INTERNATIONAL FANTASY AWARDS COMMITTEE GETS STARTED ON MAKING AWARDS FOR BEST STF BOOKS OF 1951

FANTASY TIMES VOL 7 NO 1 (Number 145) JANUARY 1952

LONDON, England. 12 Nov ‘51 (CNS) - Leslie Flood today informed FANTASY TIMES that the "International Fantasy Awards Committee", who made the surprize awards to the two stf books "Earth Abides" and "The Conquest Of Space" as the two best stf (fiction & non-fiction) books of 1950, at the International Stf Convention in England, last Spring, is ready t o make awards to the best stf books of 1951.

The awards will be made in the Spring of 1952 and will cover stf books published during the year 1951. This year, any person who donates $1.00 to the Committee will have a chance to vote for the best stf book of 1951 .

The $1.00 donation is needed to pay for all expenses in making the awards plus the "Oscar" itself.

At the end of 1951, all who contributed $1.00 will receive a list of all the stf books published in 1951 plus instructions on how to vote. To make it interesting, prizes totalling $25.00 will be given to three persons making the right guess as to how the top six books will place in the final awards.

Last year’s "Oscars" were beautiful rocket-ship cigarette lighters. They have been on display in London during the summer and have now been delivered to their American winners.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD – 1952

JOHN CARNELL

NEW WORLDS 14, MARCH 1952

With the advent of another new year, fantasy enthusiasts have already begun speculating upon who will win this year's International Fantasy Award trophies for the best contributions to the science-fiction field published in hard covers during 1951. Just who the deserving winners will be in both the fiction and non-fiction group is still a matter for conjecture, but a vast amount of work is in progress attempting to smooth out the numerous problems such an International Award has posed.

For instance, who would be acknowledged as competent judges for such a difficult task ? Should they, like the Awards, be International ? Which type of book would automatically be eligible for the award—and which not ? Was an anthology eligible ? Was a magazine serial, published say in 1948, rewritten and published in book form in 1951, a contender for such an Award ? Where decide the dividing line between science-fiction and fantasy ?

The questions seem innumerable, and many misconceptions and misunderstandings have arisen during the past six months because these problems were not ironed out before the first Awards were announced at the First International Convention in London last May. When one realises that the original idea of such a yearly Award was conceived and put into operation only a scant few weeks before presentation, some understanding of the enormity of the task confronting the Award Committee can be visualised.

Unfortunately—-or fortunately—there is no "snob value" attached to the International Award. No moneyed publisher or Literary Guild stand behind it to boost it on its way via radio, press, cocktail parties or free luncheons. The question most often asked is "Who are the people behind such a venture ?" and few people, either in the professional publishing fields or amongst the silent ranks of readers can appreciate the philanthropic gesture of a small group of sincere people without any personal axes to grind donating two magnificent awards a year to authors in recognition of outstanding works of merit. Nevertheless, from a small but auspicious beginning, the International Award is gathering strength, and by the time the final snags are surmounted, the basis of a long-term policy will be firmly established.

I hope to be able to publish the completed details covering eligibility of titles, and the names of this year's small but competent panel of adjudicators, in a special article in the next issue—long before the announcement of this year's winners will be made known at the Second International Convention in London on May 31st and June 1st, at the Royal Hotel.

JOHN CARNELL

 A MERIT FOR FANTASY

LESLIE FLOOD

NEW WORLDS 15, May 1952

In this article by the Secretary of the International Fantasy Award Fund readers will find complete up-to-the-minute information on the progress made during the past twelve months and an explanation of just what the Fantasy Awards means.

This is not a eulogy for the late master of fantasy A. Merritt, although connoisseurs who have savoured his works may well consider this title as apt an introduction for the International Fantasy Award. Indeed, as editor of The American Weekly, and among the foremost of early fantasy authors to set a high literary standard, I feel that Abraham Merritt would have bestowed his blessing on such a venture, now in its second year, with the announcement of the Award winners for 1952, shortly to be made.

