Disenchanted with the science fiction field, he expressed his views in his essay collection 'The Engines of the Night: Science Fiction in the Eighties' (1982), which won a Locus Award.

Barry N. Malzberg, an influential author, editor, and critic, passed away on December 19, 2024, at the age of 85 in Saddle River, New Jersey.

In addition to science fiction, he wrote over 30 non-SF novels, including mysteries and thrillers, often under pseudonyms like Mike Barry and Claudine Dumas.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Zelnick, whom he married in 1964, and their two daughters.

His short story collections include 'The Many Worlds of Barry Malzberg' (1975) and 'The Very Best of Barry N. Malzberg' (2013), among others.

Born on July 24, 1939, in New York, Malzberg graduated from Syracuse University in 1960 and pursued further studies in writing.

Malzberg began his science fiction publishing career with 'The Sense of the Fire' in 1967, and his notable works include Nebula Award finalists such as 'Final War' (1968) and 'A Galaxy Called Rome' (1975).

Although his fiction output declined in the 1980s, he rebounded in the 1990s with a prolific number of stories and collaborations, notably with Kathe Koja.

His later non-fiction work 'Breakfast in the Ruins' (2007) also won a Locus Award and was a Hugo Award finalist.

Malzberg co-wrote a long-running column for The SFWA Bulletin, which was later compiled in 'The Business of Science Fiction: Two Insiders Discuss Writing and Publishing' (2010).

He was a prominent editor for magazines such as Amazing Stories and Fantastic, and contributed to anthologies including 'The Best Time Travel Stories of All Time' (2003).

In addition to his writing career, Malzberg worked as an agent for the Scott Meredith Literary Agency and held positions in the New York City Department of Welfare and the New York Department of Mental Health during the 1960s.