REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST NUMBER‘ 33*“* Publication No VBG2791 nusTRnunn Mi MAY 1983

New Collection NEBULA AWARDS The NEBULA AWARDS for 1982 were announ­ From NORSTRILIA ced at the 18th annual Nebula Awards Banquet of the Science Fiction Writers PRESS of America, Inc., at the New York Statler -Hilton Hotel on April 23rd. The Melbourne publisher NORSTRILIA PRESS Best Novel Award went to MICHAEL BISHOP released a new original collection of for NO ENEMY BUT TIME. All nominatioris science fiction stories in May entitled areas follows, with the winners in DREAMWORKS. Subtitled "Strange New Stories" each category underlined: and edited by David King, it features MICHAEL BISHOP stories by Kevin McKay, Henry Gasko, Lucy Sussex, Andrew Whitmore, Bruce Gillespie, David King, Damien Broderick, Greg Egan, Russell Blackford, Gerald Mumane, David Lake and George Turner. A launching and 'theatrical' event is Bishop

due to be held at the Melbourne PLANETARIUM on Tuesday, June 7. Norstrilia have also

announced for publication later this year J e r i

a new novel, AN UNUSUAL ANGLE by Greg Egan. by

George Turner is working on a non-fiction semi- autobiographical work for them Photo DITMAR AWARD NOMINATIONS BEST NOVEL

This years AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION THYME HELLICONIA SPRING by Brian Aldiss ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - THE DITMARS Eds. Irwin Hirsh S Andrew (Atheneum) will be presented at the 22nd Australian Brown, Roger Weddall FOUNDATION'S EDGE by Isaac Asimov National Science Fiction Convention - WEBERWOMAN'S WREVENGE (Doubleday) SYNCON '83, which will be held at the Ed. Jean Weber NO ENEMY BUT TIME by Michael Bishop Shore Motel, Pacific Highway, Artarmon, (Timescape) BEST AUSTRALIAN FAN WRITER New South Wales. The Guests of honour THE TRANSMIGRATION OF TIMOTHY ARCHER will be American writer HARLAN ELLISON Terry Dowling Marc Ortlieb by Philip K. Dick (Timescape) and West Australian academic and critic Leigh Edmonds FRIDAY by Robert A. Heinlein Dr VAN IKIN. Members of SYNCON '83 are (Holt, Rinehart Is Winston) BEST AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION OR THE SWORD OF THE LICTOR by Gene eligible to vote in the final ballot FANTASY ARTIST for the award and the nominations are Wolfe (Timescape) as follows: Kerrie Hanlon Marilyn Pride Chris Johnston Nick Stathopoulos BEST NOVELLA BEST INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION BEST AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION OR "Another Orphan" by John Kessel OR FANTASY' FANTASY CARTOONIST (F8SF, September) "Horrible Imaginings" by Fritz NO ENEMY BUT TIME - Michael Bishop Terry Frost Jane Taubman THE ONE TREE - Stephen Donaldson Leiber (DEATH) Michael McGann Julie Vaux "Moon of Ice" by Brad Linaweaver RIDDLEY WALKER - Russell Hoban John Packer (Amazing, March) RODERICK - John Sladek BEST AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION OR "Unsound Variations" by George R.R. BEST AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION OR FANTASY EDITOR Martin (Amazing, January) FANTASY ------"Souls" by Joanna Russ Neville Angove Paul Collins (FJjSF, January) THE MAN WHO WALKS AWAY BEHIND Mervyn Binns Van Ikin THE EYES by Terry Dowling Ron L. Clarke Norstrilia Press BEST NOVELETTE (Omega, May-June) THE WILLIAM ATHELING AWARD "Myths of the Near Future" by J.G. LANCES OF NENGESDUL by Keith Taylor Ballard (F§SF, October) VANEGLORY by George Turner Terry Dowling - "Kirth Gersen: The "Understanding Human Behavior" by Other Demon Prince" from Science Thomas M. Disch (F&SF, Feb.) BEST AUSTRALIAN FANZINE Fiction 11 Terry Dowling - "The Lever of Life: "Burning Chrome" by William Gibson ORNITHOPTER Winning and Losing in the (Omni, July) Ed. Leigh Edmonds "The Mystery of the Young Gentleman" Fiction of Cordwainer Smith" Q36 from Science Fiction 10 by Joanna Russ (SPECULATIONS) Ed. Marc Ortlieb "Swarm" by Bruce Sterling SCIENCE FICTION Bruce Gillespie - SF Commentary - (FgSF, April) The First Year Ed. Van Ikin ConZZnued on page. 3. A GATEWAY TO THE FANTASY WORLDS OF PAST,PRESENT AND FUTURE! &CORGI and BANTAM lr BOOKS

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PHONE:(02) 267 7630 DISTRIBUTED BY THOMAS NELSON (AUSTRALIA) "Fire Watch" by Connie Willis "Melancholy Elephants" by Spider BEST FANZINE (IASFM, 15th February) Robinson (Analog, June) "Spider Rose" by Bruce Sterling Fantasy Newsletter I File 770 / Locus / BEST SHORT STORY SF Chronicle / SF Review (F8SF, August) "Petra" by Greg Bear "The Boy Who Waterskied to Forever" BEST FAN WRITER (Omni, February) by James Tiptree, Jr. "High Steel" by Jack C. Haldeman II (F8SF, October) Richard E. Geis / Mike Glyer / Arthur § Jack Dann (F8SF, February) "Ike at the Mike" by Howard Waldrop Hlavaty / Dave Langford "Corridors" by Barry N. Malzberg (Omni, June) (THE ENGINES OF THE NIGHT) BEST FAN ARTIST "The Pope of the Chimps" by Robert BEST NON-FICTION Silverberg (PERPETUAL LIGHT) Alexis Gilliland I Joan Hanke-Woods / "God's Hooks" by Howard Waldrop THE WORLD OF THE DARK CRYSTAL by William Rotsler / Stu Shiftman / Dan (UNIVERSE 12) Brian Froud; text by J.J. Stef fan "A Letter From the Clearys" by Llewellyn (Knopf) Connie Willis (IASFM, July) ISAAC ASIMOV: THE FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE FICTION by James Gunn (Oxford) THE ENGINES OF THE NIGHT by Barry HUGO NOMINATIONS N. Malzberg (Doubleday) A READER'S GUIDE TO FANTASY by The Nominations for the 1983 Hugo Awards Baird Seales, Beth Meacham 8 to be presented at CONSTELLATION, the Michael Franklin (Avon) 1983 World SF Convention being held in FEAR ITSELF: THE HORROR FICTION OF Dear Readers, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A., have been STEPHEN KING by Tim Underwood 6 Just when I had reached the stage where announced by the committee. Members of Chuck Miller, eds. (Underwood- I expected to be telling you that this Constellation are the only people elig­ Miller) would be the last issue for a while, or ible to vote for the Hugo. The committee BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION at least that size and content would be have done a good job in getting the nom­ reduced, my request for help in produc­ inations and now the final voting forms, BLADE RUNNER I DARK CRYSTAL / E.T. / ing the NEWS has been answered. Quite a out earlier we believe than other World ROAD WARRIOR I STAR TREK II lot of the typing of this issue has Con previously, so we hope that many been done by Jane Tisell, who is relat­ more people, including Australian members, BEST PROFESSIONAL EDITOR ively new to fandom, but saw my plea in will vote. Remember, you do not have to Terry Carr / Edward L. Ferman I David a recent issue and offered to help. vote in every category or for all the G. Hartwell I Stanley Schmidt / George nominations, so please do send in your Scithers Financially speaking the NEWS has not ballot now! done too badly, being about $1500 in the BEST PROFESSIONAL ARTIST red to Space Age Books since its pub­ BEST NOVEL lication first began in 1978. However Kelly Freas / Don Maitz / Rowena Morrill FOUNDATION'S EDGE by Isaac Asimov that is more than I can say for SAB / Barclay Shaw / Darrell Sweet / Michael and I am forced to spend a lot more (Doubleday) (Granada U.K.) Whelan THE PRIDE OF CHANUR by C.J. Cherryh time in the shop and less on my public­ (DAW) ations, or both the NEWS and SAB will JOHN W. CAMPBELL AWARD cease to exist at all. The CHECKLIST 2010: ODYSSEY TWO by Arthur C. *Joseph H. Delaney / *Lisa Goldstein / will continue and the next issue should Clarke (Del Rey) (Granada U.K.) be out in July. FRIDAY by Robert A. Heinlein *Sandra Miesel I *Warren G. Norwood / (Holt, Rinehart 8 Winston) David R. Palmer / Paul 0. Williams My thanks to Jane Tissel, Peter Forbes (New English Library U.K.) * = first year of eligibility for working on address lists in prepar­ COURTSHIP RITE by Donald Kingsbury ation for the Special Free Issue of the (Timescape) news being planned,and proof reading THE SWORD OF THE LICTOR by Gene by Justin Ackroyd. Wolfe (Timescape) Merv Binns/Editor (Sidgwick 8 Jackson U.K.) BEST NOVELLA AUSTRALIAN SF NEWS ISSN 0155-8870 is edited and published by Mervyn R.Binns under the sponsorship of The AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION "The Postman" by David Brin FOUNDATION. (IASFM, November) ASFN is registered for posting under Australia Post , publication # VBG2791 "Brainchild" by Joseph H. Delaney The address for all correspondence is 305/307 Swanston'Street, Melbourne, (Analog, June) 3000, Victoria, AUSTRALIA. "Another Orphan" by John Kessel (F8SF, September) SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $7.00 Australian for 6 issues, surface mail. $12.00 Airmail. "Unsound Variations" by George R.R. 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(F8SF, April) "Aquila" by Somtow Sucharitkul N.B. A 10% discount is allowed to subscription agencies other than our official (IASFM, 18th January) agents listed above, but payment must be sent direct to us. We suggest that "Fire Watch" by Connie Willis any additional costs be charged direct to the subscriber . (IASFM, 15th February) "Pawn's Gambit" by Timothy Zahn We are Australian Agents for: NEW RATES FOLLOWING DEVALUATION! (Analog, 29th March) LOCUS: Subscription rates: $36.50 12 issues Airmail $68.70 for 24 issues Airmail. $22.90 12 .. Sea Mail $41.80 .. 24 .. Sea Mail. BEST SHORT STORY SCIENCE FICTION CHRONICLE: $33.00 for 12 issues Airmail/ $57.60 for 24 issues AM. "Sur" by Ursula K. Le Guin (The New Yorker, 1/2/82; SCIENCE FICTION BOOKS PUBLISHED IN BRITAIN: $3.15 for 6 issues. revised in THE COMPASS ROSE) HHRinn Ellison: n drrgerous vision by Robert Rloth