As it is, the reception given to the first International Awards - surprise item at the International Science Fiction Convention held in London last May - has ranged from enthusiastic acclaim through sharp criticism to dubious scepticism, and, in view of such a state of affairs, it is to be hoped that this brief outline of the aims and tasks of the Fantasy Award Committee, together with a résumé of its achievements to date, will serve to ally the interest and sympathy of all readers of fantasy and science-fiction, and to promote the active participation of those, including authors, publishers and reviewers, who have at heart the advancement of literary fantasy in all its aspects.

Literary awards have long been attractions for men and women of letters, and such plums as the Hawthornden Prize, the James Tait Black Memorial or the ultimate Nobel Prize for Literature, have set the crowning seal on the careers of famous authors. The Hollywood “Oscar” is a major event in the film world, and even the thriller writers of America chase their “Edgar.” What more natural, then, than to honour the best work of the year in the field of published fantasy? This has long been the happy hunting ground of the few enthusiasts, now widening into popular acclaim, in keeping with this modem age of scientific miracles and future aspirations?

Even so, the idea had not been put into practice when the birth of the International Fantasy Award combusted spontaneously, as it were, during a conversation among four habituees of the London Circle at the White Horse Tavern one Thursday evening in April 1951. The originators responsible for this apparently momentous contribution to fantasy recognition happened also to be directors of the British fantasy magazine publishers Nova Publications, namely John Beynon Harris, noted author; G. Ken Chapman, well-known afiionado and fantasy bookman; Frank A. Cooper, instigator of many active facets of British fantasy, and myself.

From that moment until the first public announcement at the Convention a few weeks later, development of the scheme was precipitous, and perhaps, from the superior viewpoint of subsequent scrutiny, somewhat incomplete. However it was felt that the first International Convention would be admirable for the inauguration of the Award, particularly as the winners of the 1951 Awards both transpired to be Americans, and a renowned figure of the American fantasy world, Forrest J. Ackerman, would be present at the occasion to accept on behalf of his compatriots the practical evidence of the Awards. For the event, it was only possible in the time available to have ready a facsimile of the actual Award trophies. These were made later by an expert model-maker, and took the form of the traditional space-ship -  chromium-plated and mounted on a polished oak plinth for the major fiction award, and bronze mounted on mahogany for the non-fiction award - complete with matching Ronson table lighters and suitably inscribed, the whole approximately 20 inches high. They were later on view at book centres in London, before being despatched to their future owners.

For the benefit of those to whom knowledge of the Fantasy Awards is quite new, I will repeat the results of the 1951 International Fantasy Awards. The prize for the best work of fiction, with a basis of fantasy, from a literary aspect and in accordance with the vote of the self-appointed selection committee, and published in 1950, was awarded to Earth Abides, by George R. Stewart of California, U.S.A. The book was first published in Great Britain by Victor Gollancz in 1950 although it had appeared in America the previous year from Random House, and therefore eligible in the opinion of the committee at that time. The prize for the best work of non-fiction, with a basis of fantasy, was given to Willy Ley’s The Conquest of Space, in collaboration with artist Chesley Bonestell, both of U.S.A., which again, although first published in Great Britain in 1950 by Sidgwick & Jackson, had previously appeared in America from the Viking Press.

The International Fantasy Award was now a fait accomplt. The enthusiastic reception of the scheme itself at the Convention, and the general recognition of the winners as unanimously meritorious - the international circumstances of the choices being extremely fortunate - proved ample recompense to the sponsors who had themselves undertaken the financing of the project - although subsequent donations from interested well-wishers are gratefully acknowledged. Publicity releases and photographs of the actual Awards were circulated to book and magazine publishers, literary periodicals, prominent personalities in the fantasy world, fans and amateur editors, as widely as possible in Britain and America.

It is to deal with subsequent misconceptions that I am now publicising the activities of the Award Committee, and giving details of the current 1952 Awards now nearing completion - the results of which it is hoped will be announced at the forthcoming London Science-Fiction Convention on May 31st and June 1st.

