Daniel Keyes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Keyes
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Daniel Keyes
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| Born | August 9, 1927 Brooklyn, New York |
| Died | June 15, 2014 (aged 86) Boca Raton, Florida |
| Occupation | Fiction writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | New York University, Brooklyn College |
| Period | 1952–2014 |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Notable works | Flowers for Algernon (1959) The Minds of Billy Milligan (1981) |
| Notable awards | Hugo Award (1960) Nebula Award (1966) Kurd Lasswitz Award (1986) Seiun Award (1993) Locus Award (1998) |
| Spouse | Aurea Georgina Vazquez |
Daniel Keyes (born August 9, 1927 – died June 15, 2014) was an American writer. He is most famous for his novel Flowers for Algernon. This book tells the story of a man who undergoes an experiment to become super smart. In 2000, Daniel Keyes received a special honor. It was called the Author Emeritus award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. This award recognized his important contributions to science fiction and fantasy writing.
Contents
Daniel Keyes: A Writer's Journey
Early Life and First Steps in Writing
Daniel Keyes was born in New York City, New York. His family was Jewish. He went to New York University for a short time. At age 17, he joined the United States Maritime Service. He worked as a ship's purser on oil tankers.
After his service, he returned to New York. In 1950, he earned a degree in psychology from Brooklyn College. A month later, Keyes started working for a magazine company. He became an editor for Marvel Science Stories. This was a type of magazine called a pulp magazine, known for its exciting stories.
Keyes also started writing for Atlas Comics. This company later became Marvel Comics. He wrote stories for horror and science fiction comics. One idea he had was called "Brainstorm." This short idea later grew into his famous novel, Flowers for Algernon. He felt it was too important for just a comic book story.
From 1955 to 1956, Keyes wrote for EC Comics. He used his own name and sometimes other names like Kris Daniels.
The Story of Flowers for Algernon
Flowers for Algernon is Daniel Keyes' most well-known work. It started as a short story and later became a full novel. The story is told through the progress reports of a man named Charlie. Charlie has a learning disability. He undergoes an experimental surgery. For a short time, he becomes a genius. But then, the effects sadly wear off.
The short story was first published in 1959. The longer novel came out in 1966. This powerful story has been made into movies and plays many times. The most famous adaptation is the 1968 film Charly. The main actor, Cliff Robertson, won an Academy Award for his role. Daniel Keyes also won important awards for his story. He received the Hugo Award in 1959 and the Nebula Award in 1966.
Teaching and Later Years
Daniel Keyes shared his knowledge with others. He taught creative writing at Wayne State University. In 1966, he became a professor at Ohio University. He taught English and creative writing there. In 2000, he was honored as a professor emeritus. This means he was recognized for his long and valuable service to the university.
Awards and Recognition
Daniel Keyes received many awards for his writing. These awards show how important his stories were.
- 1960: Hugo Award for the story "Flowers for Algernon"
- 1966: Nebula Award for the novel Flowers for Algernon
- 1986: Kurd Lasswitz Award for The Minds of Billy Milligan
- 1993: Seiun Award (Non-Fiction of the Year) for The Minds of Billy Milligan
- 2000: Author Emeritus Award from Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
- 2014: Life Time Award
His Final Years
Daniel Keyes passed away at his home in Boca Raton on June 15, 2014. He died due to problems from pneumonia. His wife, Aurea Georgina Vazquez, had passed away in 2013. They were married in 1952 and had two daughters together.
See also
In Spanish: Daniel Keyes para niños