Truth is stranger than fiction. This is, as I say, no accident. Harlan realized early on, far better than most And so is Harlan Ellison. of us in the field, that in today's The truth is that I first met Harlan world a writer's most important character Ellison at a convention in Ohio, thirty is himself. Papa Hemingway -- brawler, years ago. And that is indeed strange, boozer and Great White Hunter -- is far because anyone seeing him today would better-known than any of the heroes he find it hard to believe he was alive created, and it's hard to conceive of then, or that he will be celebrating Norman Mailer ever making it big as an his forty-ninth birthday this year. introverted recluse. So it is that But I have a picture to prove it; a Harlan, who does not drink, do drugs, photograph of a teenage Harlan together or distinguish himself for debauchery, with Arthur C. Clarke, Evelyn Gold and has chosen other methods. He can and myself, taken during our first meeting. will write a short story while sitting Photo by Jay K.Klein His appearance has changed only slightly in a bookstore window, thus attracting since then; the pipe, glasses and widespread press coverage. But this HARLAN ELLISON is Guest of Honour of engaging grin are still in evidence can be self-defeating in that often more SYNCON '83, but at this time we do not today. No wonder he has been called attention is paid to his methods than know if he will be visiting any parts the Peter Pan or Dorian Gray of science to the merits of the story which results. of Australia other than Sydney. If he fiction! And there are those who object that he does visit Melbourne, Space Age Books "talks dirty" on the platform, while But then, during the past thirty years, hopes to arrange a book signing party. ignoring the fact that he tells the he has been called many things -- genius, truth as he sees it. gadfly, enfant terrible, adult monstrous Books of Harlan Ellisons most recently -- the list is endless. Few writers But behind the facade of fables and released include: SHATTERDAY (Houghton have received so much praise or so much anecdotes there is a real Harlan Ellison; Mifflin/Hutchinson/Berkley), STALKING THE NIGHTMARE (Phantasia Press), and condemnation and none, to my knowledge, a colleague I've been privileged to have reprints of 8 or more titles from ACE have achieved the distinction of being known throughout the years. A Harlan instantly recognized by the mere mention who is scrupulously honest and circum­ (see illustrations below of covers by artist Barclay Shaw) and ALL THE SOUNDS of his first name. Harlan Ellison, spect in his dealings with other authors OF FEAR and TIME OF THE EYE from Granada teen-age fan, is now known as Harlan to as an editor and anthologist, who will in Britain. All of these are collections the entire world, both in and beyond the stand up for his rights and theirs of his fiction or non-fiction pieces, genre of science fiction -- which, by against publishers, producers and but he is also widely know as the editor the way, he claims he does not write, exploiters. A Harlan whose casual of the "Dangerous Visions" series of even though he has won virtually every attire belies his almost fanatical ob­ anthologies. We have been waiting for session with personal cleanliness. A honor which the field can bestow. many years now for the third collection, Harlan whose frequently abrasive rude­ THE LAST DANGEROUS VISIONS, which for It didn't happen by accident. ness is counter-balanced by innumerable various reasons has been delayed, all of Throughout his career I have watched the instances of kindness and unpublicized which were explained in a previous rise of the young man from Ohio; his generosity towards fellow-writers and issue of the NEWS, but the large coll­ transformation from fanzine editor to artists. A Harlan who is a great app- ection with Ellisons introductions, is skilled professional writer in New York, reciator of the work of others, and a close to completion. his work as book and magazine editor in champion who fights for their recog­ Chicago, his development as a screen nition and advancement. A Harlan who Ellison has been involved with the film and television writer in Hollywood, his believes in social and political justice and TV industry quite a lot, having protean achievements as a critic, and puts his money where his mouth is. done scripts for series such as Star Trek, commentator, anthologist, speaker, And, above all, a Harlan who has, through and Outer Limits. A project to do Asimov's dramatic reader of his own prose, his owntalentand creativity, rightfully I ROBOT as a film fell through because of multiple award-winner, and -- finally earned the recognition he's received. the usual stupidity shown by people in -- a media-figure living in a perpet­ the TV industry, but currently Ellison Harlan is not a saint, nor does he ual chaos of controversy, adulation, has been working on a script for a film pretend to be one. He is a complex man, derogation, litigation and the stuff of of BUG JACK BARRON, the novel by Norman at times a difficult one, and like all which legends are created. He has paid Spinrad. The film will be directed by those who refuse to compromise with a high price for his success; his feuds the international director Costa-Gavras. convention, he has his share of enemies. and foibles have frequently received But in the process his public achieve­ On behalf of all his Australian fans we more attention than his substantial ments and private persona have made welcome Harlan Ellison to Australia and achievements both as a highly original Harlan Ellison many friends. we hope he enjoys his visit. writer and innovative editor. I am proud to count myself one of them. VANEGLORY by GEORGE TURNER, published by doubt be signing copies of his books Sphere paperbacks in April U.K., is a May for readers, but we do not know if the release from Nelson Australia. WARLORDS OF specialist shops such as Galaxy and XUMA by DAVID LAKE will be published by Space Age will included in the arrange­ DAW in June. His last book from DAW was ments . THE GODS OF XUMA in 1978.

A new non-sf novel by JOHN BAXTER, based on the world of international art auctions was published by Granada in the U.K.

THE DR WHO TECHNICAL MANUAL by MARK A new science fiction novel by DAMIEN HARRIS is being published in Australia BRODERICK in collaboration with RORY by Dent, in collaboration with the ABC. BARNES, will be published by the Univer­ Severn House published this book in sity of Queensland Press in August '83. the U.K. Broderick has also completed a non- sf novel funded by the Australian Literature WILLIAM COLLINS have,we are told,obtained Board, under his 1980 Senior Fellowship. he rights on all the Stephen Donaldson The working title is TRANSMITTERS and it books for Australia, They will be doing is loosely based on sf fandom. the combined edition of the first three books in he soon and the fragment pub­ Two ABC radio programmes were aired lished by Underwood/Miller in the U.S.A. during April on science fiction. The GILDENFIRE, later in the year. first featured author/critic JOHN BAXTER, on Martin Harrison's "Books and Writing" PAN AUSTRALIA have bought publication segment. Baxter discussed AUSTRALIAN rights on "Science Fiction No Frills", SCIENCE FICTION by Dr Van Ikin, the which in it's American edition had no HARRY HARRISON will be Guest of Honour recent publication in the University of cover illustration or author. It was of SWANCON NINE, to be held over the Queensland "Portable Australian Authors produced by John Silbersack for Jove. Australia Day weekend, 27th -30th of Series". He interviewed authors, pub­ We were not impressed with the idea or January 1984. He will definitely be lishers and booksellers, including Van the book itself, but we guess Pan know visiting all the other states except Ikin, Lee Harding, Damien Broderick, what they are doing. the N.T. and Tasmania. More details Al Knight, Bruce Gillespie, Carey later. Handfield, Mervyn Binns and others, GRANADA PUBLISHERS in the U.K. were and discussed the current state of sf recently bought out by WILLIAM COLLINS. Keep in touch with the book shops men­ writing and publishing in Australia. They will continue to operate as a tioned for more details on these authors separate company, but distribution in visits. The second programme, in the "Double Australia for instance will change in Take" series, consisted mainly of an due course. Gordon § Gotch continue as APOLOGIES.' old Canadian segment compiled by Doug distributors of their paperbacks. Payne, in which he interviewed the late In the tost Zliue. we ran two plugs for James Blish, Arthur C.Clarke and others, HODDER 5 STOUGHTON Australia, now have two separate sfSf review magazines, bat about the state of sf writing. This was the widest range of paperback distrib­ mixed up the addresses. The correct then updated by Peter Fry interviewing ution in Australia, with CORONET, ARROW, details one as follows ■■: - David Lake and George Turner. Both NEW ENGLISH LIBRARY and more recently programmes came over quite well in SCIENCE FICTION § FANTASY BOOK REVIEW FUTURA and METHUEN. Distribution of SPHERE respect of promoting a better image for Edited by Neil Barron for the Science books will be handled by William Collins sf in this country. Fiction Research Association is avail­ from July. able to members of the SFRA or you can A.BERTRAM CHANDLER has confirmed that subscribe separately. Please write Penguin will probably publish KELLY direct to Neil Barron, 1149 Lime Place, COUNTRY later this year. This book took UPDATE ON OVERSEAS AUTHOR VISITS Vista, CA 92083. The SF^FBR reviews a year's research, a year writing and original books only, both hardcover and six months to sell plus another six Besides HARLAN ELLISON visiting Australia paperback, covering approximately 600 months arguing about it, the Captain as the guest of the Australian National fiction and related non-fiction in a advised us. He also tells us that DAW SF Convention - SYNCON, two other well year. will publish MATILDA'S STEPCHILDREN, known authors are due here within the which Don Wollheim originally rejected next year: SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW Edited by and a new Grimes novel, his first since STEPHEN DONALDSON is being brought over Richard E.Geis, P.O.Box 11408, Portland, completing KELLY COUNTRY, with the from the U.S.A, by William Collins OR 97211, USA is available direct from working title of FIND THE LADY. The three publishers to promote publication of the editor or on subscription with. female characters that appear in the his latest 'Thomas Covenant' book THE Space Age Books. Current Australian former title pop up again in the later. WHITE GOLD WIELDER in July. He will no rates are $8.60 for one year or $17.20 for two years. All Our Yesterdays OK! So I pinched the title from Harry Warner Jr"s history of fandom, bat I am sure that Harry Mont mind. It reminds me also a display of fanzines and other fannish memorabilia that Sohan Wood was arranging at TORCON, my first World Con, when I first arrived there in 1973. She Introduced me to Sob Bloch, who by his manner might have known me for years. A gentleman If there ever Is one. Thehe photographs I think were taken by Lee Harding In the mid-sixties. in the next Issue I will go back a tittle further, when I dip Into my collection of photo­ graphs from the dim dark reaches of Australian fandom. M.B

