[WORLD SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION]. An archive of ephemeral materials from the World Science Fiction Convention. Roughly 1939-1991.

Approximately 75 pamphlets, programs, and progress reports related to the World Science Fiction Convention. Provenance: Forrest J. Ackerman (1916-2008), American editor, magazine publisher, and science fiction author; acquired by the present owner directly from Ackerman.

Highlights include:

1)     Souvenir program booklet from the First World Science Fiction Convention held in New York City on 2-4 July 1939 in conjunction with the New York World’s Fair, which had been billed as “The World of Tomorrow.” Supplementary materials from event include an advertisements rate form and a prospectus for Raymond van Houten’s short-lived fanzine publication The Tesseract Annual issued to attendees. These pieces were previously exhibited at the Museum of Science Fiction (now the Museum of Popular Culture) in Seattle between 2004-2011.

2)     Souvenir program booklet from the Thirteenth Annual World Science Fiction held in Cleveland from 2-5 September 1955. This convention marked the second Hugo Awards, with the 1954 convention opting not to hold the ceremony following the first held in 1953.

3)     Souvenir program booklet from the Eighteenth World Science Fiction Convention held in Pittsburgh from 3-5 September 1960. It was at this convention that Hugo Gernsback received the Special Hugo Award as the “Father of Science Fiction.” SIGNED BY FORREST J. ACKERMAN, WILLY LEY, BELLE DIETZ, AND CHRIS MOSKOWITZ.

The World Science Fiction Convention is a science fiction convention that, with the exception of the years 1942-1945, has been held annually since 1939. The first convention attracted 200 attendees and featured luminaries of the science fiction and fantasy genres including John W. Campbell, Jr., Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Hannes Bok; the 2022 event held in Chicago attracted 6,530 attendees. Activities typically include costume contests, autograph sessions, and theatrical performances. The Hugo Awards, the oldest and most noteworthy awards in the science fiction genre, are given out every year with selection of recipients made by WorldCon members. Condition generally fine.

[With]: Approximately 100 sci-fi fan convention pamphlets and programs, roughly 1960s-90s. 8vo, condition generally fine.