Considerable publicity has been given the Awards on both sides of the Atlantic and our thanks are due to the perceptive editors for their assistance. One sharp criticism appeared in an article by Anthony Boucher in the New York Herald-Tribune, however. This was the result of a misunderstanding, since amicably cleared up, concerning a scheme introduced by the Committee for the purpose of obtaining funds for the continuance expansion of the Awards, which, although non-profit making, should not allowed in all fairness to be a perpetual burden on the original sponsors. The idea was, for our American friends, a dollar-a-throw competition which entailed listing in order of preference their own six choices, with prizes amounting to $25.00 offered to the three winners placing the books correct order of merit as revealed by the adjudicators’ final selection.

The error which crept in was that this statement inferred that anyone who contributed a dollar automatically became an adjudicator. I am therefore emphasising that this is not so and that the judging of the Award will be made by a responsible panel of experts, whose names appear in this article. The competition idea as indicated, however, has been withdrawn. I need hardly add that ordinary philanthropic donations will as in the past, gratefully welcomed.

All this, however, is comparatively unimportant. The main question that has been asked, and which is still the most important factor of all, is who will be the judges of what are the best works of fiction and non-fiction of 1951 in the fantasy field ? Who are the best-suited people to state categorically that a certain book was the best literary achievement in fantasy published last year, worthy of an Award that could conceivably influence the sales of that book, and certainly enhance the reputation of the author? To find the answer to that problem the Award Committee immediately realised that the adjudicating panel would also have to be international, because only the combined knowledge of experts from many countries would give a truly representative result.

I therefore have pleasure in announcing that the following well-known personalities actively connected with many literary aspects of fantasy fiction have been invited to join the Adjudicating Panel, and, as of this writing, most of them have already accepted.

Great Britain -   J. M. WALSH -noted mystery writer, fantasy bibliophile, and former science-fiction author. JOHN CARNELL - editor of New Worlds and Science-Fantasy, and forthcoming anthologist. WALTER GILLINGS - one-time editor of Tales of Wonder, Fantasy, and former editor of Science-Fantasy. WALTER A. WILLIS - fandom’s leading expert and critic. FRED C. BROWN - noted London bibliophile.

France   - GEORGES GALLET - Leading Parisian editor and publisher. Theodore maslowski - fantasy book critic for Mystere Magasin.

United States – ANTHONY BOUCHER and J. FRANCIS McCOMAS (jointly), as editors of Magazine of Fantasy and Science-Fiction, both noted connoisseurs, critics and anthologists. EVERETT   F. BLEILER - leading anthologist and bibliophile. GROFF CONKLIN - well-known anthologist and book reviewer. BASIL DAVENPORT - literary critic of the New York Times and Book-of- the-Month Club. AUGUST DERLETH - outstanding anthologist, author and book reviewer. JUDITH MERRIL - leading woman fantasy author and editor.

Sweden – SIGVARD OSTLUND - foremost Scandinavian fantasy bibliophile.

In addition, the following three judges will not be participating upon the panel this year, as they have books eligible for the Awards JOHN BEYNON HARRIS (Britain) - noted author. WILSON TUCKER (U.S.A.) - mystery writer and noted critic, WILLY LEY (U.S.A.) - scientist, author and fantasy expert, who will cover German publications.

To return to the 1951 Awards for a moment, I will state that the original committee of four, limited as it was, but with the advice and help of such fantasy experts as John Carnell, did, by virtue of their combined experience and personal good taste, manage to produce worthy winners of that year’s Awards. The modest advent of the Fantasy Award, however, could not be allowed to continue upon what might have been construed as a partisan basis, plus the fact that interest in the project had quickly moved into an international bracket. Even though we now have many of the foremost experts upon the Adjudicating Panel, it is hoped that their ranks will be strengthened and improved as circumstances and opportunities arise.

Meanwhile, the actual working Committee of the project consists of the three original members, Chapman, Cooper and myself, responsible for the financial arrangements, publicity and correspondence. To clear up the question of which books will he eligible, it has been decided that the following conditions must apply: The work of fiction shall be a complete novel, or series of stories by the same author (mixed anthologies are therefore excluded), which is first published in book form in any country during 1951. Thus, a story which has seen print earlier in a magazine, perhaps serialised, and subsequently reprinted as a book, more often than not revised or rewritten, is eligible. A new edition of an earlier book is not.