A COUPLE OF SUCKERS'. John Baxter and John Foyster 5 ground". Niven is also a member of the JACK CHALKER was to be the guest for a national worldbuilding group Eighth Day Productions, data base computer system interview on designers of the Thraxisp solar system, March 29th. Questions were to be fired at AUTHORS & Other to be showcased in an upcoming book. him from all over the country via his com­ PAUL PREISS will be writing stories from puter screen He has turned in the first People tn the NEWS Thraxisp history, with Niven doing "con­ 100,000 word part of his three part, tinuity"; the other six members of the three-book novel, SPIRITS OF FLUX AND Local fans who met ROBERT SILVERBERG group are artists. THE INTEGREL TREES ANCHOR, to TOR. at AUSSIECON in '75 would remember that by Larry Niven writing on his own, will he was not very happy with his writing be published by Del Rey in 1984. at that time, and soon after announced that he had quit. However, in 1979 he wrote LORD VALENTINE'S CASTLE, then nothing for another 18 months until Robert Sheckley and Ben Bova got him to write a story for OMNI. This started a long run of short stories, some of which along with original ones set on the VALENTINE'S CASTLE world Majipoor, appeared in the second book MAJIPOOR CHRONICLES. A third book is in the works. Probably prompted by the popularity of this series, most of his previous books are now back in print or scheduled. He attributes the boom in sf hard covers, with so many on the bestseller lists, to the fact that younger readers who used to only buy paperbacks are now older and able to afford the hard covers. Many more sf authors will get on the best­ sellers lists he said. Meanwhile his new novel LORD OF DARKNESS, to be published by Arbor House in April, is set in Africa Marion Zimmer Bradley in the sixteenth century. It is based on a true story'with elements of fantasy in Somewhere along the line we got the idea The MISTS OF AVALON by MARION ZIMMER it, which he came across fifteen years that two books by ALAN DEAN FOSTER were BRADLEY reached the 8th position on ago and he filed away until he could use due out last year, SPELLSINGER and THE The Publisher's Weekly Bestseller List it. MAN WHO USED THE UNIVERSE, however on March 18th and is still on the Warner is publishing SPELLSINGER in two The third "Lord Valentine" novel by list in 15th position on the 6th of May. volumes and the first volume will be Silverberg is titled VALENTINE PONTIFEX. Nobody is more surprised at the remark­ published in June. They will also pub­ It and LORD OF DARKNESS were bought for able sales of MISTS OF AVALON than the lish THE MAN WHO UPSET THE UNIVERSE, but paperback by Bantam for a six figure author herself. There were 72,000 the date is not known. They have also amount. Silverberg has a story called copies in print in the US edition in bought THE I INSIDE from Foster, along "Needle in a Timestack" in the May April. Michael Joseph will publish the with his novelization of the film KRULL. issue of Playboy. There was a collection British edition in May. After the sixth He is working on SAIL THE CRACK IN THE bearing this title published by Ballantine printing of the 300,000 word, 800 page WORLD for Del Rey. and recently bought by ACE, but the new book, Bradley joins Clarke, Asimov, story was not part of that collection. King, Adams and other f8sf writers who In an interview in the New York Times Silverberg said that the title was just have been on the Bestseller lists rec­ Sunday book review section, Polish ently. The popularity of her '.'Darkover" too good not to use for a story as well. author Stanislaw LEM says that he read sf series, has established a market for some American sf by Heinelin, Asimov anything Bradley writes. Well written CHRISTOPHER PRIEST, who we reported last and others in 1956 and was disappointed. Arthurian stories still sell, despite issue was included in a heavily promoted He said that sf had not become "more the number that have been published over group of Best Young British Novelists, sophisticated" after Wells and Stapledon. the last few years and MISTS OF AVALON is doing well out of the promotion, but SF.... There might be a good novel some­ must be perhaps better than the author not his publisher Faber. They remaindered where else, but I don't know about it." herself realised. all his books except for the AFFIRMATION, Of the reported 11 million of Lem's and the Priest/Andromeda Bookstore bought books sold, only 500,000 have been sold them all. Faber are getting a lot of Bradley said she wrote MISTS OF AVALON in the USA. Lem says of that, "... the orders for Priest's books, which they are just as another pb fantasy and sold it American reader doesn't like me." passing on for a’ 10% commission. Good on to the Del Reys. They did not put any (Ai a punety pensonat obsenvation I you Chris! Is a 90% royalty some sort of restrictions on it as to length etcetera iind Ma Lem's uniting quite boning, but record? and when they said they had sold the he does sett ne.asma.blg wM hene to hardcover rights to Knopf, she was very BRIAN LUMLEY has sold two novels to the negutan. si deadens and people who surprised. She is also very impressed Granada, with a third planned. PSYCHOMEC do not dead a tot oft s6 as welt. Ed.) with the cover illustration on the book. is'due out in January '84,PSYCHOSPHERE She added that the most exciting thing in March '84 and the third will be In a letter to SF Chnoni.de sf author for her was getting a letter from Mary JQHN CLEVE gives some background infor­ PSYCHOMOK! Nouvelle Editions in France Renault, who was one of the three people mation on his 'Spaceways' series. First are to publish a collection of stories she most wanted to see the book. The others up he is not the John Cleve who writes by Lumley, WEIRDBOOK in the USA has just unfortunately are the late Leigh Brackett, published his Titus Crow novelette, LORD all those erotic novels, that is his and Randall Garrett, who has an illness father and what is more the Spaceways OF THE WORMS, and Weirdbook Press will which has caused extensive loss of memory. publish HOUSE OF CTHULHU AND OTHER TALES series contain less than 5% sexual doings. He writes all the books himself OF THE PRIMAL LAND about August or Septem­ The pb of MISTS OF AVALON will not be although he has collaborators who provide ber next, which is all the Primal Land published until 1984 and will be in outlines, except for those he writes stories and it will be illustrated by three or four volumes. The next "Darkover" alone. He has been forced to do this as Jim Pitts. novel will be THENDARA HOUSE, due out the publishers are insisting on a book from DAW in September, followed by THE INHERITORS, an occult novel from TOR, a month, which is a bit hard to keep up LARRY NIVEN is finishing off another book with. He and his collaborators he says with JERRY POURNELLE entitled FOOTFALL, NIGHT'S DAUGHTER, a retelling of the "Magic Flute" for Del Rey, and CITY OF are all 'pulps', Doc Smith fans - with for Del Rey, while they both will coll­ reservations. Some congratulations aborate with DAVID GERROLD on FALLEN SORCERESSES, the 1984 "Darkover" novel from DAW. She also has several other for the popularity of the series is no ANGELS -- a novel set around 2010 AD, doubt due to the collaborators, but at xwhen "fandom has become an illegal under­ major books in the works. present he does not have their permission JUNCTION. They would like to promote it British writer DAVID LANGFORD has sold to say who they are. Good sales are as a main stream, mass market public­ being helped by the fact that some stores two more novels to Arrow Books. One is ation, provided that he changes his tentativly titled WILDERNESS OF MIRRORS, are including them in other categories name. He is still thinking about it. as well as sf, in their displays. but the other is not announced. Other new books sold include THE ZEN GUN by MICHAEL MOORCOCK has completed the People and Publishing BARRINGTON BAYLEY to DAW and an "sf sequel to his THE WAR HOUND AND THE disaster thriller", THE SWORD OF ALLAH, OR WHO'S SOLV WHAT & TO WHOM i by ELTON T.ELLIOT and RICHARD GEIS to WORLDS pain for Timescape. It is titled Fawcett. THE CITY IN THE AUTUMN STARS. Moorcock expects to complete THE LAUGHTER OF The illustrated book of the year could be CARTHAGE, a sequel to BYZANTIUM ENDURES, MANUSCRIPT THE HIGH KINGS by Joy Chant, with illus­ for Random House and Seeker and Warburg trations by George Sharp. The book is in a few months. He is also doing a non­ Attack Or The. produced by David Larkin from a concept fiction book of reminiscences, based on nought-/ of British publisher Rayner Unwin, who his "Letters from Hollywood" in Ambit, AAm/AWS originally discovered Joy Chant. The for New English Library. text of the book is pre-Arthurian Celtic SUNG IN SHADOW by TANITH LEE a re­ JOE HALDEMAN was shot early this year legends, told in such a way as that they telling of "Romeo and Juliet" set in a by an unknown assailant who has never may have been related by a bard at King parallel world, has been bought by DAW, been apprehended. He was riding his Arthur's court. The illustrations and along with ANACKRIE, a sequel to THE bicycle near his home when someone maps make THE HIGH KINGS a beautifully STORM LORD. She is working on a fourth leaned out of a car window and shot him designed book. This information courtesy novel in her "Demon" series, DELIRIUM'S with a .22 pistol. "The bullet penetrated Ian and Betty Ballantine. MISTRESS. three inches of gluteus maximus. The Bantam will publish JOY CHANT'S new doctor decided not to remove it. 