The Fitz-James O'Brien reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Fitz-James O'Brien

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Fitz-James O'Brien (December 31 1828 - April 6 1862) was an author and is usually considered one of the forerunners of today's Science Fiction.

Born as Michael O'Brien in the County Limerick, Ireland he changed his name to Fitz-James after immigration to the USA. He died in Cumberland, Maryland.