About John B. Michel
Lived 1917 – 1968 (aged 50–51). John B. Michel was an American science fiction writer and novelist.
John B. Michel (1917–1969) was a science fiction author (sometimes publishing using the name Hugh Raymond) and editor associated with the informal literary society the Futurians, of which he was one of twelve initial members. He was elected director of the Futurians in 1941. He was known widely for his leftist, utopian politics, which came to be known among science fiction fans as "Michelism", or the belief that "science-fiction should by nature stand for all forces working for a more unified world, a more Utopian existence, the application of science to human happiness, and a saner outlook on life". Debates concerning Michelism and its association with technocracy and communism were an object of controversy in fanzines during the late 1930s, and its influence can be seen in much science fiction of the period, including Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.
Michel was a member of the Young Communist League and later joined the CPUSA, although he was asked to quit in 1949 for absenteeism.
During the early 1940s, Michel was briefly associated romantically with Judith Merril.
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Important facts
People in John B. Michel's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John B. Michel's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John B. Michel?
American writer
When was John B. Michel born?
John B. Michel was born in 1917 in New York.
When did John B. Michel die?
John B. Michel died in 1968.
What was John B. Michel's occupation?
John B. Michel was a science fiction writer and novelist.
What nationality was John B. Michel?
John B. Michel was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John B. Michel. https://biography.guide/john-b-michel/
MLA: "John B. Michel." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-b-michel/.
Chicago: "John B. Michel." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-b-michel/.
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