'After DAW has bought most of JACQUELINE Vanerei novel, WHEN VOIHA WAKES (or all,' the doctor said, 'what's one more LICHTENBERG'S books and will be issuing VOYHA WAITS as it was listed in another spot to a leopard?' ", Joe reported. (He them as a series. She recently signed source). Allen and Unwin will publish it is still carrying shrapnel from wounds with the Scott Meridith Literary Agency. in the UK. They recently published he received while serving in Vietnam.) DAW will also be publishing a new RED MOON AND BLACK MOUNTAIN in their "Imaro" novel, QUEST FOR CUSH, by Unicorn pb fantasy series and will CLIFFORD D.SIMAK has contracted emphysema CHARLES SAUNDERS. no doubt include GREY MANE OF MORNING and is no longer able to travel, but he in this series soon. continues to do some writing. THE BLUE SWORD, a juvenile fantasy by More purchases by Bantam include EARTH­ Artist TIM KIRK is working for Disney ROBIN McKINLEY (Greenwillow 1982) has CHILD, EARTH SONG, and RAM SONG by Productions, doing design work for been awarded a Newbery Honor distinction. Sharon WEBB, THE SHATTERED STARS by Disneyland, EPCOT robot shows, and some It is due for publication by Berkley in Richard MCENROE, THE STAR REBEL and ALIEN characters and sets for Disney Channel pb soon./ GEORGE R.R.MARTIN has sold DUST by F.M.BUSBY, THE WINDHOVER TAPES: cable TV. He has again done the illus­ THE ARMAGEDDON RAG , "an occult horror/ THE PLANET OF FLOWERS by Warren NORWOOD, trations for a volume in the Owlswick mystery abour rock'n roll and the six­ THE PRACTICE EFFECT by David BRIN, Press "Dunsany " series, PATHWAYS TO ties', to Poseidon Press./ WARREN JITTERBUG by Mike McQUAY, A MORTAL ELFLAND, and "something over a hundred" NORWOOD has sold the fourth book in GLAMOUR by Chelseas Quinn YARBRO, and illustrations and decorations for the "Windhover Tapes" series to Bantam. AEGYPT by John CROWLEY. All to be pub­ Harlan Ellison's LAST DANGEROUS VISIONS. The working title is PLANET OF THE lished between late '83 and Spring '85. FLOWERS. Bantam has delayed publication C.J.CHERRYH has corrected a report that of THE SEREN CENACLE by Warren Norwood THE BOOK OF SWORDS by Fred SABERHAGEN Mayfair Games had bought the "Downbelow and Ralph Mylius to October. sold out its initial 30,000 copy print Station" series. In fact they have only run and 10,000 more were printed for bought the game rights for DOWNBELOW Houghton-Mifflin have bought THE SONG TOR. STATION itself and she says there is OF EARTH, an open-ended series by no series. There may be other stories MICHAEL CONEY, the first volume being FUTURA are re-releasing no less than set in the same universe such as entitled THE CELESTIAL STEAM LOCOMOTIVE. 13 Larry Niven titles to coincide with MERCHANTER'S LUCK and GEHENNA STATION, They have also taken SUPER LUMINAL, the publication of his novel DREAM PARK. recently sold to DAW, but these are not which is an expansion of "Aztecs" by Co-author Steven Barnes gets very little being regarded as sequels. VONDA MCINTYRE and WELCOME CHAOS by credit on the book our report states. KATE WILHELM, which is an expansion of Futura is also releasing RETURN OF THE Author RICHARD S.MC ENROE, who is a her story "The Winter Beach". JEDI in May, which includes 8 pages of light-weapons infantryman with the 71st colour photos from the film. The usual Brigade of the National Guard in the Severn House in the UK are releasing a range of associated books are being USA, has sold THE SHATTERED STARS to hard cover edition of THE STAINLESS STEEL published in the U.S.A, by Del Rey Bantam./ DAVID BISCHOFF is doing the besides the novel, including a SKETCHBOOK, novelization of WARGAMES for Dell. The RAT FOR PRESIDENT by Harry HARRISON, four months after the pb edition was released a PORTFOLIO, an illustrated edition of movie being about a boy who inadver­ the novel and a diary, MY JEDI JOURNAL. tantly cuts in on a Pentagon computer by Sphere. The US edition hit the top of the SF Bestseller recently. Harrison also Random house are publishing a series with his home computer./ STEPHEN KING, of cut-out, pop-up and picture books whose new novel CHRISTINE, about a 1958 has had a number of reprints published in the UK by Sphere, N.E.L. and Penguin, for children. Plymouth car "that sold its soul to pills a hard cover edition of REBEL IN rock and roll", has a two part inter­ MIKE RESNICK has sold EROS ASCENDING, TIME from Granada. view coming up with playboy, that will the first of a new 4-book series, "Tales probably raise some eyebrows. of the Golden Comet", to N.A.L. RICHARD MONACO has sold a 4th book in Some improvement in the AVON ff,sf line the "Grail War" series, BLOOD AND DREAMS THE FORGOTTEN BEASTS OF ELD by Patricia may be expected following the appoint­ to Berkley, along with another histor­ McKILLIP has been resold, this time to ment of JOHN DOUGLAS as the new SF ical fantasy, RUNES./ ROBERT ADAMS has Berkley along with STEPPING STONES FROM THE editor. He takes over from PAGE CUDDY, sold a second "Castaways in Time" novel, SHADOWS./ RICHARD DELAP has finished formerly sf editor but recently elevated THE SEVEN MAGICAL JEWELS OF IRELAND to THE ESSENTIAL HARLAN ELLISON for Berkley. to a higher position in the company. Signet./ Berkley has bought two books Publication date will depend on Ellison Douglas was formerly Administrative by GREG BEAR, BLOOD MUSIC and INFINITY. doing the afterword. Editor at Timescape Books. Avon has little important sf on their back list. LAWRENCE WATT-EVANS has turned in THE DEL REY BOOKS now join other publishers They recently reprinted some James BOOK OF SILENCE, the fourth and, for including Timescape, Ace, Berkley and Blish titles and they have some by now, last book in his "Garth the Overman" Bantam, in issuing a newsletter detail­ Piers Anthony to do. series to Del Rey./ ARTHUR C.CLARKE has ing their bboks. It is called beyond joined the board of advisors for the and will be sent to fans, booksellers Berkley have bought a new novel from Ackerman SF Museum in Los Anegeles. and others. SOMTOW SUCHARITKUL, called VAMPIRE 7 CONVENTIONS By Merv Binns Science Fiction fandom is not just att­ ending conventions, nor is it publishing fanzines or associating with other people who read the stuff “ it is all of these things and more. Conventions are, however, quite often the neo-fans intro­ duction to fandom. My fondest memories of fandom are associated with cons, from my first in Sydney in 1953 and Melbourne fandom's first in 1956, to our World Con, Aussiecon in 1975 and later ones. SYNCON '83 is Australia's 22nd National Convention, being held at the Shore SOME FUNNY MEN (?) AT "FUNCON" Motel,Artarmon, Sydney on June 10th to John Packer 13th this year. The National conventions Paul Stevens and Daryl Mannell, and Albert Park cake. Easter has become are spread out over a period of about the traditional time for sf conventions thirty one years, the first being owe their existence to the patterns in Melbourne and the FUNCON organisers established by the original sf fandom. held in Sydney in 1952, and yet,if you decided that 1983 could not pass added all the other conventions that It finally came to the stage in Melbourne without one being held. There were 150 have been held in Australia over the this Easter where two conventions were members and most of these were attending. thirty odd years fandom has existed in held over the one weekend and a few $400 was raised for M'85 and $300 was this country, they would not equal the fans were placed in the sitution of split between the three fan funds DUFF, having to choose between their basic number held in the U.S.A, in one year. GUFF and FFANZ. interests. PHANTASTACON catered for the Despite an enthusiastic start in the war games, comics and media fandoms and I spent most of Friday, Saturday and early fifties, fandom struggled to it attracted close to 700 mostly young Sunday at FUNCON, but had to open up exist between OLYMPICON in 1956 and fans, including all the members of the Space Age Books on the Monday. Unfortun­ the 7th National Convention in Melbourne newly thriving Melbourne SF Club. The ately I was not very impressed with the in 1968 and up to 1975 only a few cons other Melbourne Easter convention was programme. I enjoyed meeting and talking were held apart from the Nationals. FUNCON, which was organised by supporters to people, especially interstate visitors During this time, however, Australian sf of the Melbourne in '85 World SF Conven­ that I do not see that often, and that fandom, nurtured by correspondence and tion bid, to help raise funds for the saved a somewhat slow weekend. The panels fanzine fans, was steadily growing and bid. were not very exciting and in one case making strong contacts with fandom the organiser of the panel was nowhere overseas, particularly in the U.S.A. Bearing in mind the tremendous interest to be found. Some people were so bored with This friendship with fans in the U.S.A, in war games at the moment, it is not the proceedings that they spent most of became so strong that they voted us surprising that PHANTASTACON attracted their time watching films on video in the World SF Convention in 1975. 700 people, which is more than any single a room reserved for that purpose and sf convention membership in Australia. 1975, AUSSIECON year, the magic year most were not even f or sf. The Paul It was held at the Melbourne Town House for Australian fandom . From that year Steven's show, which consisted of a Hotel, where other conventions have been on fandom and conventions in Australia Pick-A-Box quiz, with Stevens not being run including the 1978 National SF Con­ snowballed. Many new clubs came into able to make up his mind whether he was vention, UNICON IV, the 1982 National existence and cons proliferated to the Bob Dyer or Private Schultz and whether the TSCHAICON and where the 1984 National, extent of as many as six being held questions were to be taken seriously or not. EUREKACON will be held. A small percentage throughout the country in a year. It was far from his best performance. Even of the fans attending PHANTASTACON may Fandom now has many facets, but they Daryl Mannell in a blue dress, as Dolly, have attended FUNCON if the former had all overlap in varying degrees, ranging could not save the day. A script might have not been held concurrently. from fanzine and Amateur Publishing helped. The highlight of FUNCON, such as Association fans to war games enthus­ FUNCON was held at the Queenslodge it was, turned out to be the fancy dress iasts. The connecting link is an inter­ Motel, in Queens Road, Melbourne, close competition. Master of Ceremonies John est in science fiction and fantasy, be to the StKilda Junction. The proceedings Packer did a good job and put together a it the written word or the screen image. took place on the 14th floor,which gave great costume himself with the scraps of Star Trek and other media fan groups a spectacular view of the city skyline material and so forth that were provided.

