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Variant, v. 1, issue 3, September 1947
Page 42
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FANTAGLIMMERINGS by Robert A. Madle While browsing through some old fan magazines from a decade or so back, I came across some interesting predictions concerning the future of science fiction. Here is what Milton J. Latzer, one time active fan, had to say in 1935: "....there seems not the slightest vestige of hope that stf will at any time produce a man whose works will be considered as a definite and valuable addition to world literature. It does appear, therefore, that science fiction will remain exactly what it is today; a type of literature appealing almost entirely to the juvenile mind." Eando Binder had the following to say in a 1935 issue of The Fourteen Leaflet, published by the members of the Chicago chapter of the Science Fiction League: " and what will stf be ten or twenty years from now? I may be wrong, but ten years from now stf will be pseudo-scientific fiction entirely. I think the scientific angle will be lost entirely. Science fiction will be only a branch of the fantastic group of literary types, including weird, futuristic, and adventure stories. People will buy it then for the same reason they buy western tales and detective stories--to be thrilled and entertained; not to be mentally stimulated. And its following, I sadly predict will always be small." How prophetic or un-prophetic they were you can judge for yourself. During the past two months several new fan publishing houses have sprung into existance. Erle Korshak, Ted Dikty, and Mark Reinsberg have formed Shasta Publishers, whose specialty will be books of valuable information for collectors. Sam Moskowitz, and Will Sykora have formed the Avalon Company and their initial offering will be " Life Everlasting and others" by David H. Keller, to appear some time in October. A few of the boys in California have formed Carcosa House, and their first book will be " Edison's Conquest of Mars ", the first book printing of an ancient novel by Garrett P. Serviss. Within several weeks an announcement of another fan publishing group in Philadelphia will be issued. Jack Agnew and Bob Madle have formed Fantascience Sales Service, selling back date fantasy publications exclusively. They have about four thousand magazines accumulated to date. . . . . . Speaking of Agnew, it is interesting to note that he just made the fatal plunge several weeks back. . . . John B. Baltadonic, number one fan artist of the third fandom, returns to his first love with the cover and interior drawing of the Philcon Program Booklet. He will also illustrate a forthcoming science fiction book. At the present time he is studying for a Master's degree in art. Recent meetings have resulted in the acquisition of quite a few new members. Miss Coraline Buob, enthusiastic fan from New Jersey, joined at the last meeting. She aspires to be a fan magazine publisher, which as most people know, is all work and no pay. (Ed. Note: You said it, Bob!) Lt. and Mrs. Rankin of Valley Forge General Hospital also joined out rocketing membership. Lt. Rankin is Special Services Officer at the VFGH. Other new members are Mrs. Jack McKnight, Bill Lister, Ted Schwartz, etc.. A recent meeting was made interesting by having a scientifiction quiz. The quiz was compiled by Harold Lynch, one of our (few?) live-wire members. Harold is now in the process of making up a booklet of information for new members which will contain the answers to just about any question a new member would be likely to ask. Well, we surely hope everyone has a fine time at the Philcon. (42)
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FANTAGLIMMERINGS by Robert A. Madle While browsing through some old fan magazines from a decade or so back, I came across some interesting predictions concerning the future of science fiction. Here is what Milton J. Latzer, one time active fan, had to say in 1935: "....there seems not the slightest vestige of hope that stf will at any time produce a man whose works will be considered as a definite and valuable addition to world literature. It does appear, therefore, that science fiction will remain exactly what it is today; a type of literature appealing almost entirely to the juvenile mind." Eando Binder had the following to say in a 1935 issue of The Fourteen Leaflet, published by the members of the Chicago chapter of the Science Fiction League: " and what will stf be ten or twenty years from now? I may be wrong, but ten years from now stf will be pseudo-scientific fiction entirely. I think the scientific angle will be lost entirely. Science fiction will be only a branch of the fantastic group of literary types, including weird, futuristic, and adventure stories. People will buy it then for the same reason they buy western tales and detective stories--to be thrilled and entertained; not to be mentally stimulated. And its following, I sadly predict will always be small." How prophetic or un-prophetic they were you can judge for yourself. During the past two months several new fan publishing houses have sprung into existance. Erle Korshak, Ted Dikty, and Mark Reinsberg have formed Shasta Publishers, whose specialty will be books of valuable information for collectors. Sam Moskowitz, and Will Sykora have formed the Avalon Company and their initial offering will be " Life Everlasting and others" by David H. Keller, to appear some time in October. A few of the boys in California have formed Carcosa House, and their first book will be " Edison's Conquest of Mars ", the first book printing of an ancient novel by Garrett P. Serviss. Within several weeks an announcement of another fan publishing group in Philadelphia will be issued. Jack Agnew and Bob Madle have formed Fantascience Sales Service, selling back date fantasy publications exclusively. They have about four thousand magazines accumulated to date. . . . . . Speaking of Agnew, it is interesting to note that he just made the fatal plunge several weeks back. . . . John B. Baltadonic, number one fan artist of the third fandom, returns to his first love with the cover and interior drawing of the Philcon Program Booklet. He will also illustrate a forthcoming science fiction book. At the present time he is studying for a Master's degree in art. Recent meetings have resulted in the acquisition of quite a few new members. Miss Coraline Buob, enthusiastic fan from New Jersey, joined at the last meeting. She aspires to be a fan magazine publisher, which as most people know, is all work and no pay. (Ed. Note: You said it, Bob!) Lt. and Mrs. Rankin of Valley Forge General Hospital also joined out rocketing membership. Lt. Rankin is Special Services Officer at the VFGH. Other new members are Mrs. Jack McKnight, Bill Lister, Ted Schwartz, etc.. A recent meeting was made interesting by having a scientifiction quiz. The quiz was compiled by Harold Lynch, one of our (few?) live-wire members. Harold is now in the process of making up a booklet of information for new members which will contain the answers to just about any question a new member would be likely to ask. Well, we surely hope everyone has a fine time at the Philcon. (42)
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