1957: The First UK Worldcon

Rob Hansen has compiled this history of the 1957 London Worldcon (World Science Fiction Convention) from contemporary fanzine accounts, so that once again the complex story emerges from the participants’ own words. The action stretches over several years, from the initial inspiration to bring Worldcon to the UK, via the fan politics of promoting and winning the bid (including some attempted dirty tricks), to detailed coverage of the convention itself – and its aftermath, including a lawsuit. The cover photo shows the three Hugo Awards that were presented, held by E.J. (Ted) Carnell, editor of New Worlds (best British prozine), John W. Campbell Jr, editor of Astounding (best American prozine), and John Victor Peterson representing Science-Fiction Times (best fanzine, formerly Fantasy Times). First published as an Ansible Editions ebook for the TransAtlantic Fan Fund (TAFF) site in June 2022; this trade paperback version follows in July 2022. • Over 68,500 words. • ALL PROCEEDS FROM SALES GO TO TAFF.