Raymond Alfred Palmer was an influential American author, editor, and publisher who played a pivotal role in the early development of science fiction fandom. Born in 1910, Palmer published his first fiction stories in 1935. His career took a major turn in 1938 when Ziff Davis appointed him editor of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, followed by its sister publication, Fantastic Stories, in 1939. Under his leadership, these publications reached a broad audience, though his editorial choices would later spark significant controversy.
In 1944, Palmer began promoting the "Shaver Mystery," a series of stories by Richard Sharpe Shaver concerning ancient aliens, lost civilizations, and subterranean beings. Palmer's insistence that these stories were factual created a deep divide within the science fiction community. The controversy eventually led the magazine's owners to order an end to the Shaver stories in 1948. Palmer left Ziff Davis the following year to focus on his own publishing ventures.
Having established his own publishing house in 1947, Palmer launched several niche magazines, including Fate, Other Worlds Science Stories, Mystic, and Flying Saucers. Through these publications, he became a key figure in the early flying saucer and New Age movements, frequently promoting fringe beliefs and conspiracy theories. His written works include the short autobiography Martian Diary and The Coming of the Saucers, co-authored with Kenneth Arnold. Palmer passed away in 1977, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a pioneering science fiction editor and a major catalyst for modern paranormal folklore.
