1962 World Science Fiction Collection

Collection

Identifier: RBSC-SPX-016

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The 1962 World Science Fiction Convention Collection consists of typed (paper-based) correspondence between SF authors, publishers, and SF fans in the 1960's. Chairman of this world convention, Earl Kemp, was the writer for over half of the correspondences. The collection consists of correspondence and is arranged in alphabetical order by author or company name.

Dates

created: 1958-1962
Other: Majority of material found in 1962
Other: Date acquired: 03/00/2009

Conditions Governing Access

Photographs and photocopies of collection are prohibited.

Conditions Governing Use

Property Rights are transferred to the University Libraries. Literary Rights are retained by the content creators. Any copyrights so stated in the materials remain in force.

Biographical or Historical Information

The 1962 World Science Fiction Convention, also known as Worldcon or Chicon III, began in 1939 and has been held every year (except 1942-1945, during World War II). The guest of honor that year was Theodore Sturgeon and there were six authors that won Hugo awards. Robert A. Heinlein won a Hugo award for his novel Stranger in a Strange Land. The Chicon III chairmen ran the convention and this collection contained most of the correspondence from one of the chairman, Earl Kemp. Kemp was born in Arkansas in 1929. He moved to Chicago and worked as a graphic designer. Kemp’s interest in science fiction lead him to be one of the co-founders of Advert:Publishers. He also attended Worldcons since 1952 and in 1961 won a Hugo award for his fanzine, Who Killed Science Fiction. A year after Kemp served as chairman Chicon III he edited the book, The Proceedings: CHICON. This book included photographs, and transcripts of lectures and panels given at the 1962 World Science Fiction Convention.

Note written by

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged into two series. Series I: Correspondence: This series consists of correspondences and items sent with the correspondences pertaining to the development of the 1962 World Science Fiction Convention held in Chicago including advertisement for the convention, inviting speakers for various panels, arranging entertainment, procuring auction material, and personal correspondences. It is arranged alphabetically by correspondence’s surname or organization. Series II: Non-Correspondence Items: This series consists of sample items used for the convention, instructions for volunteers and staff, drafts for progress reports and program book, and other items pertaining to the convention. It is arranged alphabetically.

Related Materials

The World Science Fiction Society website: http://www.wsfs.org FANAC Worldcon and Related Materials -- Publications -- Chicon III: https://fanac.org/conpubs/Worldcon/Chicon%20III/index.html FANAC Worldcon and Related Materials -- Photos and audio -- 1962 Chicon III: https://fanac.org/worldcon/Chicon/w62-p00.html