The definition of “fantasy” as an “image-making faculty, mental image; fantastic design; whimsical speculation” admittedly covers everything from the fairy tale to the fantasy of science-fiction; however, I feel that the selection of fantasy books eligible for the Award can confidently be left to the wisdom of the judges.

Eligibility of the non-fiction Award is more difficult to define, even ignoring the black-and-white logic of “non-fiction” being, perforce, “fact.” Here the qualification shall be that which attempts to illustrate, or could influence, the progress of scientific or sociological development. In other words, imaginary extrapolations of known facts or accepted theories.

The Award trophies for 1952 will be similar to those for 1951, classically simple, but nevertheless handsome and valuable, and it is to be hoped that sufficient financial support will be forthcoming to maintain the high standard already set, and to establish a sound foundation for the future. The address for the International Fantasy Award is c/o 52 Stoke Newington Road, London, N.16, and donations made out to the Hon. Secretary—”L. Flood,” crossed “Fantasy Award A/c.”

INQUEST – BY REQUEST

LESLIE FLOOD

NEW WORLDS 18 – NOVEMBER 1952

The final summary of the titles which were eligible for this year's International Fantasy Award trophies bring some interesting comments from the Adjudicators.

Since the announcement of the 1952 International Fantasy Award winners it has become evident that a much wider interest is now being shown in what portends to develop into an important annual event, not only among the coterie of science-fiction and fantasy readers, authors and publishers, but also in the literary world in general now that the term "science-fiction" is being appreciated by a rapidly increasing reading public.

The universal approbation of this year's trophy awards to John Collier (for Fiction Choice Fancies and Goodnights) and Arthur C. Clarke (for Non-Fiction Choice The Exploration of Space) has been gratifying. As evidence of trade interest, it is pleasurable to report that in an advertisement of one of the Award winners the publisher mentions this achievement as a recommendation for the book which is now in its third impression.

In order to enlarge on the initial announcement of the contest winners and the runners-up in j each section, and to satisfy the curiosity of those inquirers interested in the wider selections and opinions of the Adjudication Panel, the following analysis is given. There is no secret about the voting, in fact, the majority of the judges originally suggested that it would be an excellent idea to publicize their selections, and to show plainly the validity of the voting by virtue of points being awarded for order of preference (i.e., 5 points for 1st place, 4 for 2nd place and so on), the winner in each section having the greatest aggregate.

Most of the judges qualified their selections with admirable expressions of opinion. August Derleth, for instance, after a reluctant relinquishment of the reprint of H. P. Lovecraft's The Haunter of the Dark (considered ineligible), chose first for the Fiction award, Fancies and Goodnights for "Collier's narrative skill which far exceeds that of most contemporary writers in the field." He then listed The Illustrated Man noting that Ray Bradbury "almost alone among the writers of science-fiction has made fiction in the genre human by his concern with the problems of human beings against space." In giving third place to The Disappearance Derleth echoes, perhaps, the majority opinion that Philip Wylie has always shown a significant awareness of social problems, and his fantasies follow the Wellsian tradition. Fourth choice was Gerald Heard's The Black Fox "offering further testimony that Heard is a superlatively good writer no matter what he undertakes." Finally a straight science-fiction choice, Lewis (Henry Kuttner) Padgett's To-morrow and To-morrow and The Chessmen "particularly the latter which is fresh in concept and far above average in execution."

The editors of the Magazine of Fantasy and Science-Fiction—Anthony Boucher and J. Francis McComas—with their joint vote, had much the same sort of comments to make. Fancies and Goodnights again took pride of place, their second choice was John Dickson Carr's The Devil in Velvet, and third vote to John Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids. Lastly came The Fox and The Disappearance.

