five years of earning her living by writing juvenile nonfiction works to order, May returned to her first love, science fiction, in the 1980s with the four-volume "Saga of the Pliocene Exile." This epic series involving time travel, psychic powers, alien conquerors, and human determination has proven popular with readers who enjoy tales of adventure. As the author told Schweitzer: "To me, SF should not be didactic, but rather a literature of entertainment. . . . I [have always] wanted to give the reader books that would be fun."
As a teenager, May was first introduced to the science fiction genre. She briefly became involved in what is known as science fiction "fandom," corresponding with other enthusiasts, editing a science fiction newsletter, and even organizing a convention in her hometown of Chicago. In 1951, her novelette "Dune Roller" was published in Astounding, the magazine edited by the legendary John W. Campbell, who had fostered the careers of writers like Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein. This story brought her to the attention of other editors—leading to the publication of her second story—as well as a young publisher named Ted Dikty, whom she married in 1953.
While "Dune Roller" achieved a wide readership, May left science fiction fandom and writing soon after her marriage. As she explained to Schweitzer, "In the 1950s you couldn't make a living writing science fiction unless you wrote a great volume of work, mostly short pieces for magazines. I am not that sort of writer." Instead, May took a job with a publishing company, where she wrote some 7,000 encyclopedia articles about science and natural history. She discovered a talent for producing nonfiction quickly, and in 1957 she turned freelance, forming an editorial services company with her husband that handled every aspect of book production, from research and writing to printing and binding.
May wrote almost 250 nonfiction books between 1957 and 1982, most of which dealt with science, sports, or biography. While these books gave her the chance to learn about new subjects and hone her writing skills, they provided little room for creativity—even the subjects were assigned by the publishers. As a result, May explained, she had "little emotional involvement in my juvenile books. . . . I did not write my long list of books because of a creative itch, but because I was good at it and it paid the bills." The "itch" to write science fiction always remained, however, and as her children grew up and the royalties from her nonfiction works accumulated, she began considering a return to science fiction.
A homemade "diamond"-studded space suit May created for a science-fiction convention provided the inspiration that led to her first novel. "At first I had no notion of writing a novel," the author told Schweitzer, "but then as I was writing my other stuff, the damn costume would come creeping back into my subconscious mind and I would wonder what kind of character would wear something like that." May began jotting down notes and collecting research and by 1978 had the outline for a series of novels set in what she called the Galactic Milieu, a future in which humans with extraordinary mental powers such as telepathy and telekinesis have led Earth into a galaxy-wide civilization with several alien races. The author recognized that she might have difficulty marketing a story with such complex concepts, however, and decided to write a more conventional science-fiction story first. This story became the "Saga of the Pliocene Exile," which is comprised of four volumes: The Many-Colored Land, The Golden Torc, The Nonborn King, and The Adversary.
Set in the early twenty-second century, The Many-Colored Land opens upon a near-utopian Earth where the social problems of previous years have been solved with the cooperation of the alien races that form the Galactic Milieu. For those unsatisfied with the new structure of society, however, there exists an intriguing option: a one-way trip to the past, six million years ago, through an invention called the Guderian field. Travellers have been passing through the timegate in Lyon, France, for over seventy years when a unique group of eight individuals makes the same trip. Once in the past, they discover that two related but warring races of aliens, the Tanu and the Firvulag, are already inhabiting this area of Europe, which they call the "Many-Colored Land"; the Tanu's advanced metapsychic powers have allowed them to enslave most of the 100,000 humans who have arrived there. The eight members of "Group Green" are witness to the unique relationships between the races that have developed, with some assimilating into the society and others rebelling. The Many-Colored Land is "an enjoyable book," Algis Budrys wrote in the Magazine of Fantasy Science Fiction, adding that this "page-turner on an intelligent level" is "a book which signally rewards" science-fiction readers of all stripes. A Publishers Weekly critic likewise called the novel "a most enjoyable entertainment that will have readers eagerly turning pages and awaiting the promised sequel."
The Green Group's increasing involvement in and influence on Pliocene society makes up the action of the series' second volume, The Golden Torc. Those humans with latent metapsychic abilities or skills otherwise useful to the Tanu have been fitted with collars, called torcs, that can enhance mental skills and stimulate pain or pleasure centers to ensure compliance. They discover some of the secrets of the Tanu, and one human, Aiken Drum, begins insinuating himself into the Tanu royal family, helping them prepare for ritual combat against the Firvulag. The other members of Green Group, originally consigned to labor camps, have managed to escape, kill a Tanu, and secure the cooperation of the Firvulag in searching for their ancient spaceship. Like the first volume, The Golden Torc is entertaining "as superhero adventure raised to its highest level," a Publishers Weekly critic stated, adding that "May develops her premises seriously and gives her large cast of characters a surprising amount of life." "May seems to be trying to do everything at once," Booklist reviewer Roland Green similarly observed of The Golden Torc's many characters, subplots, and themes. "She also seems to succeed most of the time—the book is as powerful and gripping as it is complex."
