Frederick James Camm

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Frederick James Camm (6 October 1895-18 February 1959) was an English technical author and magazine editor. He founded several radio and electronics related titles, some of which are still in circulation.

'FJ' Camm was born in Windsor, England. He was second child in a family of twelve. His elder brother, Sidney Camm, later became a famous aircraft designer.

An early interest in model aeroplane building, with his brother Sidney, led him, in 1918, to move to London. Here he became a technical editor for Benn Brothers Publishers, amongst others, in the fields of aviation and engineering. From there he worked for Pitmans Publishers and eventually moved, with his friend Molloy, to George Newnes Publishers. It was at Newnes that he was to produce the 'Hobbies' journals.

In 1932, his supplement on Practical Wireless was launched as an independent title with 'FJ' as its Editor. This began a highly productive period of his life, and he went on to author, or edit, over a hundred technical books in such diverse fields as: radio; television; aviation and automotive engineering.

He is best known, however, for his creation and stewardship of the Practical series of magazines for George Newnes. These titles were often known as 'Camm's Comics':

Practical Engineering - a weekly publication started on Jan. 27th 1940 (see Scan of Vol. 1 Number 1 Editorial (approx. 156Kb))
Practical Home Money Maker
Practical Household
Practical Mechanical Engineering
Practical Motorist
Practical Television
Practical Wireless

Testament to the longevity of his creations is found in the fact that Practical Wireless and Practical Television are still current monthly publications.

Camm died, of bronchial pneumonia, at home in Windsor. He was buried in the family grave at Twickenham Cemetery.