Yet another American fantasy bookman—Everett F. Bleiler—pointed the trend of the voting. He bracketed together in first place John Wyndham's Day of the Triffids and Bradbury's The Illustrated Man. John Collier's book came second, for as Mr. Bleiler frankly admitted "if Fancies and Goodnights had been entirely a collection of new material I would have waved my copy in the air and shouted 'Double first!' But since the best glories in the book were old acquaintances it didn't seem fair to include them in this contest. Fancies, therefore, is rated solely on the new stories, with perhaps a slight non-logical boost for old times' sake." In third and fourth places came two English books—the William Fryer Harvey collection of weird fantasies The Arms of Mrs. Egan and Ronald Eraser's Beetle's Career which was commended for "... excellent style. I was so delighted to find clarity, whimsy and wit, after having slogged through so many feet of verbalised dullness or hysteria, that I was willing to forgive weaknesses in other directions." Final fiction choice was Fredric Brown's Space on my Hands.

A champion for science-fiction, as against fantasy, was found in Miss Judith Merril, although perhaps only by virtue of her frank admission that her selection was made solely from the books she had read! (It transpired that her few omissions were among those entries completely discarded by the other judges). John W. Campbell, Jr.'s The Moon is Hell for "its sober, carefully-thought-out approach, although lacking the quality of Campbell's earlier writings" took first place over Theodore Sturgeon's The Dreaming Jewels and L. Sprague de Camp's The Rogue Queen. Anent the second choice Miss Merril comments "... apparently, even when he picks on the most ordinary of plots or theme, Sturgeon has the special art of bringing his stories alive. I don't believe in any of these people, and I am tired of mad scientists—but I read the book at a sitting, entranced throughout." Fourth and fifth choices were John D. Macdonald's Wine of the Dreamers and again Space on My Hands by Fredric Brown—"a rare combination of realism, humour and imagination."

The English members of the Panel seemed determined to add variety to the final selection. Veteran author Jim Walsh was guided by the following logical principles "readability, story value, characterisation and feasibility" and voted these five books in order of preference; Isaac Asimov's The Stars Like Dust, Brown's Space on my Hands, Arthur C. Clarke's The Sands of Mars, Edmond Hamilton's City at World's End and Robert Heinlein's The Green Hills of Earth. John Carnell, editor and anthologist, listed Wylie's The Disappearance in first place, followed closely by John Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids, Carr's The Devil in Velvet (he acclaimed this on publication as a fantasy find par excellence), Bradbury's The Illustrated Man, and lastly Wilson Tucker's memorable City in the Sea. His former associate Walter Gillings gave first choice to The Illustrated Man, followed by the second in the Future History series by Robert Heinlein, Green Hills of Earth, the late Austin Hall and Homer Eon Flint's fantasy classic Blind Spot, Asimov's Foundation, and Robert Spencer Carr's Beyond Infinity.

Bibliophile Fred Brown voted Fancies and Goodnights into top place ("a unique book") with Stanley Mullen's Merritesque fantasy Kinsmen of the Dragon second. Next three were Heinlein's The Puppet Masters, Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids, and De Camp's The Rogue Queen. Ireland's Walt Willis showed an almost straight science-fiction card, headed by Arthur Clarke's The Sands of Mars, and tailed by Clifford D. Sirnak's Time and Again, Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids, Heinlein's The Puppet Masters, and Padgett's To-morrow and To-morrow and The Fairy Chessmen An accompanying note explained that Clarke's Prelude to Space, a Galaxy Novel paper-backed edition, would have had his first vote if considered eligible. However, this story is being published in hard covers soon and will be eligible for a later Award.

From Sweden, Sigvard Ostlund picked as winner Asimov's Foundation ("a tremendous concept and no space opera, with excellent treatment") followed by Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids—"an enticingly new slant to the old catastrophe plot, with real living characters and a convincing plot." Other three were Wylie's The Disappearance, Bradbury's The Illustrated Man and Simak's Time and Again. French editor Georges Gallet found F. G. Rayer's Tomorrow Sometimes Comes the "best science fiction story of the year," with L. Ron Hubbard's Typewriter in the Sky and Fear second. Third was Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids (" . . . brilliantly told in a manner that almost makes this nightmare seem as real as to-day's newspaper—or perhaps to-morrow's.") Fourth, Hamilton's City at World's End, and Heinlein's The Puppet Masters fifth. Fellow countryman Igor B. Maslowski chose John Dickson Carr's The Devil in Velvet "because its the best blend of science-fiction, detection and fantasy of the year; because, too, it's well written." Second choice Fancies and Goodnights ("very high literary level,") followed by De Camp's The Rogue Queen ("novelty treatment of a delicate subject,"). Heard's The Black Fox ("because of its literary and imaginative qualities, and brilliant treatment of mystery and horror atmosphere") and Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids ("because it's 'intelligent' science-fiction.")