8 David Grigg and baby daughter. Christine Ashby John Newman Cathy Kerrigan Bruce Gillespie Perry Middlemiss and Irwin Hirsch Justin Ackroyd, Marc Ortlieb and Jack Herman, conducting the auction. Jan McDonnell and Glynnis Chalmers Glynnis Chalmers, Susan Thompson, Nadia that worked quite well. With such a again. PHANTASTACON was all games, Kemp, Megan Dansie, Debbie Ellis and Andrew small attendance there was no need for comics and I believe films and although Papageorgaou all put some time and alternative programming, but the quality it attracted 700 people, I am not saying effort into their costumes and carried of what was presented made up for the that we should make all cons the same, off the prizes. Marc Ortlieb won the lack of variety. what I am saying is that we need more the prize for the Worst Pun costume and As Australian fandom has grown the balanced programmes with something for also did a good job as auctioneer, the everyone. auction doing .quite well. FUNCON did number of conventions held and the number provide good company and conversation of people attending, have also increased, I would like to see more dramatic pres­ for the established fans, but from my but the basic format established by the entations such as the Paul Stevens Show, point of view little else. John Newman U.S. fans has changed little. The major The SF Goon Shows and even serious items aspect of cons now for me is meeting is to be commended for being on the job although I think humorous things like all the time, when some of the other old friends and making new ones and I the above mentioned and Melbourne's '73 can enjoy a con for this reason even if members of the committee seemed to be effort of 'Joe Faust' are easier to put the programme is poor, but new fans in missing. I was surprised to receive over sucessfully. Ok, so they take a bit Gerald Smith's four page report through particular are not likely to be attracted of work, but anything worth doing is to more cons unless they are entertained. the mail. A good idea that other cons worth doing well and these shows can be might remember, even if only for the Tired old programming is being eliminated quite rewarding for partcipants and the to some degree, particularly in the case benefit of the non-attending members. audience. Late movies are uneccesary, of the one convention I have attended in particularly if screened as an alter­ In April I drove over to Adelaide to Perth. Perhaps Perth leaned a little too nate programme during the day, but you attend ADVENTION 4, which was quite a much on the "fun and games", but the can just as easily feature only two or small affair with around seventy atten­ last National con in Adelaide consisted three movies during the whole con and dees. It was held at the Pier Hotel in almost entirely of discussions and provide video on a continuous basis Glenelg, an Adelaide suburb, over the although they were very good, many fans for the people who want that, and a ANZAC Day weekend. Despite some initial were bored to tears and were looking for games room for the so inclined. I am problems with the management,the con some alternate 'entertainement'. sure a lot of people who know little went quite smoothly. It consisted almost about games would be interested in some entirely of panels, but all were well TSCHAICON and the last con I attended in Sydney, SYNCON '79 I think, were sort of item that would involve all the organised and the panelists were well attendees at a con. Impractical? Maybe prepared. Highlights of the con included starting to learn from the their counter­ parts in the other states and incorpor­ so, but it is just an idea that some­ Guest of Honor Wynne Whiteford's speech, body reading this maybe able to develop. the Marc Ortlieb Trivia Quiz, a panel ating the best features of them all. on "Erotic Symbolism in SF" and an inter­ The national conventions of course are I would like to see a lot more audience view with Co-Guest of Honor Mary Shelley, fortunate in being able to call on the participation in conventions. Well conducted as all good seances should talents of fans from all over Australia thought out and planned quiz shows for not be conducted. Voice off by Megan also. The last convention I was directly one thing and many more people in the Danse. Two silent classic films, VAMPYR involved in organising was CINECON , fancy dress competitions. Extra encour­ and SIEGFRIED were screened Saturday which relied entirly on a film programme, agement should be given to get people night and EXCALIBUR Sunday evening. with film orientated panels and speeches. to just turn up in costume, even if they All together an unpretenious small con We gave people more than their money's do not want to take part in the parade. worth, but I would not run such a con Good prizes for well made costumes and good gimmicks, will most certainly help. Presentation can also be greatly improved. You do not have to go so far as John Breden did at CINECON, but some­ thing along that line, with music, light­ ing effects and a good stage setting. Finally, just before I get down off my soap box, I want to remind my readers that it is almost certain that Melbourne will again be hosting the World SF Con­ vention in 1985. There are no opposing bids at this time, so you might say we have it in the bag. So dear friends you can look forward to welcoming a host of visiting fans and professionals from all over the world. In fact the organisers are hoping that WORLCON '85 will the most representative of sf from every part of the globe. It is going to cost the Earth to put on, but it will be worth every cent. Cash will be needed quickly for some things and we will keep you posted of membership costs and other aspects of the con as they are announced. Q Robert, Nadia and Peter Kemp Glynis Chalmers and friends Paul Stokes, Michael Tolley, Gary Mason, ADVENTION G.0.H. WYNNE WHITEFORD Ern Binns and Margaret Arnott. Megan Dansie and John Playford (?). To have been given the chance to attend GAFIA TRAVEL SERVICE, P.O.Box 593, - JACK L. CHALKER. The Chair - MICHAEL two SF World cons in our own country, Baltimore, MD 21203, USA. (301)366-4794 WALSH. let alone our own city, in a life time, Australian fans - if you want to join is something extraordinary for us, being CONQUEST '83 National Media SF Constellation, support Australia for outside the U.S.A. Don't miss it! And if Convention 1985 and vote for the Hugos, contact you have any ideas or comments on any September 24-25 1983, at the PARK ROYAL the Australian Agent Carey Handfield, aspects of the World Con or any other MOTEL, Brisbane, Queensland. Box 91, Carlton 3053, Victoria, cons, that you would like to tell other The membership now is $20.00, but we do Australia now. people please do write to me now and I not know if or when it goes up. For Total membership of CONSTELLATION was will publish your letters in ASFN. more details contact G.P.O.Box 1376, 3,589 with PR#3. This includes 141 from Brisbane, 4001, Queensland. Melbourne Australia, 130 from Canada, 31 UK, 18 Merv Binns fans can contact Cathy Kerrigan at New Zealand and 1 each from Mozambique, 17/140 Riversdale Rd., Hawthorn 3122 Mexico, The Philippines, Singapore, the Editors Note: Mt the photographs on SWANCON 9 AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKEND USSR and Zimbabwe. The sight for the this and the tost two pages are by 1985 World Con will be decided and ann­ Herv Binns and cannot be reproduced 27th to 30th January '84 ounced at CONSTELLATION and as Melbourne without permission. The above photo­ At The WESTOS MOTOR INN, Perth, West has no opposing bids, it would seem graphs were taken at ADVENT I ON 4 and Australia. Guest of Honour is author certain that we will be holding the 43rd on the other pages FUNCON, the Metboume HARRY HARRISON. The Fan Guest of World SF Convention - WORLDCON '85, in Taster Convention. Honour is ROY FERGUSON. The memberhsip Melbourne in August 1985. up to November 30th '83 is $15. with supporting $5.00. L-A-CON The 42nd World Science Fiction Committee adress: P.O.Box 318, Nedlands Convention 1984 6009, Western Australia. Melbourne 30 August - 3 September 1984 agent: John Newman, P.O.Box 4, The Anaheim Convention Center (Close Thornbury, 3071, Victoria. to Disneyland) Guest of Honor : GORDON R.DICKSON. Fan Guest of Honor: EUREKACON '84 Easter - April 20 - 23 DICK ENEY. Toasmasters: ROBERT BLOCH The Melbourne Town House Hotel. and JERRY POURNELLE. Memberships Guest of Honour GEORGE TURNER $40.00 up December 31 1983. Australian Memberships: $20.00 up to September Agent: 29th 1983. Supporting: $10.00 WORLDCON '85 The 43rd World SF Con. SYNCON '83 June 10-13 1983 Room rates: $45.00 (single), $53 The 23rd Australian National Science (double), $58 (triple) per night. If Melbourne wins the World Convention Fiction Convention will be held at Breakfast not included. The Melbourne Bid for Australia (and the only way we THE SHORE MOTEL, Artarmon, N.S.W. The Town House has been the venue for the could lose would be a massive write in Guests of Honour are HARLAN ELLISON last two Melbourne National conventions. vote for some other city), the con will and Dr VAN IKIN. Theme: Science Fiction For further details contact: P.O.Box 175, be held at The Southern Cross Hotel. The facilities have been expanded since and Society. South Melbourne, 3205. Memberships up to June 1st 1983 will AUSSIECON was held there in 1975. There KlNKON Queen's Birthday Weekend 1984 be $25.00. Supporting: $10.00. after is not very much more we can tell you June 9-11 at this time, but a lot of financial June 1st memberships ($30.00) will only The Victoria Hotel, Little Collins St., be accepted at the door. Voting for the support is needed well before the con. Melbourne. A convenient and central Memberships and Guests of Honor details DITMARS also close on June 1st. The convention hotel. The scene of many cost of accomadation is a flat rate of will be announced after the announce­ Melbourne conventions in the past. $59.00 (single, double 6r triple - too ment at CONSTELLATION in September. Themes: Sight and Sound in Science bad if you do not want to share. We Meanwhile one small thing you can do is Fiction and Fantasy. There will be a believe there are other motels not too subscribe to the official '85 Bid fan­ strong alternative programme. The far away.) The address for all corres­ zine, KANGARUSE and you will receive committee includes Ruth and Andrew pondence is: P.O.Box A491, Sydney South, all publicity and copies of the very Murphy, Daryl Mannell, Angus Caffrey Australia 2000. informative THE SMOFF'S NEWSLETTER. and Paul Stevens. Memberships are For details write to The Melbourne in As well as the Guest of Honour HARLAN currently: $20.00. Supporting: $10.00 '85 Bidding Committee, G.P.O. Box 2253U ELLISON, Syncon will welcome other people Committee address: P.O.Box 1581P, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia. from overseas; DUFF winner JERRY KAUFMANN, Melbourne, 3001, Victoria. UK Agent: Joseph Nicholas, 22 Denbigh CLIFFORD WIND and LEE SMOIRE. Lee is from St., Pimlico, London SW1V 2ER. The Baltimore and involved in the organis­ USA Agents: Joyce Scrivner, 2732 14th ation of this year's World Convention, WORLD SF CONVENTIONS Ave Sth Lower, Minneapolis MN 55404, CONSTELLATION. We expect she will be able Constellation The 4ist world science and Jan Howard Finder, P.O.Box 428, give people who will be attending any Fiction Convention - Baltimore USA Latham, NY 12110 USA. information they need. She is a travel September 1-5 1983, the Baltimore EUROCON '84 (OR IS IT?) Britain has agent and will be happy to help any fans Convention Centre on the Inner Harbor. apparently' won the bid to hold the in the USA plan their trips to Australia, Guest of honor - JOHN BRUNNER European convention in 1984, but they particularly in 1985. Lee's address is Fan G.O.H. DAVID KYLE and Toastmaster IO cannot get their act together,because JOHN PORTER, 29 Bapaume Pde., Matraville, some people want to combine the British 2036 NSW, Phone: (02) 661 5315, is put­ FAN FUNDS Eastercon with the Eurocon and some ting together a video fanzine on cassette. JERRY KAUFMAN was announced as the winner most emphatically do not. When we get He would like to hear from possible con­ of the Down Under Fan Fund for 1983, by the next blood spattered copy of ANSIBLE tributors of amateur films, interviews, Jack Herman at Funcon at Easter in we will let you know how things are or anything of interest to fans. going. Melbourne. The voting was as follows: THE BLAKE'S SEVEN AFTERMATH COMMITTEE Kaufman Aus 13 US 74 Total 87 will be holding a convention day late in Finder .. 18 .. 64 .. 82 '83. For more details contact AFTERMATH, Gilliland .. 8 .. 41 .. 49 FAN NEWS SStVes P.O.Box 106, Rundle Street, Adelaide, Proctor .. 10 ..31 .. 41 SA 5009 Kaufman will attend SYNCON '83 in June. West Australian fan DAVID LUCKETT has If you would like to join The Star Wars TOM CARDY won the first up FAN FUND produced a collection of 'filksongs' , Appreciation Society , THE ALLIANCE OF called SONGS AND BALLADS by David Lucket, AUSTRALIA 6 NEW ZEALAND, from Graham HAMILLS, write to P.O.Box 669, Campbell­ illustrated by Peter Saxon . Magazine Ferner, Nigel Rowe and Michelle Muysert. town , NSW 2560. We believe this is the format, 27 pages. Available from ... official Star Wars Club and affiliated ANDREW PORTER, editor of SCIENCE FICTION well there is no address on it, but with the American organisation. CHRONICLE and STARSHIP, a New York fan both Norstrilia Press and Space Age of long standing, is thinking of nomin­ books have copies available. $4.00 plus The people at LOCUS would like to get ating for DUFF to come to Australia in postage. hold of all the back issues of the 1985. ( I peMo natty witt gtve kndy my Australian magazine OMEGA. We have already iutt iuppont he doei itand and I hope, ROBIN JOHNSON is due back in Sydney by tried the publishers for them and the early June, after flying home to England att hti {/itendi both tn KMtfuatta and issues are not available. So if anybody the U.S.A., encourage him to have a go. to attend his mother's fuieral. We feel has any or all of the issues to sell, sure that all our readers and all his M.B.) please do contact us at ASFNEWS. friends in fandom, will join with us in tendering our sincerest sympathies to The Melbourne AGE newspaper of Saturday Robin and his family. February Sth gave a good plug to Messrs. Gillespie, Handfield and Gerand of the THE CYGNUS British fan DAVID SUTTON, editor of The Norstrilia Press, in an interview con­ British Fantasy Society's literary jour­ ducted by Stewart Sayers. The progress CHRONICLER nal dark HORIZONS and associate editor of of the Norstrilia Press and sf in Aust­ An Australian Review of Science Fiction and Fantasy FANTASY TALES, had his home burgled in ralia was covered, but we agree with February, but he was very lucky. The Featuring fiction from the best Australian authors, Derrick Ashby in his SMOFF'S NEWSLETTER art from the best Australian artists, plus reviews, thieves took practically everything report, that some mention could have news agd letters, and regular columns on SF-related except his book collection. been made of other sf publishers such as themes. Cory (No ' e.' PwtZcfe) and Collins. THE MELBOURNE SCIENCE FICTION CLUB Only $5 per year from: "HRH (sic) The Queen allowed the term The Eperex Press meets at Space Age Books every Friday 'science fiction' to escape her lips with­ PO Box 770 evening at 7.00. New members are welcome. Canberra City ACT 2601 out approbrium in a speech in San Francisco. Australia WE HAVE ARRIVED." (Brian Aldiss in Ansible.)

