James Blish worked as a medical technician during WWII, then became a member of the Futurians, a organization of science fiction writers, fans, editors, and publishers. He wrote over twenty books and received the Hugo Award for A Case of Conscience in 1959. In 1968, he relocated to London, where he continued to write until his death in 1975. Later in his career, James Blish contributed original Star Trek stories and scripts.