The third volume of the Pliocene Exile, The Nonborn King, relates the sweeping changes that occurred in the wake of a great flood. The human Aiken Drum has assumed kingship of the Tanu and has forged an uneasy peace with the Firvulag. He is beset by enemies from within and without, however, including a previously unknown threat: a band of metapsychics led by Marc Remillard, the leader of an unsuccessful rebellion against the Galactic Milieu who escaped through the timegate almost thirty years before. The Nonborn King "maintains the high standard of entertainment established" in previous volumes, a Publishers Weekly reviewer asserted, comparing May's skills in creating "richly plotted, extravagant adventures spun from a blend of myth and science" to those of Roger Zelazny. Elton T. Elliott observed that this third volume "marks May's continued growth and maturity as a novelist," as he wrote in Science Fiction Review. "There is a surety about her handling of the characters and narrative," he explained, and her writing "is as rich as ever, but more under control."
The saga concludes in The Adversary, in which the conflicts are consummated in a spectacular mental battle that could destroy the entire civilization of the Many-Colored Land. "In a rousing climax," Pat Royal commented in School Library Journal, the author "brings to a glorious and grand conclusion" her "extraordinarily complex and rich science fantasy." While Fantasy Review contributor Susan L. Nickerson found the conclusion somewhat disappointing, noting that "one of the dangers of using time travel as a plot device [is that] sometimes the reader already knows the result," she added that the series is "still a cracking good story."
While the length and "dizzying scope" of this four-volume series makes for "a tough, complex mix of characters, groups and events to manage," Elliott asserted in Science Fiction Review, May "handles it admirably." The critic reserved special praise for the author's characterizations, adding that "Marc Remillard is one of the most memorable personalities to ever appear in science fiction. He's complex, utterly ruthless, . . . yet I found him sympathetic." Sue Martin remarked in the Los Angeles Times Book Review: "May has a delightful sense of the stately and the wickedly rude that works so well with a cast of decidedly pungent personalities. Her handling of dialogue is smooth and spicy." Assessing the author's "rousing, carousing carnival of a saga," Martin concluded: "Good job, May. The Pliocene will never be the same."
While May's epic has won praise and popularity as an exciting read, several reviewers found more to the Pliocene Saga than just an adventure story. Todd H. Sammons remarked in Twentieth-Century Science-Fiction Writers that the series "is Wagnerian in scope: the principals number in the dozens, the chorus in the hundreds, and . . . May uses Freudian concepts or Jungian archetypes (sometimes both) as musical leitmotifs to characterize her human principals, as well as some of the important aliens." The use of these psychological theories was deliberate, May revealed in an interview with Robert A. Collins for Fantasy Newsletter. "In my novels, the archetypes, the under-currents, the different levels of meaning are there. If you're not looking for them, I promise they won't get in the way of the blood and guts and sex and fun. But if you are looking, you can find something like six different levels, all deliberately put there. . . . I'm here to entertain us all: the guys looking for a good read as well as the academics who like to find strange things hidden away." Because "The Saga of the Pliocene Exile" contains so much information, May wrote A Pliocene Companion in 1984 to help readers enhance their enjoyment of the series. Complete with glossary, characters, maps, chronologies, and genealogies, this work is "a much needed guide," Martin wrote in the Los Angeles Times Book Review: "I wish I'd had this when I was sailing through the series."
Since writing the four Pliocene books, May has investigated the origins of the Remillard family's powers and the Galactic Milieu in Intervention, which was republished as two books, The Surveillance and The Metaconcert. Beginning with the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945, Intervention presents an alternate Earth history which culminates in the telepathic call sent by Denis Remillard and his associates that leads to humanity's first contact with an alien culture. The novel "has the feel of historical fiction," Sammons wrote, "and May uses an array of literary techniques to tell the story—memoirs, straight narration, dramatic dialogue, excerpts from actual speeches or reports, a television script," among other "sources." The development of the new intergalactic society is revealed further in the "Galactic Milieu" trilogy, consisting of Jack the Bodiless, Diamond Mask and Magnificat. These three works concern events that happen before the Pliocene Era books, explaining the events leading to the rebellion led by Marc Remillard.
Jack the Bodiless begins in the twenty-first century, as humanity's fate as a member of the Galactic Milieu is being decided by five alien races. The birth of Jack Remillard, whose extraordinary metapsychic potential indicates an evolutionary leap for humankind, also poses a problem, for his physical genetic defects are unacceptable under Milieu law. At the same time, a malevolent creature known only as Fury also comes into being, killing off many of the Remillards and jeopardizing Earth's entry into the Milieu. "May combines a compelling vision of humanity's future with the drama and political intrigue" of the Remillards' political involvements, Jackie Cassada remarked in Library Journal. While a Publishers Weekly reviewer believed May's narrow focus on the Remillard "elites" mars the novel, the critic nonetheless allowed that Jack the Bodiless "is engaging and May's prose adequate to it."