Editor: Van Ikin

Address: Dr V. Ikin Department of English University of W.A. H Nedlands, W.A. 6009 ANNOUNCING:

SCIENCE FICTION goes typeset - starting with issue #13 (due out about four weeks after Syncon). Apart from a neater, trimmer look, typesetting will mean that we can run more material than ever before: we will be giving you 1000 words per page instead of 700 words as in previous issues. So now there'll be all our regular material - plus lots more: a letter column; regular reporting on what reviewers round the country are saying about the latest sf by Australian writers; a column by Bruce Gillespie (in addition to our regular established "Nightwebs" column by Keith Curtis); and yet more art by the one and only Nick Stathopoulos. In 1983 they nominated us for a "Ditmar"; in 1984 we might win it!

Meanwhile, issue #12 - so long delayed - will be available at Syncon. Wait until you see the cover by Nick Stathopoulos, illustrating Ellison's FOR DETAILS ON THE MELBOURNE BID FOR "Bleeding Stones"! For further details, see the THE 1985 WORLD SCIENCE FICTION advertisement elsewhere in this issue of ASFN. CONVENTION WRITE TO:

If you 're not reading SCIENCE FICTION3 you 're tuned G.P.O.BOX 2253U, Melbourne 3001, out! Victoria, AUSTRALIA. II An upcoming TV series from NBC in the US is called "V" (as in V for Victor, not the Roman numeral). The story is about the invasion of Earth by 50 UFO’s, each three miles in diameter. NBC predicts this series will be to TV what ’Star Wars’ was to motion pictures. The project is written and directed by Ken Johnson, who previously produced ’The Six Million Dollar Man’ and 'The Bionic Woman' and created and produced 'The Incredible Hulk'. The producer of "V" is Chuck Bowman who also worked on A legal battle is shaping up over who has Johnson's other projects, with Marc the rights to film Arthur Clarke's new Singer(Beastmaster) and Faye Grant head­ book, 2010: ODYSSEY TWO. Julia Philips, ing the cast. The Visitors as the Nazi co-producer of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE like aliens are called, are clearly pat­ THIRD KIND and other big films, announced terned on the Nazi leaders. "It sounds that her associates in Ruthless Produc­ very much like "Childhood's End" says tions and 20th Century Fox would film Kay Anderson in her report in Science "2010", but M.G.M./U.A. claim they still Fiction Chronicle. hold the rights and have been negotiating with Clarke. Stanly Kubrick's Polaris Another Indiana Jones film was due to Productions are involved along with start filming in April or May. It is MGM, but Kubrick has stated he is not not a sequel to RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK interested in making a sequel to "2001". but just another adventure for Indiana Freddie Fields, motion picture production Jones. Harrison Ford is the only cast president at MGM,claims that Miss Phillip's member from Raiders returning. The film announcement is a "blatent publicity is due for a 1984 release. There is also ploy". The result being of course that talk of a sequel to E.T. , with filming Star Wars III - THE RETURN OF THE JEDI, the filming of the story may be delayed, to start early '84. was due to be premiered in New York on but they are already getting advance pub­ May 25th and yet pirate video tape copies Dino De Laurentis is producing DEAD ZONE, licity for it. of the movie are already doing the rounds. based on Stephen King's novel, which will Further details on the "2010" film con­ This is despite elaborate security. Pro­ have Martin Sheen, Christopher Walken troversy are that Julia Phillips claims ducer George Lucas and his company have and Brooke Adams amongst the cast. David that she had met with Clarke during his made every effort to keep the plot of the Cronenberg will direct. film secret, but all the details are out publicity tour for the book, and had Disney studios used their MAGI/Syntha- made a deal with him. Meanwhile MGM are now well before the film is released. vision computer-generated special effects after Australian director Peter Weir to Apart from Darth Vader being Luke’s process for some of the scenes in direct. MGM said production could start father, which we all guessed at any rate, SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. This Princess Leia turns out to be his sister, late this year. process which was used on TRON, will Han Solo is rescued from his frozen be used for the entire scene of the car­ The Robert E.Howard estate is threaten­ prison and Darth Vader goes out a good ing to sue Columbia over the use of the nival coming into existance in the mid­ guy, saving Luke from the Evil Emperor. west town. name KRULL for the movie currently del­ We now hear that local release will be ayed for extra work on the special effects, in October. The $13 million MGM/UA film WARGAMES, saying that it is too similiar to KULL. features a young cybernetics whizkid Both sides are lining up "expert" time magazine devoted seven pages to who breaks the code of the NORAD master witnesses. RETURN OF THE JEDI and producer George computer and gets into a video game, Lucas. Colour photographs of scenes, which the computer mistakes for real. Columbia plans a big publicity and people and monsters from the movie merchandising campaign for KRULL, to The director is John Badham and producer illustrate the article, in the local Harold Schneider. Screenplay by Walter accompany its proposed July release. edition dated May 23rd, 1983. The $27 million "sci-fi-medieval" Parkes and Larry Lasker. Executive pro­ ducer Leonard ("Charlie's Angels etc.) adventure was 20 months in the making. Leonard Nimoy will direct the third Goldberg. Peter Yates directed the script by Star Trek film, which has a working Sanford Sherman. Ken Marshall, who title only according to a studio One of the best shows on British TV starred in the TV "Marco Polo", heads spokesman, of THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK. over last Christmas was a 25 minute ver­ the cast. A tentative date for the start of film­ sion of Raymond Brigg's THE SNOWMAN. ing is August. The executive producer Work has already commenced on Brigg's Unknown actress Helen Slater will star of WRATH OF KHAN, Harve Bennett, is anti-nuclear story WHEN THE WIND BLOWS. in SUPERGIRL, which was due to start currently working on the script, while Both films will be animated. filming at Pinewood Studios in England William Shatner is the only other cast mid-April. The New York actress was member signed up so far. A French film premiered at the 10th chosen from 2,000 applicants. Described Brussels International Film Festival, by executive producer Ilya Salkind: "She will The E.T. game issued by Atari has bombed, THE PRICE OF THE DEVIL, directed by give a sister-image to kids, and be sexy bringing them a multi-million dollar loss. Yves Boisset and starring Gerard Lanvin, enough for the men." The film will be Meanwhile Steven Spielberg faces an Michel Piccoli and Marie-France Pisier, produced by Timothy Burrill and directed accusation of plagiarism from Indian is based on a 1962 short story by by Jeannot Szwarc ( JAWS II; SOMEWHERE film maker Satyajit Ray. There is app­ Robert Sheckley. It involves a TV company IN TIME). Salkind hopes that SUPERGIRL arently a very strong resemblance bet­ offering $1 million to any one who pre­ will be the first of a "dynasty" of ween the plot of a film called "The Alien” pared to be hunted for four hours by SUPERGIRL films. Other films due for that Ray was trying to sell in 1967 and a handful of professional killers. filming in Britain include SLAYGROUND, E.T., and in fact the Ray film was INDIANA JONES, and the long delayed set .for filming by Columbia in 1969, CBS Entertainment has bought the rights MANDRAKE THE MAGICIAN. but the project was dropped. Writer Bam to James Michener's best seller SPACE Price also made accusations soon after and intend to produce a 10-hour mini­ A June release is slated for Michael E.T. was released, claiming that the plot series . Mann's gothic fantasy film THE KEEP, was similar to a story he had submitted about what some Nazi soldiers find in to Disney Productions years ago. Rock singer Sting, who used to be an a castle in Roumania. It was shot on a English teacher, is writing the script $12 million budget. Soundtrack music is THE HUNGER, starring Catherine Deneuve for a movie of Mervyn Peake's GORMEN- provided by Tangerine Dream. The next and David Bowie, based on the book by GHAST trilogy. A newly formed company, film on Mann's schedule is a space Whitley Strieber, was too hot for the Copeland § Power will produce the adventure, RIM WORLDS. A Bertram British audiences the censors said, and it feature film, with filming being done Chandler take note! was sent back for re-editing and toning down. in Hungary. Sting owns the film rights 12 to the story. He recently was signed fantasy accessible to an audience due for a part in the film of Frank Herbert’s to the super-realism with which fantasy DUNE. characters and environment can now be Jennings Lang will produce the next depicted on the screen. ’Airport’, the fifth, having done three of the previous films. It will be called AIRPORT 2000 and will feature computer and space technology combined with the usual disaster elements. The original story is by Larry Cohen who will also do the screenplay. George Kennedy will continue in his role. A REVIEW Lang is also working on THE ILLEGIT­ By Nick Stathopoulos IMATE SON OF KONG, from a script by Stanford Sherman. My approach to films is quite jaded these days. With the plethora of well Columbia will distribute the Turkish- made genre films that have innundated Italian made superhero epic YOR, which cinemas in recent months, I've reached stars American actor Reb Brown who saturation point. Each new film evokes played Captain America in a TV movie. an ever decreasing emotional response. Timothy Hutton , Oscar nominee for The impact, if any, fades quickly. As TAPS, will star in a Norman Jewison a result, it takes a rare film to leave film ICEMAN. It is about an anthropol­ me with any lasting impression, let ogist who finds a prehistoric man alone move me to excitement. frozen in the ice. Australian director THE DARK CRYSTAL is such a film. It Fred Schepisi is directing on various is a lyrical, poetic fantasy, skillfully Canadian locations. Script by Chip crafted by master muppet manipulator, Posner. Universal release. Jim Henson. The only drawback is the fact that THE DARK CRYSTAL, like TRON, Dennis Quaid, Max Von Sydow, Christopher may only be a vehicle for new SPFX tech­ Plummer and Eddie Albert will star in niques. This is reflected in the fact DREAMSCAPE, an sf thriller being pro­ that the final script was only written duced by Bruce John Curtis. Joseph after the characters were conceptualized Ruben will direct from a scrip he wrote by artist, Brian Froud. with David Loughery and Chuck Russell. Froud, whose previous efforts include Mel Brooks’ third film on schedule for the best selling books "Faeries", and RUDY RUCKER WINS FIRST 1983 will be SOLARBABIES. It features "The Book of Froud", was responsible a group of adolescents in the year for hundreds of illustrations which PHILIP K.DICK MEMORIAL AWARD 2025. First up director Doug Metrov will served as guides to sculptors who RUDY RUCKER has won the first Philip be on the job, working with a script faithfully translated his drawings into K.Dick Memorial Award for best original by Rod Taylor. !!!! three dimensions. Intricate sets, paperback published in 1982, with his Jerry Goldsmith , who composed music for costume details, a whole mythology were novel SOFTWARE, published by ACE. The some of the original TV episodes, has transferred onto the screen, creating a judges were Ursula K.Le Guin, Thomas created separate scores for each of the totally believable, richly textured M.Disch and Norman Spinrad. Other nom­ four segments of the TWILIGHT ZONE movie. environment. ( A handsome trade paperback inees were AURELIA by R.A.Lafferty, - "The World of Dark Crystal" Alfred All themes will be integrated for the THE PROMETHEUS MAN by Ray Faraday Nelson finale. A. Knopf, Publisher, $19.95, details the (Both published by Starblaze), RODERICK evolution of the project through Froud's by John Sladek (Timescape and Granada), Polar Films have purchased the rights to sketches.) THE UMBRAL ANTHOLOGY OF SCIENCE Stephen King’s CHRISTINE. John Carpenter FICTION POETRY edited by Steve Rasnic will be directing. Columbia have set a The characters are brought to life with Tem (Umbral) and WAITING FOR THE tentative release date of December ’83. uncanny realism,using puppetry techniques BARBARIANS by J.M.Coetzee (Penguin US). The Polar Films company has also optioned which combine animatronics,, computer INVASION EARTH by Harry Harrison. science and advanced foam rubber pros­ Another new company, Kings Road Product­ thetics. It is therefore inaccurate to Rucker started writing sf while in ions is developing projects,to film call the characters muppets. On the Germany. He sold WHITE LIGHT to Virgin CREATOR and SATAN by Jeremy Leven along screen they are in every sense real. Books in England and then to ACE, and with WAY STATION by Clifford Simak and Each race has separate personalities, when Susan Elision became editor at Ace the novella, "Enemy Mine" by Barry further enhancing believability. (It is she bought SPACETIME DONUTS and SOFTWARE. Longyear. Warner Brothers have announced interesting to note that Yoda was a He has written some non-fiction books the definite production of GREYSTOKE: prototype manipulated^y by embryonic and has now resigned his post as profes­ THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, LORD OF THE APES. techniques refined in THE DARK CRYSTAL. sor of mathematics at Randlph-Macon It will stick to the original E.R.B Not all the effects however were flawl- Women's College, to devote all his time to story. Hugh (Chariots of Fire) Hudson less. A major event in the plot concerns writing. His next novel will be THE will direct, with 25 year old actor the conjunction of three suns. This SEX SPHERE from Ace in a few months, and Christopher Lambert playing Tarzan. event resembles three watercolour blotch­ he has THE FOURTH DIMENSION AND HOW TO es which come together. I feel that such GET THERE coming from Houghton Mifflin Robert Ulrich, who starred in "Vegas” in hard cover, and a Bantam reprint of a crucial moment in the film demanded a and "Swat" on TV, has been set to head his nf title INFINITY AND THE MIND also the cast of the MGM futuristic film more realistic treatment, considering the ultra realistic approach taken by due. Among other projects he is working ICE PIRATES./ MGM has announced a July on a novel, MASTER OF SPACE AND TIME, the rest of the film. Further, some 29th release date for film starring featuring his characters Fletcher and of the opticals were poorly composited. the late Natalie Wood, BRAINSTORM. Harry, who figured in several of the These details are trivial though, and Plans to make a film of Arthur Herzog’s stories in THE 57TH FRANZ KAFKA. certainly do not detract from the rest THE DAY THE POLES CHANGED, a story about of the film. the magnetic poles, have been announced The judges are chosen by their prede­ by Del Floria Films./ William F.Nolan To date, animation has been the major cessors each year and those selected is doing a script for Fred Hoyle’s vehicle by which most fantasy has been for next year are : Algis Budrys, John THE BLACK CLOUD. brought to the screen. Except for Clute, and Anthony Wolk (author of early Disney animation, the few attempts various critical articles on P.K.Dick). PRAIRIE SUN by Ed Bryant, which first made have only had limited success, appeared in October 1980 OMNI, was failing to meet with the favour of the LISA GOLDSTEIN'S fantasy novel THE RED to be filmed by Frank De Palma for TV public ( i.e. Bakshi's THE LORD OF THE MAGICIAN has won the American Book Award release on the Disney cable Channel RINGS). However, the technique for The Best Original Paperback. ■ o in April ’83. employed in THE DARK CRYSTAL has made THE TWILIGHT ZONE COMPANION by Marc Scott Zicree was also a nominee in the He was a long time reader of sf and same category.This was rejected by 32 began corresponding with Isaac Asimov publishers before finding a home at obituaries in 1943, and was instrumental in getting Bantam on second try. THE KESTREL by Asimov his first job at Boston Univers­ Lloyd Alexander was nominated in the MAX EHRLICH, 73, died February 11, 1983, ity, collaborated with him on his first children's he book section. at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Lbs text book and introduced Asimov to pop­ A.E.VAN VOGT won the 1983 Jules Verne Angeles from a heart attack. He had been ular science writing. Award for lifetime contributions to sf. ill for several months. Boyd wrote as Boyd Ellanby in collabor­ Bom October 10th 1909, Ehrlich was edu­ ation with his wife, Lyle G.Boyd, and Due to the wording of the new rules for cated at the University of Michigan. He they wrote more than a dozen stories the Hugo Awards for Semiprozines, books wrote plays for the radio including "The in the 50s as well as non-fiction art­ such as the "Universe" and "Chrysalis" Shadow" and "Nick Carter". His only icles for Astounding and F&SF. He is anthologies would be eligable for nom­ straight out sf novel was THE BIG EYE survived by a second wife , Cassandra, ination: in this category. We would expect (1949), but most of his other novels and a daughter, Sylvia L.Boyd. to see some quick changes at this year's had fantasy themes such as THE REINCAR­ world con business session. NATION OF PETER PROUD (1974) and its ARTHUR KOESTLER, 77, and his wife sequel, REINCARNATION IN VENICE (1979). Cynthia, in her fifties, were found dead PETER TREMAYNE has been awarded the He did "The Apple" for Star Trek. He in their London town house on March 3 "Pink Pig" award for his latest novel turned his screenplay for the movie in an apparent suicide pact. Koestler, in the "Lan-Kern" series, DESTROYERS OF Z.P.G. into a novel. Other novels included a member of EXIT, Britain's Voluntary LAN-KERN, published by Methuen in THE EDICT (1972), THE CULT (1978), SPIN Euthenasia Society, was suffering from February. The award takes the form of a THE GLASS WEB (1952) which was made into Parkinson's disease and leukemia. His marzipan pig, and is awarded by Women in a film as THE GLASS WEB and SHAITAN wife was in apparent good health. Publishing for chauvinism. (1980). Koestler wrote two quasi-sf-works, Ehrlich was surprised and gratified at TWILIGHT BAR (1945) and THE AGE OF The judges for the World Fantasy Award a party last year that people remembered LONGING (1951), but is most famous for to be presented at the World Fantasy THE BIG EYE, which is the only one of his DARKNESS AT NOON (1940), one of the most Convention to be held in Chicago over early books still earning royalties. important political novels of the 20th the Halloween weekend, have been announ­ century. His close friend, George Orwell, ced. They are : Robert Booth of Providence, used DARKNESS AT NOON for the basis of organiser of the first World Fantasy con; ROY G.KRENKEL, illustrator, died February ANIMAL FARM and 1984 and freely admitted John Coyne, author; Sharon Jarvis, former 24th of inoperable cancer in New York his debt. editor at Playboy Press and now literary City. He had been ill for some time. agent; Alan Ryan, author and editor; and His work appeared in AMRA, edited by Elizabeth Wollheim, Associate editor at George Scithers and most notably on One of Britain's top film effects men a series of covers for Ace editions WALLY VEEVERS, died in February. He DAW Books. of Edgar Rice Burroughs titles, as well worked on such films as THINGS TO COME The convention is co-sponoring with as other works by Burroughs. He won the (1935), THIEF OF BAGHDAD, 2001: A SPACE Robert Silverberg and Martin H.Greenberg, Hugo for Best Professional Artist in ODYSSEY, SUPERMAN (for which he shared two anthologies: THE FANTASY HALL OF 1963 and 1964, but did not receive the an academy award), EXCALIBUR and most FAME and THE HORROR HALL OF FAME. The financial awards that some other win­ recently THE KEEP. first volume will be published by ners have gained. Arbor House in time for this year's convention. CORRECTION WILLIAM C.BOYD, 79, sf writer and ret­ BATTLEFIELD EARTH only narrowly missed ired professor of immunochemistry at In issue # 31 in JOHN GARDNER'S obituary being nominated for the Hugo. Probably Boston University, died at his home in we said that he was born in Batavia, by only about 20 votes. The publicty Falmouth MA on February 19. He was bom Pennsylvania, which should have been campaigns to get it nominated came only March 4, 1903 in Dearborn MO. Obtained Batavia, New York. He was also teaching in the last week of nominations. John his degrees at Harvard and Boston Uni- at the State University of New York at and Bjo Trimble were quite impressed versitys and became world famous as the Birmington up until his accidental death. with the good 'ol adventure story that discoverer and namer of lectins, import­ the novel contains and have started a ant for the separation of blood types. fan club for it. Charles Platt attempted to get the book's publicists to promote "BOB” TUCKER found himself in an awkward nominations, but with an ulterior motive situation at Chattacon a few months back, to try and discredit current trends in Publish anii be when he slipped and chipped a bone when Hugo voting. L.RON HUBBARD has another getting out of a Jacuzzi. But that is not new sf novel due out soon, who knows, I) A AIN Ell! the end of the story. Tucker's clothes maybe that will gain nomination next and those of the four ladies he was year. SCANDALOUS REPORTS, EMBARASSING MOMENTS, with were misplaced, and the carrying CRITICAL REMARKS and INNUENDOS in the of Tucker into the elevator to the MARKETS SCIENCE FICTION WORLD second floor was accomplished in the UNIVERSE 14. Send stories to Terry Carr, ROBERT ADAMS, the author of the "Horse­ group's collective birthday suits. 11037 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, Calif­ clans" series made a claim recently that Robert Adams,who was so ungallant as to ornia 94611. No violence, sex or bad a mail-order bookseller was allegedly report the incident, told SFC "It was language please as the book is geared offering autographs of major authors, beautiful..." We wonder if anybody had for library sales. when in fact the autographs were not real. a camera on hand. 43 autographs were offered in the form of SHADOWS OF....magazine wants hardcore We magazine editors do have our problems! peel off labels. Adams called a number Andy Porter of SF Chronicle not only sf at the moment and fantasy, but not of the authors involved, who said they horror. Payment is per word on pub­ lost time in getting the March issue knew nothing of the offer. The price on posted due to a snowstorm along the lication. Write to Dawn Atkins, P.O. Andre Norton's autograph was higher it East coast of the USA, but he hurt his Box 170902, Arlington TX 76017, U.S.A. was reported, due to the fact that she back while cavorting in the snow and was deceased. Ms Norton has been around lost a couple of days work on the April "Guests in the Philcon SFWA suite were for quite a while, but she is still with issue while recovering. shocked when a tired and emotional C.Platt us. Some people will try anything to grabbed SFR columnist Darrell Schweitzer make a buck. by the throat and clumsily attempted to Despite the fact that distribution man­ strangle him, claiming provocation by GEORGE SCITHERS has uncategorically de­ agement at DELL want sf, the people re­ Schweitzer in his columns criticising the nied that he is leaving the editorship sponsible for the killing of the sf line 1960's new wave. The attack was defused of AMAZING. He is looking for the people still hold sway, and no return to pub­ when New York fan Ginjer Buchanan gave who Started the rumours and will take lishing of sf will take place. How Platt a maternal kiss on the cheek and legal action if necessary, to stop dumb can you get! led him gently away in the direction of further rumours being spread. 14 the bathroom.” (Leslie- Smith - Ansible.) BERKLEY: God Emperor of Dune by Frank DOUBLEDAY: CHRYSALIS #10 ed. by Roy Herbert, DAY OF THE DRAGONSTAR by Torgeson, HYACINTHS by Chelsea Quinn David Bischoff and Thomas F.Monteleone, Yarbro, NAVIGATOR'S SYNDROME by Jayge SPACEWAYS #11: THE ICEWORLD CONNECTION Carr, UNIVERSE 13 ed. by Terry Carr. by John Cleve, The Earthbook of Storm­ gate by Poul Anderson, Maske Thaeryby FUTURA: Dream Park by Larry Niven and Jack Vance, BLUESONG by Sydney J.Van Steven Barnes. (PB) Scyoc(All PB. The last title TPB). GRANADA: Shatterday by Harlan Ellison, MILLENIUM by John Varley (TPB), DREAM HELLO AMERICA by J.G.Ballard, Blue MAKERS II by Charles Platt (TPB), Adept by Piers Anthony, HELLICONIA SUBSPACE ENCOUNTER by E.E."Doc" Smith, SPRING by Brian Aldiss, NIGHT-SHRIEK SIDNEY'S COMET by Brian Herbert (Frank's by Michael Wolfitt, The Vampire Tapestry son), BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #8: GREETINGS by Suzy McKee Chamas. (All pbs) PUBLISHERS RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS FROM EARTH by Glen A.Larson and Ron HAMLYN: The Man Who Would Not Die by One or two of our readers have said Goulart, Bug Jack Barron by Norman Thomas Page, The Electric Forest by that this listing by publisher of new Spinrad , Against the Fall of Night by Tanith Lee, A Different Light by f&sf books is not much help to them. Arthur C.Clarke. (All pbs.) Elizabeth Lynn, THE BEAST OF KANE by Well I am sorry, but if I wait till I CORGI/BANTAM UK: Psycho II by Robert Cliff Twemlow, The Telzey Toy by have the details in full and until I Bloch, The Turn of the Screw and other James H.Schmitz. (All pbs) have the time to record all these det­ Short Fiction by Henry James, The City ails, the books will be unavailable. and the Stars by Arthur C.Clarke. HARCOURT BRACE: AGAINST THE NIGHT,THE By listing the books this way it gives STARS : The SCIENCE FICTION OF ARTHUR our readers a quick run down on what is CORONET: STORIES TO SCARE YOU STIFF C.CLARKE by John Hollow (HC), Memoirs of just out and due on sale. We will try by Alfred Hitchcock. A Space Traveller and Perfect Vacuum by and get the CHECKLIST out sooner and on DAW: THE 1983 ANNUAL WORLD'S BEST ST Stanislaw Lem (Both TPBs). a more regular basis, but we are reluct­ ed. by Donald A.Wollheim, GHOSTHUNT by MACMILLAN US: GUSLIAR WONDERS by ant to make promises as we have done so Jo Clayton, SUNG IN SHADOW by Tanith Kirill Bulychev. (HC) often in the past, and not be able to Lee, Cemetery World by Clifford Simak, deliver. Quest for the White Witch by Tanith Lee, METHUEN: DESTROYERS OF LAN-KERN by Peter Tremayne, CATS MAGIC by Margaret This listing is just a quick list of To Keep the Ship by A.Bertram Chandler, Greaves (J), Downbelow Station by titles due from major publishers, inc­ JALAV,AMAZON WARRIOR II : AN OATH TO C.J.Cherryh, DRAGONFALL 5 AND THE SUPER luding most paperbacks and some hard MIDA by Sharon Green, A Maze of Death HORSE and DRAGONFALL 5 AND THE MASTER­ covers, during May and June 1983. The by Philip K.Dick, DUMAREST OF TERRA # MIND, both by Brian Earnshaw (Js).