H. Beam Piper | The Man and His Work

H. Beam Piper: The Man and His Work

"H. Beam Piper . . . was a story teller; a man who could keep you up all night with his books and tales."
— Jerry Pournelle, Preface to Federation

These pages include biographical information and photographs of Beam, a complete bibliography of his original publications, information about Beam's collaborations with other authors (and posthumous and fan contributions to his work), an inventory of Piper items in the Zarthani.net hoard and commentary on Beam's work.

Biography

H. Beam Piper, photo from Murder in the Gunroom dustjacket, Knoph 1953

H. Beam Piper, Murder in the Gunroom dust jacket (1953).

Biographical information about Beam compiled by Zarthani.net, a collection of photographs (mostly publicity photos and photos from conventions) and links to biographical information on other websites.

Bibliography

"Time and Time Again" appeared in Astounding, April 1947.

A comprehensive listing of the original publications of Beam's work by date of publication, from his first collaboration with Henry W. Schoemaker (1927) to the posthumous publication (2020) of his final Paratime yarn.

Collaborations

Image - Lone Star Planet by Virgil Finlay

Lone Star Planet, illustration by Virgil Finlay.

Beam's collaborations with other authors, as well as posthumous contributions to his work.

Commentary

Image - H. Beam Piper, Typewriter Killer

H. Beam Piper
(Photo from The Pennsy)

Besides standard reviews — by both professionals and fans — there has been a variety of commentary about the ideas, themes and potential inspirations of Piper's work, including that appearing in authorized collections of Beam's work.

Zarthani.net is also engaged in a series of "reread" reviews of Piper's work.

Gaming

Image - Down Styphon! cover illustration

(Illustration by Mike Gilbert)

In 1977, just as much of Piper's fiction was being reprinted by Ace, Fantasy Games Unlimited released Down Styphon!, a table-top war game which simulates battles depicted in Piper's Paratime novel Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen. Two years later, the Sword-Worlds of Piper's novel Space Viking inspired a portion of the official setting of Game Designers' Workshop's Traveller^® science-fiction role-playing game, first appearing in The Spinward Marches campaign supplement. These initial war-gaming and role-playing game efforts were followed by additional game materials based upon Piper's fiction, including some developed by Piper fans.

Hoard

Image - A Catalogue of Early Pennsylvania and other Firearms and Edged Weapons at 'Restlless Oaks'

'Restlless Oaks' Catalogue (1927).

Piper works and other Piper-related items in the Zarthani.net hoard.

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