At this stage The Day of the Triffids held a slight lead, but with two first places from the remaining American members of the judging panel, John Collier's Fancies and Goodnights edged into first place on the final score. Groff Conklin placed his other choices in the following order—Padgett’s To-morrow and To-morrow and The Fairy Chessmen, Heard's The Black Fox, Heinlein's The Puppet Masters, and Raymond F. Jones' Renaissance. Critic Basil Davenport finally seemed to sum up with a selection which contained almost all the first five finalists, commencing on John Collier "... a writer with absolutely his own quality, a unique blend of the humorous and the horrible." On second choice, Heard's The Black Fox, with "a novel of supernatural issues with the unmistakable quality that comes from real belief; ranks with Charles Williams and C. S. Lewis. Of third place, The Illustrated Man he says "Ray Bradbury is a writer of witch and goblin tales for our day, and he sincerely believes, and makes us believe, that the goblins will get us." Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids merits "... a superscience postulate combines with realistic treatment make a real thriller." And of Heinlein's The Puppet Masters ". . . this is like the above ; they both set the reader thinking, 'What should / do if this happened around me ? “

So much for the Fiction section, with honourable mentions proffered to the runners-up, John Wyndham for The Day of the Triffids, and Ray Bradbury for The Illustrated Man.

The contest for the Non-Fiction Award was practically a walk-over. No less than seven of the judges awarded first place to Arthur C. Clarke's Exploration of Space, and it further received one second place, and two third places. Owing to the limited number of entries for the Non-fiction category, votes were based on selections of three each from twelve of the judges, the remaining two abstaining. The accent was mainly on near-technical books dealing with the problems and future of space travel, and Mr. Clarke's was obviously the bright star of 1952, having since been reprinted in America and chosen as a Book-of-the-Month Club Non-fiction choice. "Astronautics without tears" was M. Gallet's apt comment, and Basil Davenport said of the first three contestants "...I am the rankest layman, and they make somewhat abstruse subjects entirely clear to me, and are as enthralling reading as the best fiction."

Rockets, Jets, Guided Missiles and Space Ships, with text by Fletcher Pratt and illustrations by Jack Coggins, received a first from Messrs. Boucher and McComas and many other mentions, whilst other books in this category, although not placed, were Space Medicine, edited by John P. Marberger, and Willy Ley's completely revised Rockets, Missiles and Space Travel.

The runner-up, Willy Ley's further excursion into romantic zoology, Dragons in Amber, was well represented in the various selections, but received only one first, from August Derleth. Another natural for the Award contest appeared to be Kenneth Heuer's Men of Other Planets — "a daring approach to a nebulous subject which has long engaged the dreams of the more adventurous among our kind" (August Derleth). The tremendously popular Nature of the Universe by Fred Hoyle was suggested by several of the judges, but since it was first published in England in 1950 it could not be seriously considered. Judith Merril unhesitatingly recommended for top honours Rachel Carson's best-seller The Sea Around Us, and was seconded by Groff Conklin. Not entirely a surprise in view of its literary quality, although its connection with science-fiction is not readily apparent. Two other writers are worthy of note; well-known science-fiction author Lester del Rey's It's Your Atomic Age, and a supernatural study, Haunted People; Story of the Poltergeist Down the Centuries, by Hereward Carrington and Sandor Fodor.

So far, 1952 has seen an even larger number of science fiction and fantasy books published, and one or two originals are beginning to stand out among the others. Who will be the proud owner of 1953's Fantasy Award trophy? An increasing public interest in scientific developments, particularly of atomics and space flight, is ensuring a firm showing of non-fiction entries. Which will be a worthy successor to Conquest of Space and Exploration of Space. The International Fantasy Award Committee looks forward to another interesting task next year, and to increasing support for this venture which on its merits deserves an important niche in the history of science-fiction.

