Roman Frederick Starzl

Roman Frederick Starzl was an American writer known for his contributions to the early science fiction genre. He was the owner of the Le Mars Globe-Post newspaper in Iowa, a venture he shared with his father, John V. Starzl. While his literary output has largely faded from contemporary recognition, Starzl was acknowledged by notable figures in the genre, including E. E. Smith, who referred to him as a 'master.' His work, particularly 'Interplanetary Flying Patrol,' featured in 'The Hornets of Space,' is believed to have influenced Smith's later creation of the 'Galactic Patrol' series, marking Starzl's significance in the evolution of space opera narratives. Despite his relative obscurity today, Starzl's impact on the genre and his familial connections—most notably as the father of physician Thomas E. Starzl—highlight his multifaceted legacy. His contributions to science fiction during a formative period in the genre's development reflect the creativity and imagination that characterized early 20th-century speculative fiction. An extensive interview with his son provides further insight into his life and work, ensuring that his contributions, while forgotten by many, are not entirely lost to history.