Arthur W. Saha

Arthur William Saha (October 31, 1923 – November 19, 1999) was an American speculative fiction editor and anthologist, closely associated with publisher Donald A. Wollheim.

Life Saha was the son of William and Henrikka Saha, a Finnish-American couple. His cousin was Marjatta Rasi, who represented Finland as Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), and served as Ambassador to many countries posted at New Delhi, Dhaka, Colombo, Kathmandu, Thimphu, and Vienna. After serving in the Merchant Marine during World War II, Saha enrolled in and graduated from Columbia University. Saha worked as a research chemist and is credited with the patent for the first fire resistant ironing board cover, and for various paints and pigments used on the exteriors of the first space satellites. At one time he was a resident of Minnesota; in his later years Saha resided in Cooperstown, Otsego County, New York. While living in New York City, he was an early associate of the beatniks. Saha was a long-standing member of Mensa. He died of cancer.

Career in speculative fiction Saha became active in New York City science fiction fandom, becoming a member of the Futurians and First Fandom, and was a close associate and ally of Wollheim and Frederik Pohl in the early fan wars.

Later an editor at Wollheim's publishing house DAW Books, He had used the term in an interview that Pete Hamill was conducting on the science fiction phenomenon for TV Guide.