In Diamond Mask, the story of Earth's fate within the Galactic Milieu continues. As Dorothea, or Dee, Macdonald begins to acknowledge her growing metapsychic powers, she assumes the identity of Diamond Mask and confronts the power of Fury and several renegade Remillards. Working in concert with Jack and Marc Remillard, Dee saves an entire planet from a catastrophic earthquake. A Kirkus Reviews critic labeled Diamond Mask as "patchy and irritatingly inconclusive," but found that May "handles both the psychic complication and the family interactions with pleasing skill." In Library Journal, however, Cassada praised May's book and the development of the trilogy, calling them "rich in intrigue and vibrating with creative energy." In Metaconcert, the concluding volume of the trilogy, May details the rebellion of Marc Remillard and reveals the secrets behind the evil entity known as Fury.
May has also ventured into fantasy writing with a series of novels that began with Black Trillium, a volume she coauthored with noted writers Marion Zimmer Bradley and Andre Norton, and continued with the solo effort Blood Trillium. The series is set on the World of Three Moons, which has been threatened by various sorcerers who can only be defeated by a certain powerful talisman. In Blood Trillium, as in the first book, three sisters must fulfill separate quests; unlike Black Trillium, May makes the book more positive by changing "its focus from the absolute destruction of evil to the possibility of its ultimate transformation," according to Library Journal reviewer Cassada. A Publishers Weekly critic noted that May's Blood Trillium is "a superior tale, giving life, character, and emotion to the Three Petals of the Living Trillium."
Late in her career, May has finally been able to devote her efforts to her first love, science fiction. She has a positive view of humanity's future, which she hopes to communicate in her works. "I am an optimist," she told Collins. "I don't think we are going to die in a mushroom cloud. I think something great will happen. I don't know if there are flying saucers—if there are galactic civilizations they're quite sensible in leaving us alone until we have attained suitable enlightenment. But I am an optimist and it shows in my novels. I've been accused of being upbeat. I triumph in being upbeat! I don't know how successful I've been, but it's been a lot of fun."
May once told CA: "Voluminous reading, especially in the field of science, eventually led me to science fiction—which remains my first love. My first published novelette, 'Dune Roller,' became a minor classic in the field; but in the early 1950s it was not possible to earn a living writing sf, and so I turned to nonfiction. . . . My avalanche of books for young people includes many science titles, as well as biographies and sports books. I do the book design and art direction for many of my books, as well as write them. Because I am an experienced researcher and a fast writer, I am able to do nonfiction books very quickly.
"Because my juvenile writing has been a job rather than a sideline, I have never been anxious to talk about my work. I have little emotional involvement in my juvenile books, and this tends to disappoint young readers and librarians who have romantic ideas of authorhood. . . . The professional writer is at an economic disadvantage in this country unless he or she produces a Best Seller. Since juvenile books rarely attain such heights, the ambitious writer has no other recourse but to keep on truckin'—which, for better or worse, I have done. The result is manifest."
BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:
PERIODICALS
Analog, August, 1983, pp. 129-130; February 1, 1996, Roland Green, review of Magnificat, p. 920; January 1, 1997, Roland Green, review of Sky Trillium, p. 826.
Booklist, March 1, 1982, p. 848; November 1, 1991, p. 475; December 1, 2003, Frieda Murray, review of Conqueror's Moon, p. 655.
Book Report, September-October, 1996, Diana Jackson, review of Magnificat, p. 41.
Book World, November 10, 1968; November 9, 1969.
Fantasy Newsletter, March, 1983.
Fantasy Review, August, 1984, pp. 16-17.
Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 1994, p. 181.
Kliatt, winter, 1984.
Library Journal, December 1991, p. 202; June 15, 1992, p. 105; March 15, 1994, pp. 103-104; February 15, 1996, Jackie Cassada, review of Magnificat, p. 178.
Los Angeles Times Book Review, June 3, 1984, p. 6; December 9, 1984, p. 14.
Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, October, 1981, pp. 29-37.
Publishers Weekly, March 6, 1981, p. 91; December 11, 1981, p. 53; December 24, 1982, p. 51; March 9, 1984, p. 101; December 20, 1991, p. 68; May 25, 1992, pp. 42-43; February 14, 1994, p. 83; February 12, 1996, review of Magnificat, p. 63; December 30, 1996, review of Sky Trillium, p. 58; December 15, 2003, review of Conqueror's Moon, p. 59.
School Library Journal, November, 1984, p. 146.
Science Fiction Review, spring, 1983, p. 25; spring, 1984, p. 36; fall, 1984, pp. 33-36.
Times Literary Supplement, October 16, 1969.
Voice of Youth Advocates, February, 1985, p. 339.
Washington Post Book World, March 28, 1982, p. 22.
Young Reader's Review, May, 1968.