[SCIENCE FICTION]. A large archive of correspondence and original documents relating to the life and work of Forrest J. Ackerman.

Archive of approximately 200 original documents, manuscripts, and correspondence collected by Forrest J. Ackerman over a lifetime as an author, literary agent, and fan personality. 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)     Approximately 150 letters exchanged between Forrest J. Ackerman and various science fiction authors and associated figures related to matters both personal and professional. Letters and documents signed by numerous legends of the science fiction and fantasy genres including Leigh Brackett, Ray Bradbury, Marion Bradley, John W. Campbell, Jr., Andre Norton, Frank R. Paul, Edward E. “Doc” Smith, Curt Siodmak, and others.

2)     Original typescript stories and tributes written by Ackerman, many of which were published in various fanzines and classic periodicals of the sci-fi genre such as Weird Tales and Amazing Stories.

3)     It’s Alive @85 publication with a foreword by Ray Bradbury issued in 2001 to celebrate Forrest J. Ackerman’s 85th birthday. Number 1 of 30 artist proofs, SIGNED BY artist George Chastain.

A prolific correspondent, Forrest J. Ackerman over the course of an eight-decade career as a magazine editor, literary agent, author, and fan personality exchanged thousands of letters with the celebrity and obscure alike. The voluminous correspondence collected by Ackerman, of which the present lot represents only a small sampling, provides fascinating insight into the personalities and personal relationships of the men and women who elevated the science fiction genre into the pop culture powerhouse that it is today.