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Philip Francis Nowlan
Philip Francis Nowlan, as pictured in Science Wonder Stories, September 1929 (as "Frank Phillips")
Philip Francis Nowlan, as pictured in Science Wonder Stories, September 1929 (as "Frank Phillips")
Born November 13, 1888
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died February 3, 1940(1940-02-03) (aged 51)
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation Writer
Period 1928–1940
Genre Science fiction
Subject Buck Rogers
Notable works Armageddon 2419 A.D.

Philip Francis Nowlan (born November 13, 1888 – died February 1, 1940) was an American writer. He is best known for creating the famous science fiction character, Buck Rogers.

The Life of Philip Francis Nowlan

Philip Francis Nowlan was born on November 13, 1888. He grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Nowlan went to the University of Pennsylvania. While there, he was part of a club called The Mask and Wig Club. He had important roles in their yearly shows from 1907 to 1909. After finishing college, he started working as a newspaper columnist.

Family Life

Philip Nowlan was married to Theresa Junker. They had a large family with ten children. He later moved with his family to Bala Cynwyd, a suburb near Philadelphia.

Creating Buck Rogers

Philip Nowlan became famous for creating the science fiction character Buck Rogers. He wrote the stories for the Buck Rogers comic strip. Dick Calkins drew the pictures for the comic. Nowlan continued to write for the comic strip until 1939.

The character of Buck Rogers first appeared in a story Nowlan wrote in 1928. This story was called Armageddon 2419 A.D.. In that first story, the character was named Anthony Rogers.

Buck Rogers in Comics and Beyond

The comic strip started in 1929 and was very popular. It ran for many years, until 1967. The success of Buck Rogers led to many other projects.

There was a radio show called Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. It aired from 1932 to 1947. A movie series, Buck Rogers, came out in 1939. Later, a television show, also called Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, was made in 1979.

Other Writings and Later Years

Besides Buck Rogers, Philip Nowlan wrote other science fiction stories. These stories appeared in different science fiction magazines. He also wrote a mystery book called The Girl from Nowhere. This book was published after he passed away.

Philip Nowlan died in 1940. He passed away at his home in Bala Cynwyd from a stroke.

Philip Nowlan's Books

Here are some of the stories and books written by Philip Francis Nowlan:

  • Armageddon 2419 A.D. (1928)
  • The Girl from Nowhere (1928) - This book is available to read for free on Project Gutenberg.
  • The Onslaught from Venus (1929)
  • The Time Jumpers (1934)
  • The Prince of Mars Returns (1940)
  • Space Guards (1940)
  • Wings Over Tomorrow: The Collected Science Fiction of Philip Francis Nowlan (2005) - This book collects many of his science fiction stories.

See also

In Spanish: Philip Francis Nowlan para niños

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