He studied at Balliol College, Oxford, and at the University of Liverpool, where he earned a PhD in Philosophy. He went on to teach philosophy, literature, psychology, and history at the University of Liverpool.

Stapledon remained a pacifist and idealist socialist until his death in 1950. He described his own work as imaginative literature with a philosophical foundation. Until around 1940, he had virtually no contact with science fiction, apart from the works of H. G. Wells. Recognition of his writing came later, but he eventually came to be regarded as one of the leading figures in the field and influenced many writers, including Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and James Blish, among others. He has been described as “the most titanic imagination ever to write science fiction.”

Among his works published by our press are two of his most significant books: “Star Maker” and “Odd John.”