Transcribe
Translate
Science Fiction Fan, v. 2, issue 8, March 1938
More information
digital collection
archival collection guide
transcription tips
16 FAN [drawing with sun, rocket, and land containing the words THE GAS BY S. YOUD?] It has always been obvious that between American and British fans there is something of a division, a difference of temperament or character that produces a different reaction to stf and its allied interests. Probably the greatest contrast between American and British fan is the fundamental one of their respective attitudes toward fantasy. Americans, it seems to us, take their favorite literature too much to heart, while among transatlantic fans we Britishers have gained a reputation for coldness and lack of enthusiasm. There is much truth in both of these views. The U.S.A. is a very young nation and its inhabitants have much of the creative impulse which has largely spent itself in Europe. With this creatice urge there is a tendency to let all interests become subordinated to one, a kind of super-enthusiasm which stretches out to engulf everything. Britain, on the other hand has a long history behind it, so long that the equipoise of empire has well established itself and there is mu much justification for the fear that inevitable decadence has begun to set in. In any cast, Englishmen have a stolidly of character, and a mortal code which forbids any great show of enthusiasm. With a few exceptions, English fans take the common-sense view that fantasy cannot be an integral part of their lives; it is at best a hobby and a diversion. It would be futile to endeavor to judges between the two points of view, for, as I have said, they depend on national character. As to the truth of my assertions, that can be easily
Saving...
prev
next
16 FAN [drawing with sun, rocket, and land containing the words THE GAS BY S. YOUD?] It has always been obvious that between American and British fans there is something of a division, a difference of temperament or character that produces a different reaction to stf and its allied interests. Probably the greatest contrast between American and British fan is the fundamental one of their respective attitudes toward fantasy. Americans, it seems to us, take their favorite literature too much to heart, while among transatlantic fans we Britishers have gained a reputation for coldness and lack of enthusiasm. There is much truth in both of these views. The U.S.A. is a very young nation and its inhabitants have much of the creative impulse which has largely spent itself in Europe. With this creatice urge there is a tendency to let all interests become subordinated to one, a kind of super-enthusiasm which stretches out to engulf everything. Britain, on the other hand has a long history behind it, so long that the equipoise of empire has well established itself and there is mu much justification for the fear that inevitable decadence has begun to set in. In any cast, Englishmen have a stolidly of character, and a mortal code which forbids any great show of enthusiasm. With a few exceptions, English fans take the common-sense view that fantasy cannot be an integral part of their lives; it is at best a hobby and a diversion. It would be futile to endeavor to judges between the two points of view, for, as I have said, they depend on national character. As to the truth of my assertions, that can be easily
Hevelin Fanzines
sidebar
