Science Fiction Fanzine Archive Documenting the Making of Organized Fandom and Challenges to American Control of Worldcon, 1959–1969

Science Fiction Fanzines

Periodical

Archive of eight fanzines and amateur press publications, chiefly from Southern California, documenting the publishing networks through which science fiction readers became editors, critics, and convention organizers. Amateur press associations circulated members’ independently produced publications in collated mailings, creating continuing exchanges of fiction, correspondence, and criticism. These copies preserve the practical workings of that culture, including contribution requirements and the economics of reproduction and distribution. Particularly substantive are Bruce Pelz’s objections to American dominance of Worldcon and Ted Johnstone’s account of professional writing and exploitation filmmaking. The overlapping contributors and editorial addresses document connections between local fan communities and wider publishing networks.

Archive of eight science fiction fanzines and amateur press publications. Chiefly Southern California, c.1959–1969. Mimeographed text on papers of various colors, ranging from 1- 7 leaves.
[1] “Gyre.” No. 5. Pasadena, California: Steve Tolliver, n.d. [1959]. 6 pp. Distributed with “Fanac,” with correspondence from Vince Nowell concerning military service and civilian freedom, reader responses to Tolliver’s fiction, and an appeal supporting Bjo Trimble for the Trans-Atlantic Fan Fund; contemporary references establish the year.
[2] “Niflheim.” No. 16. Tarzana, California: Dave Hulan, n.d. [July 1966]. 14 pp. Prepared for the 76th mailing of the Spectator Amateur Press Society, with discussion of stencil reproduction and drying times, plans for a fan-fiction comic strip, and a section of “The Compleat Card-player” devoted to bridge bidding.
[3] “Niflheim.” No. 17. Tarzana, California: Dave Hulan, n.d. [1966]. Jøtun Publication 173, describing its half-size mimeographed format and intended combination with Hulan’s “Naströnd,” No. 4. Tarzana, California: Dave Hulan, n.d. [c. 1966]. 2 pp. Published for STOBCLER and issued tête-bêche with “Niflheim.”
[4] “Blue Jaunte.” No. 5. [N.p.]: Lon Atkins, 23 February 1967. 4 pp. Zugzwang Publication 58, giving a contact address care of Hulan in Canoga Park, with an account of Atkins’s impending move to work for Litton Industries, experimental fan fiction, and mock revolutionary notices directed against STOBCLER’s “Co-Dictators.”
[5] “Sznivtig.” No. 5, vol. II, no. 1. [Southern California]: STOBCLER, March 1967. 2 pp. Edited by Ed Cox and Dave Hulan as “Co-Dictators,” listing the fifth mailing’s contributions and membership roster, recording dues and postage expenditures, and requesting fifteen copies of each contribution for the next mailing.
[6] “Mest.” No. 23. Los Angeles: Ted Johnstone, 31 December 1967. 16 pp. Fornchy Publication 102, by David McDaniel under his fan name, discussing research for his “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” novels, filmmaking for exhibition in topless bars, and enthusiasm for “Dark Shadows.”
[7] “SpeleoBem.” No. 41. Los Angeles: Bruce Pelz, January 1969. 4 pp. IncuNebulous Publication 675, issued for SAPS mailing 86, discussing LASFS incorporation and convention organizing, with an extended proposal for international convention governance challenging the presumption that American fans could “allow” Worldcon overseas.
[8] “Halfasob.” Seattle: Blotto Otto Pfeifer, n.d. 2 pp. Issued for SAPS as a substitute for “S.O.B.” no. 4, combining personal news with discussion of fan visiting, postal difficulties, and the pressures of maintaining publication commitments.

Science fiction fandom fostered a participatory literary culture in which readers became publishers, critics, and convention organizers, maintaining networks that crossed geographic borders and professions. These publications preserve the personal exchanges and institutional debates behind that culture, particularly disputes over American dominance of international conventions and the connections between amateur publishing and professional entertainment. Pelz’s challenge to American control of Worldcon exposes debates over who could speak for an international readership, while Johnstone’s accounts connect fan publishing with professional fiction and Hollywood exploitation filmmaking. Visible toning, with browning and a small marginal chips to “Gyre.” Full pagination, completeness, and overall very good condition.

Item #24059

Price: $985.00