Many prominent science fiction writers, artists, and editors began as s.f. This is the first book to survey fandom's history, manifestations, and accomplishments, including clubs, fanzines, and conventions. and long-term results in the form of beginning professional careers in writing or publishing, exercising critical attention, and so forth.

Preface by Joe Sanders Roots of Fandom Why is a Fan? by Juanita Coulson Fandom as a Way of Life by Robert Coulson Fandom in America The Origins of Science Fiction Fandom: A Reconstruction by Sam Moskowitz Fandom Up to World War II by Robert A. Madle Wartime Fandom by Art Widner Fandom between World War II and Sputnik by Harry Warner, Jr. Post-Sputnik Fandom (1957-1992) by rich brown Alternative Fandoms by John and Bjo Trimble Variations and Echoes British Fandom by Terry Jeeves Science Fiction in Europe: A French Perspective by Pascal J. Thomas The European Echo: Science Fiction Fandom as a European Movement by Roelof Goudriaan Fandom in China by Wu Dingbo Science Fiction Fandom in Japan by Masamichi Osako Social Interactions Fan Clubs: An Example by F.M. Busby The Science Fiction Convention Scene by Hank Luttrell Science Fiction Conventions: Behind the Scenes by Tom Whitmore and Debbie Notkin Long Term Results A History of Fanzines by Harry Warner Amateur Press Associations: Intellectual Society and Social Intellectualism by Bernadette Lynn Boskey Into the Aether, Junior Spacepersons! by Richard A. Lupoff An Apprenticeship: Artist by Jack Gaughan The Fan Presses by Robert Weinberg A Science Fiction Collector by Howard DeVore Contributions to the Critical Dialogue: As an Academic Sees It by Russell Letson The Fan as Critic by Sandra Miesel Bibliography and Glossary Science Fiction Fandom: A Selected, Annotated Bibliography by Joseph D. Sinclari Glossary of Fanspeak by Joe Sanders and rich brown Index

Many prominent science fiction writers, artists, and editors began as s.f. fans. This is the first book to survey fandom's history, its worldwide manifestations, and its range of accomplishments, including clubs, fanzines, and conventions. These essays explain fandom as a social phenomenon and describe its contributions to modern science fiction.