Archive of 1968 "Galaxy Science Fiction" Magazines Featuring Miriam DeFord, Ellison, Silverberg and Lisa Braun

Miriam Allen DeFord Robert Silverberg Lisa Braun

Archive

[Magazines and Periodicals][Literature][Sci-fi] Galaxy Science Fiction Magazine archive of eight issues. New York: Galaxy Publishing Corporation, February–December 1968. Original illustrated wraps. A run of Galaxy Magazine spanning Vol. 26, No. 3 through Vol. 27, No. 5 (without Vol. 27, No. 3), published during Frederik Pohl’s editorial tenure. This archive captures a transitional period in American science fiction, reflecting the genre’s evolving dialogue with Cold War politics, social upheaval, and literary experimentation. Includes major contributions by foundational figures—Harlan Ellison, Fritz Leiber, Robert Silverberg, and Damon Knight—as well as important work by women and authors from marginalized communities, notably Miriam Allen DeFord and Lisa Braun. Pohl’s editorial direction helped advance socially conscious science fiction, and these issues reflect that mission with stories of systemic critique, technological anxiety, and social transformation.

[1] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 26, No. 3. February 1968. Includes “Street of Dreams, Feet of Clay” by Robert Sheckley, “A Tragedy of Errors” by Poul Anderson, and “Total Environment” by Brian W. Aldiss. Notable for “The Planet Slummers” by Terry Carr and Alexei Panshin—satirical fiction critiquing social stratification—and Fritz Leiber’s “Crazy Annaoj,” a surreal tale probing personal and collective madness. Robert Bloch and R.A. Lafferty round out a powerhouse lineup.

[2] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 26, No. 4. April 1968. Features “Goblin Reservation” (Part I) by Clifford D. Simak and “Touch of the Moon” by Ross Rocklynne. H.L. Gold’s “The Riches of Embarrassment” appears alongside Larry Niven’s “The Deceivers.” This issue reflects the magazine’s turn toward speculative narratives grappling with technocracy, mythology, and alienation.

[3] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 26, No. 5. June 1968. Includes the highly acclaimed “The Beast That Shouted Love” by Harlan Ellison—one of his most influential stories, later reprinted in numerous anthologies and recognized for its innovative structure and philosophical depth. Also features Mack Reynolds’s “How We Banned the Bombs,” continuing his explorations of socialist alternatives, and Harry Harrison’s “Waiting Place.”

[4] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 26, No. 6. July 1968. Presents “A Specter is Haunting Texas” (serialized) by Fritz Leiber—an influential work of speculative satire exploring nationalism and bodily autonomy. Also includes “There Is a Tide” by Larry Niven and “Dreamer, Schemer” by Brian W. Aldiss. Notably, this issue’s contents push into more literary and politically charged territory.

[5] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 27, No. 1. August 1968. Highlights include “Among the Bad Baboons” by Mack Reynolds and Damon Knight’s “The Star Below.” Robert Silverberg contributes “Going Down Smooth,” a psychologically dense piece reflecting the maturing complexity of his late-1960s work.

[6] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 27, No. 2. September 1968. Features “Nightwings” by Robert Silverberg, a Nebula-winning novelette later expanded into a novel, examining societal decline and rebirth. Notable for Lisa Braun’s essay “The Wonders We Owe DeGaulle,” one of few non-fiction contributions by a woman in this era of Galaxy. Also includes James E. Gunn’s “The Listeners,” a first-contact narrative that anticipates modern SETI literature.

[7] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 27, No. 4. November 1968. Contains Robert Silverberg’s “Perris Way,” Gordon R. Dickson’s “Building on the Line,” and Miriam Allen DeFord’s “Keep Moving.” DeFord, a pioneering female voice in genre and true-crime literature, uses speculative fiction to explore individual displacement. Contributions from Brian W. Aldiss and K.M. O’Donnell further underscore Galaxy’s international and stylistic range.

[8] Galaxy Science Fiction, Vol. 27, No. 5. December 1968. Features “The Sharing of Flesh” by Poul Anderson, “Subway to the Stars” by Raymond F. Jones, and “A Life Postponed” by John Wyndham. “One Station of the Way” by Fritz Leiber and “Sweet Dreams, Melissa” by Stephen Goldin reflect New Wave trends—blending poetic style with psychological and existential themes.

All issues show light to moderate wear consistent with age. Overall very good condition. This eight-issue run highlights Galaxy’s late-1960s reinvention under Pohl and situates it firmly within the New Wave movement. These issues blend sharp sociopolitical commentary with literary ambition, and include notable early works from authors later central to speculative fiction’s academic canon.

Item #21775

Price: $275.00