T. J. Bass (author)

For other uses, see T. J. Bass.

T. J. Bass
Born	Thomas J. Bassler (1932-07-07)July 7, 1932 Clinton, Iowa, United States
Died	December 13, 2011(2011-12-13) (aged 79)
Occupation	Physician, science fiction writer

Thomas J. Bassler^[1] (July 7, 1932 – December 13, 2011), who used the pseudonym T. J. Bass, was an American science fiction author and physician, having graduated from the University of Iowa in 1959. Bassler is also known for his controversial claim that nonsmokers who are able to complete a marathon in under four hours can eat whatever they wish and never suffer a fatal heart attack.^[2][3]

John Robbins has noted that Jim Fixx approvingly quoted Bassler in his best-selling book, The Complete Book of Running. Fixx died from heart failure at 52 while running.^[4]

Two of Bass' novels, Half Past Human (1971) and The Godwhale (1974), were nominated for the Nebula Award. In both his books the Hive was a three trillion population of 'nebishes' - humans who had four toes and all aggressiveness bred out of them.^[5]

Bibliography

Science fiction novels (as T. J. Bass)

• Half Past Human (1971, fix-up)
• The Godwhale (1974)

Short stories

• Star Itch (1968) If magazine
• Star Seeder (1969) If magazine
• Half Past Human (1969) Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol.29 No.4
• G.I.T.A.R (or "Song of Kaia") (1970) If magazine, Nov–Dec
• A Game of Biochess (1970) If magazine, Nov–Dec
• "The Beast of 309" (1972) If magazine, January
• Rorqual Maru (1972) Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol.32 No.4

Non fiction (as Thomas J. Bassler)

• The Whole Life Diet: An Integrated Program of Nutrition and Exercise for a Lifestyle of Total Health (1979), with Robert E. Burger

References

1. The Internet Speculative Fiction Database: Biography
2. Special Report: Are Marathons Dangerous?, Runner's World, Amy Burfoot, December 2008; Page 5
3. Running to Death, Waller B, Csere R, Baker W, Roberts W. Chest, 1981; 79(3):346-349
4. What Should We Learn From The Deaths Of Fitness Icons?, Huffington Post, John Robbins, January 31, 2011
5. Nebula Final Ballots from the 1970s

External links

• T. J. Bass at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database