Pat Frank:
"Pat Frank" was the pseudonym adopted by the American writer, newspaperman,
and government consultant, Harry Hart (1907-1964), who is remembered today almost
exclusively for his post-apocalyptic novel Alas, Babylon. Before the publication of his
first novel Mr. Adam launched his second career as novelist and independent writer, Frank
spent many years as a journalist and information handler for several newspapers, agencies,
and government bureaus.His fiction and nonfiction books, stories, and articles made good
use of his years of experience observing government and military bureaucracy and its
malfunctions, and the threat of nuclear proliferation and annihilation. After the success
of Alas, Babylon, Frank concentrated on writing for magazines and journals, putting his
beliefs and concerns to political use, and advising various government bodies. In 1960 he
served as a member of the Democratic National Committee. In 1961, the year in which he
received an American Heritage Foundation Award, he was consultant to the National
Aeronautics and Space Council. From 1963 through 1964 the Department of Defense made use
of Frank's expertise and advice, and this consultancy turned out to be his last response
to his country's call.
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