Science Fiction Fan Publishing and Convention Organizing Archive, Including “SF Bulletin,” Early “Locus,” and Japanese Fan Exchange, 1953–1969

Science Fiction SF Bulletin

Archive

Science fiction newsletters and promotional materials, including two issues of “SF Bulletin” and an early “Locus,” documenting the postwar expansion of international fandom, 1953–1969. Published by Erwin S. Strauss in Cambridge, “SF Bulletin” connects MIT’s science fiction community with convention publicity and bibliographic projects. A proposed Los Angeles–Tokyo Worldcon and fundraising appeal for Japanese fan Takumi Shibano document efforts to widen international participation, while Jon Stopa’s criticism of Worldcon’s American dominance exposes disputes over the movement’s geographic boundaries.

Archive of 12 items comprising 23 leaves, ranging in size from 10.5 × 7 to 13 × 8 inches.
[1] “Andromeda” promotional circular. Windermere, England: Pete Campbell, August 1953.
[2] British science fiction news and book-sales circular. [England: Ken Slater, circa 1953].
[3] “Consuri.” London: Operation Fantast, [1954]; by ALPHA, Antwerp, Belgium.
[4] Stopa, Jon. “The Great American Con Game.” N.p.: issued separately by Ben Solon, [1966].
[5] “SF Bulletin.” Vol. I, no. 2. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Erwin S. Strauss, January 1967.
[6] Boskone IV promotional sheet. [Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1967].
[7] Donald M. Grant publisher’s advertising sheet. West Kingston, Rhode Island: Donald M. Grant, [circa 1967].
[8] “Fantasy Illustrated.” No. 7. Los Angeles: Bill Spicer, Spring 1967.
[9] “SF Bulletin.” Vol. I, no. 3. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Erwin S. Strauss, July 1967.
[10] Barter House magazine-sales sheet. Dayton, Ohio: Barter House, n.d. [circa 1967].
[11] “Pan-Pacificon: Los Angeles–Tokyo 1968” / “The Trans-Oceanic Fan Fund Needs You!” [California, circa 1967].
[12] “Locus.” No. 20. Bronx, New York: Charlie and Marsha Brown, February 8, 1969.

The Trans-Oceanic Fan Fund appeal preceded Takumi and Sachiko Shibano’s 1968 visit to the United States, where they attended the Berkeley Worldcon and met American writers and organizers. Shibano’s “Uchūjin” had provided a publishing venue for authors who became leading figures in postwar Japanese science fiction, giving this exchange significance beyond convention attendance. The early “Locus” likewise belongs to the formative period of a publication that grew from a fan newsletter into an established news magazine of the field. Varying toning, spotting, folds, and edgewear; the “Andromeda” circular and British booklist have pronounced upper-edge chipping and losses, while “Consuri” has two punched holes and short edge tears. Overall good condition.

Item #24058

Price: $885.00