Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing Collection, Including a Forrest J Ackerman Vampirella Script, 1966–1981

Forrest J. Ackerman Science Fiction

Archive

Science fiction and fantasy criticism, illustration, and comics writing, including “Riverside Quarterly” and a Vampirella script credited to Forrest J Ackerman’s pseudonym Fisher Trentworth. In this archive, contributions by established writers appear alongside amateur editorials and accounts of magazine production, showing how fans participated in shaping genre literature beyond commercial publishing houses. Particularly notable are Arthur Jean Cox’s illustrated fiction drafts in “Riverside Quarterly,” a Vampirella script credited to Forrest J Ackerman’s pseudonym Fisher Trentworth, and “Fantasy Crosswinds,” published for a college course encouraging participation in amateur press associations. The selection preserves both creative work and the editorial relationships that sustained its circulation.

Archive of five items comprising four periodicals and one script in typescript format, 1966-1981.
[1] “The Riverside Quarterly.” Vol. II, no. 1. Saskatoon, Canada: Leland Sapiro, January 1966. 71 pp. Edited by Sapiro with associate editor Jim Harmon. Arthur Jean Cox’s “Work in Progress” presents fiction drafts and developmental notes alongside Charles Schneeman’s sketches and illustrations. Includes Alexei Panshin’s “Heinlein in Dimension,” Part Two, and Barbara Floyd’s continuing critique of T. H. White’s “The Once and Future King.”

[2] Ackerman, Forrest J, writing as Fisher Trentworth. “For Vampirella: Rosemary’s Bippy.” N.p., n.d. [c. 1969–1973]. 7 pp. Stapled script in typescript format, containing panel descriptions and dialogue for a horror parody introduced by Vampirella. The opening concerns Rosemary O’Sullivan’s anxiety about her pregnancy, invoking “Rosemary’s Baby” through comic dialogue and directions for the illustrator. The estimated composition date follows Vampirella’s 1969 debut and the contemporary popularity of “Laugh-In,” whose “bippy” catchphrase informs the title; the date of this particular copy remains unestablished. library.syracuse.edu

[3] “Diversity.” No. 3. Memphis, Tennessee: W. Trade Press and Ptah Press, [August 1972]. 34 pp. Edited by James W. Harris and Greg Bridges, with a cover by Jim Elliott and purple interior paper. Includes Meade Frierson III’s “Science Fiction and Radio,” John Williamson’s “Harris and I,” and letters from Mike Glicksohn and Andrew J. Offutt. The editorial discusses difficulties with electrostencils and the editors’ separation, providing a firsthand account of amateur magazine production.

[4] “Fantasy Crosswinds.” No. 1. Lamoni, Iowa: Stygian Isle Press, January 1977. 24 pp. Published by Jonathan Bacon for Graceland College’s Winterterm course “Amateur Press Associations,” distributed through Graceland-apa, and limited to 300 copies. Includes Robert E. Howard’s “The Curse of Greed,” Darrell Schweitzer’s “The Story of the Brown Man,” and L. Sprague de Camp’s “Flying Fish.” Stephen Riley’s Egyptian cover composition accompanies interior work by Gene Day and Stephen Fabian.

[5] “Fantasy Newsletter.” Vol. 4, no. 8, whole no. 39. Rochester, New York: Paul and Susan Allen, August 1981. 34 pp. Cover by Randy Broecker, titled “The Sacrifice.” Includes Fritz Leiber’s “On Fantasy” and the second part of Jeffrey M. Elliot’s interview with Karl Edward Wagner. Reviews and advertisements document the specialist market for fantasy literature, independent magazines, and bibliographic reference works.

Stapled publications and script, with illustrated wrappers where present. Varying age toning, spotting, small edge rips. Some minor staining; nos. [4] and [5] with pronounced staple rust and associated staining. Overall good condition.

Item #24057

Price: $650.00