INTERNATIONAL FANTASY AWARD COMMITTEE

Science Fiction News Letter number 23, January 1952, edited by Bob Tucker

Leslie Flood (London); "We are at |ast able to report that the Fantasy Awards are on their way to America to the authors concerned — since so very much time seems to have passed since Forrest Ackerman made a token acceptance of them last spring. The scheme for the Awards for the best works of fiction and non-fiction, published In 1951, will this time be based on. a much more representative selection by a great many more adjudicators.

To that end we are asking your co-operation, and that of your readers, to help Judge the works. To provide a sporting interest we have decided to offer prizes amounting to $25 to the three adjudicators placing six works in their correct order of merit, as revealed by the adjudicators' selection as a whole. ((He means, If you guess the top six winners correctly, you win the cash. BT)) The modus operandi is for all well-wishers and would-be master critics to send us their names and addresses, together with $1, or twice that much in good quality science or fantasy magazines (to be sold for benefit of the Award). A further 50 cents should be sent if a photograph of the 1950 Awards is wanted.

The committee will then record the donor as an adjudicator, and will forward full details at once, together with an entry form for the competition and a list of 1951 publications. What's it all about? The answer is simply that we believe that creative fantasy should be encouraged, and that work of high standards should be recognized. Why do we need the money? The Awards, the photographs, the publicity, the stationery, have cost to date over $150; the hard work and loving care was donated free. The financing was guaranteed by the central group or original sponsors, and has been met. Now we need a cash basis to get the selections going for this year. Will you help by giving us needed publicity?"

(Send International money orders or magazines to Flood, in care of the Fantasy Book Center, 25 Stoke Newlngton Road, London, N16, England.)

 Science Fiction News Letter number 25, May 1952, edited by Bob Tucker

The International Fantasy Awards Committee (see News Letter number 23, January) have announced the names of the Adjudicators (permanent): author J.M. Walsh, editor John Carnell, bibliophile Fred C. Brown, and fan-critic Walter Willis for Great Britain. For France: editor & publisher Georges Gallet, editor Igor Maslowskl. For Sweden; bibliophile Slgvard Ostlund. For the USA: editors Boucher 8.McComas (as one unit), editor Groff Conklin, editor & publisher August Derleth, editor Everett F. Bleiler, reviewer Basil Davenport, and writer Judith Merrll.

International Fantasy Awards Panel Chosen

FANTASY TIMES VOL 7 NO 8 (Number 152) April 1952

London, England, 31 March (CNS) The 1952 International Fantasy Award Panel of Adjudicators were announced today as follows;

Great Britain: mystery novelist and former stf author J. M. Walsh; bibliophile Fred C. Brown; fan critic Walter A. Willis, pro editor John Carnell.

France; Georges Gallet, editor and publisher; Igor Maslowski, fantasy book critic for MYSTERE MAGAZINE.

United States ; Anthony Boucher and J. Francis McComas (as a single unit ); Everett F Bleiler ; Groff Conklin; Basil Davenport, lit critic NY TIMES; August Derleth; Judy Merril. (These last three are the only ones who have not yet acknowledged and accepted,)

Sweden: Sigvard Ostlund, foremost fantasy bibliophile.

The Awards will be announced at Britain's Second International Convention to be held on May 31st - June 1st at the Royal Hotel, London, as last year. This year bids will be welcomed on the Convention floor, for the site of the 1953 Convention.

-Ted Carnell

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Collier And Clarke Win 1952 British S-F Award

FANTASY TIMES VOL 7 NO 12 (Number 156) June 1952

London, England, 25 May, (GIB) -Ted Carnell, editor of New Worlds and Science-Fantasy, informs us that John Collier won the British 1952 Science Fiction Awards with "Fancies and Goodnights"; with Wyndham's "Day Of The Triffids" only a few points behind for second place. Arthur Clarke won the non-fiction award with "The Exploration Of Space".