(PBs) first editions and first time in pb are 28: MELOME by E.C.Tubb, WARLORDS OF shown in capitals, the reprints and XUMA by David J.Lake. (All pbs) NEW ENGLISH LIBRARY: DISTURB NOT THE reissues in lower case. DREAM by Paula Trachtman, The Surviv­ alist 1: Total War and The Survivalist ACE: ULLER UPRISING by H.Beam Piper, 2: The Nightmare Begins, both by THE LADY OF THE SNOWMIST by Andrew J. Jerry Ahem, Side Effect by Raymond Offutt, THE SORCEROR'S SKULL by Robert Hawkey, SABAT4: THE DRUID CONNECTION E.Vafdeman, SONGS FROM THE DROWNED LANDS by Guy N.Smith, A Transatlantic Tunnel, by Eileen Kemaghan, A USUAL LUNACY by Hurrah! by Harry Harrison. (All pbs) D.G.Compton, DRAGONS OF LIGHT Ed. by Orson Scott Card, The Green Millenium by Fritz SIGNET: CHAMPION OF THE LAST BATTLE: Leiber, Trey of Swords by Andre Norton, HORSECLANS #11 by Robert Adams, THE City of Illusions by Ursula K.LeGuin, SELKIE by Charles Sheffield and David The Other Glass Teat by Harlan Ellison Bischoff, A RUMOR OF ANGELS by M. (NF), Conan #9: Conan the Conqueror by Bradley Kellogg. Robert E.Howard, Ed. by L.Sprague de PAN: The Decievers by Alfred Bester. Camp. THE WORTHING CHRONICLE by Orson (PB) Scott Card, AN UNKINDNESS OF RAVENS by Dee Morrison Meaney, THE MANSIONS OF G.P.PUTNAMS: THE LAZARUS EFFECT by SPACE by John Morressy, CITIZEN VAMPIRE Frank Herbert and Bill Ransom. by Les Daneils, CHANGES ed. Ian Watson SPHERE: SHARK by Robin Brown, Planet and Michael Bishop, The Iron Lords by of No Return, Two Tales § Eight Tom­ Andrew J.Offutt,Star Smashers of the morrows and Prime Number all by Harry Galaxy Rangers by Harry Harrison, Clash Harrison. Cellars by John Shirley. of the Star Kings by Avram Davidson, Zarthor's Bane by Andre Norton, Conan STAR BOOKS: Blood Brothers of Gor by the Avenger by Robert E.Howard, Bjorn John Norman, Earth Invader by Randall Nyberg, and L.Sprague de Camp, Rocannon's Garrett, Garden of the Incubus by John World by Ursula K.Le Guin, No Doors, Tigges, Planet of Exile and Rocannon's No Windows by Harlan Ellison. (All PBS) World by Ursula K.Le Guin, Jalav, Amazon Warrior: The Crystal of Mida by AVON: Welcome to Mars by James Blish, Sharon Green, SPAWN by Shaun Hutson, P.E.T. PIERRE ELLIOT TRUDEAU AND HIS DEL REY: JUXTAPOSITION by Piers Anthony, The Star Trek Compendium by Allan UNEARTLY ADVENTURES by Jude Waples, Asherman. TARGET Imprint: DR WHO - A FIELD GUIDE TO DINOSAURS by The GRYPHON IN GLORY by Andre Norton, THE SHADOW OF THE SHIP by Robert Wilfred MEGLOS by Terrance Dicks, TERROSAUR by Diagram Group, STRANGERS FROM THE STARS Terrance Dicks, DR WHO - CASTROVALVA by Nancy Etchemendy. (All pbs) Franson, Hiero's Journey by Stirling Lanier, Space Angel by John Maddox by Christopher H.Bidmead, Dr Who and ARROW: Sharra's Exile by Marion Zimmer Roberts, The Treasure of Wonderwhat by Three Doctors by Terrance Dicks, Dr Who Bradley. (PB) Bill Starr, RETURN OF THE JEDI by and the Sontaran Experiment by Ian BANTAM US: ALIEN GOLD by Leo P.Kelly, James Kahn, THE BELGARIAD BOOK 3: Marter. MAGICIAN'S GAMBIT by David Eddings, Nova by Samuel Delany, THE BRONZE OF TIMESCAPE: ORION SHALL RISE by Poul (Books 1 J 2 in this series, Pawn of EDDARTA by Randall Garrett and Vicki Anderson (HC 8 TPB), AGAINST INFINITY by Prophecy and Queen of Sorcery, are also Ann Heydron, TEA WITH THE BLACK DRAGON Gregory Benford (HC) All pbs from here - on re-issue), LIFE PROBE by Michael by R.A.McEvoy, RAY BRADBURY'S DINOSAUR THE GOLDEN SWAN by Nancy Springer, THE TALES by Ray Bradbury with Byron Preiss, McCollum, ERIDAHN by Robert F.Young. SAINT-GERMAIN CHRONICLES by Chelsea Quinn (All pbs to here, but recent hcs inc­ (Illustrated by William Stout, Al Yarbro, Eyes of Fire by Michael Bishop, Williamson, Ron Cobb and others), lude: THE UNBEHEADED KING by L.Sprague WEB OF THE ROMULANS by M.S.Murdock (Star Something Wicked this Way Comes by Ray de Camp, WHITE GOLD WIELDERby Stephen Trek novel), Journey by Marta Randall, Bradbury, Triton by Samuel Delany, Re- Donaldson, THE UNFORSAKEN HIERO by ARCHWAY imprint: STAR KA'ATS AND THE Entry by Paul Preuss, Red Moon and Sterling Lanier.(Finally, after being WINGED WARRIORS by Andre Norton and Black Mountain by Joy Chant, HYPERSPACE promised for years and with numerous Dorothy Madlee. POCKET: THE ALTAR by | JJ #21 by Edward Packer (J). name changes.) Paul Walker, Satan's Snowdrop by Guy y anthology proper should have been N.Smith, ECLIPSES by Cynthia Felice. defended somewhere in the "Introduction"; TOR: THE WINDS OF ALTAIR by Ben Bova after all, it has been claimed that six (TPB), NIGHTMARE SEASONS by Charles L. of his twenty-two published novels were Grant, THE LONG NIGHT by Poul Anderson sf (Walter E. Meyers, Science-Fiction (maybe retitle), The Infinite Cage by Writers, ed. Curtis C. Smith, New York: Keith Laumer, SHAITAN by Max Ehrlich, St. Martin's Press, 1981, p. 491). THE MCANDREW CHRONICLES by Charles Some of the pieces here could have been Sheffield, CESTUS DEI by J.M.Roberts, written only by Australians: the THE MAN FROM EARTH by Gordon R.Dickson. egregious example is A. Bertram Chandler's UNWIN Paperbacks: Figures of Earth by "Kelly Country" (1976). We are used to James Branch Cabell, The Charwoman's American time travellers who want to Shadow by Lord Dunsany (TPBS). AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION visit obscure places such as Gettysburg and Valley Forge but it seems, wrongly, UNDERWOOD/MILLER: LYONESSE by Jack Vance, Edited by Van Ikin more absurd that an Australian should was due out March. Still forthcoming University of Queensland Press, 1982; put Glenrowan ahead of, say, Calvary. are: AMBER DREAMS: A Roger Zelazny Bib­ xlii 6 320pp; pb $7.95, hb $17.95 To the extent that it is parochial and liography by Daniel J.H.Levack, THE Van Ikin's anthology in the Portable non-Grimes, "Kelly Country" does not COELURA by Anne McCaffrey and DE CAMP: represent Chandler fairly, but Ikin's An L.Sprague de Camp Bibliography by Australian Authors series is an important publication, being the first collection idea of joining it to a mini-group of Daniel J.H.Levack and Charlotte Laughlin. time travel stories is a good one: the The first two titles are limited editions of Australian science fiction conceived and arranged as an historical survey of others are Wynne N. Whiteford's amusing only. The others will have signed and "One Way To Tomorrow" (1957) and David trade editions as well. the field. It is broadly divided into two parts. "The Past" (1845-1947) and J. Lake's excellent "Re-deem the Time" UNGAR: FRITZ LEIBER by Tom Staicar. (NF) "The Present" (1956-1979). An intro­ 1978 ). Considering the varied output duction of some thirty pages provided of most recent writers, one must demand WARNER: Dark Crusade by Karl Edward of an editor that he provide not so much Wagner, THE GODFORSAKEN by Chelsea Quinn concisely some helpful and interest ing­ the typical as the better work they have Yarbro, SUPERMAN III by William information and criticism and there is produced and Van Ikin's selection should, Kotzwinkle, SPELLSINGER by Alan Dean a "Select Bibliography". Although it is I think, succeed by the criterion that Fosterfafter a long delay), THE TWILIGHT unfortunate that most of the early writers it will pique the reader's interest in ZONE by Robert Bloch. are represented by extracts from their novels, whereas the recent writers are, the other work by the writers chosen. ZOMBA:' (New British publisher) THE with one exception, represented only by However, Frank Bryning's "Place of the RETREAT FROM LIBERTY by Michael Moorcock short stories, the selections are almost Throwing-Stick" (1956), George Turner's NF PB. always judicious and fairly represent­ "In a Petri Dish Upstairs" (1978), Dal DONNING/STARBLAZE: MR MONSTER'S BEAUTIES ative of their authors. The collection Stivens' fantasy "The Gentle Basilisk" AND THE BEASTS by Forrest J.Ackerman, as a whole is eminently readable and (1957) and Lee Harding's Displaced STAYING ALIVE: A WRITER'S GUIDE by although the quality of the writing from Person (1979) must have classic status Norman Spinrad*, WORLDS BEYOND: The Art of "The Present" is outstanding, some of the and are well chosen simply as such. Chesley Bonestell, The Bronze God of earlier work is equally memorable and Jack Wodhams, represented by "One Clay Rhodes and The Dragon of the Ishtar distinctive. "Oo-a-deen", an anonymous Foot" (1979), which foreshadowed better Gate by L.Sprague de Camp", Breaking the metafiction from 1847, is a real find stories in FUTURE WAR (1982), and Seals by Francis Ashton" The Sorceress (as I shall explain in a separate article). Damien Broderick ("A Passage in Earth", of Qar, Phoenix Prime*both by Ted White, The Bunyip's death from J. Firth Scott's 1978) are less well served, but their MORE THAN MELCHISEDECH by R.A. Lafferty, The Last Lemurian (1898) is a splendid stories, like Philippa C. Maddem's AURELIA by R.A.Lafferty *, WEB OF piece of Haggardian fantasy; the racist Inhabiting the Interspaces (1979), show DARKNESS and WEB OF LIGHT by Marion and political paranoia exhibited in that it is easy to find good Australian Zimmer Bradley, THE COLORS OF SPACE accounts of the invasion of Sydney by writing in the field without any special M.Z.Bradley*, THE COMING OF THE VOIDAL the Japanese (Rata's The Coloured national flavour. by Adrian Cole , FIRE FROM THE WINE DARK Conquest, 1904) and of the sudden advent Van Ikin terms his final sub-grouping SEA by Somtow Sucharitkul, THE HARP AND of socialism (Harold Johnston's The "Coda: The Shift toward Fantasy 1957- THE BLADE by John Myers Myers*, ON THE Electric Gun, 1911) are suitably grim; 1979", perhaps so that he could include GOOD SHIP ENTERPRISE: My Fifteen Years while T. Barnard Eldershaw's Tomorrow Peter Carey's "Report on the Shadow With Star Trek by Bjo Trimble*, THE and Tomorrow (1947) offers a succinct Industry" (1974), although it would be SHATTERED GODDESS by Darrell Schweitzer. satirical history of Australian settlers wrong to infer that Australian sf was All of these titles are due for public­ from a viewpoint sympathetic to the ever sharply divorced from fantasy, as ation, with the titles marked * now Aborigines. A feminist perspective of earlier examples in the anthology show. actually published. 1889 is found in an extract from Joseph I would quarrel with the inclusion of And a few more hard cover titles from Fraser's Melbourne and Mars. Visions Michael Wilding on the evidence given British publishers:- of the Australian future are not always and especially with the editorial judg­ dystopian here, and we even have a WILLIAM COLLINS: THE DARK ANGEL by ment that Wilding "has produced some of Meredith Ann Pierce. MICHAEL JOSEPH: Swinburnian poem, Barcroft Boake's "A the very best Australian sf stories": Vision Out West" (1897), prophesying a REGENESIS by Alexander Fullerton. "The Words She Types" (1975), included time when the continent will be tamed SEVERN HOUSE: THE DR WHO TECHNICAL here, and the existential "See You and fully cultivated. MANUAL by Mark Harris. METHUEN: ANOTHER Later" and "The Man of Slow Feeling", HEAVEN, ANOTHER EARTH by H.M.Hoover. Not all of Australia's sf writers from cited in the "Introduction", suggest RICHARD DREW: The First Chronicles of the past are relative unknowns: Erie that writing stories as opposed to Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Cox's Out of the Silence (1925) is sketching out ideas is not Wilding's Stephen Donaldson. WILLIAM HEINEMANN: properly included and the once-popular forte. I would rather have seen an STAR BUGGY by Brian Ball. HUTCHINSON: James Morgan Walsh is represented by an excerpt from David Ireland's A Woman of SPACE 8 edited by Richard Davis. excerpt from Vandals of the Void (1931), the Future (1979), much as I dislike MACRAE: Dragon's Blood by Jane Yolen. though he published several short stories. that unlovely and laborious exercise in N.E.L.: IT by Raymond Hawkey. A surprising inclusion is Marcus Clarke, surrealism. GOLLANCZ: Of Time and Stars by Arthur whose short occult fantasy in the manner Although I approve of AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE C.Clarke, THE ICE MONKEY by M.John of Poe, "Human Repetends" (1872), is FICTION as substantially a good represen­ Harrison. W.H.ALLEN: IKON by Graham admitted only because it offers a mathe­ tative anthology, I am sorry to report Masterton, Dr Who Omnibus by Terrance matical explanation for its weird that in other basic scholarly respects Dicks, Phantoms by Dean R.Koontz. coincidences. Conspicuous by his it is sadly deficient. Misprints are so GRANADA: SCIMITAR by Peter Nieswand, absence is Nevil Shute, the one writer frequent as to be disgraceful for a WINDS OF CHANGE by Isaac Asimov. whose name is at all likely to be university press production and the editor mentioned as a producer of Australian himself cannot be exonerated from all the All these titles and others we have sf by a member of the "general reading errors of fact and omission to be found missed will be covered in detail in public". Shute makes it to the Select in the critical apparatus. For instance, future issues of the FfJSF CHECKLIST. Bibliography, but his omission from the one can take nothing on trust from a man not "Melville, Mullens". The author of are pretty successful again, especially who claims (p . xi) that Verne's MYSTERIOUS Celestalia was A.L., not A.J. Pullar. with fantasy. Among their authors are ISLAND and TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER The title of Dal Stivens' collection is Pohl, Varley, Sturgeon, Asimov and THE SEA both appeared in 1870. The The Scholarly Mouse and Other Tales (not Heinlein. From Australia, they recently "Select Bibliography" is simply a mess. "Stories") . Keith Taylor is a surprising acquired A. Bertram Chandler's complete The principles of selection are obscure omission from the list. Cherry Wilder's Rim World series, in competition against (six Ivan Southall titles but only two The Luck of Brin's Five was first pub­ Bastei-Lubbe who were also interested. by Walsh, for instance) and reprint lished not in Sydney but in New York: Goldmann is now a part of the giant editions are listed haphazardly, giving Atheneum, 1977. Baxter's first Pacific German publishing company Bertelsmann no idea of the relative popularity of Book was not so named on its first that owns book clubs all over the world some novels. A list of corrections may appearance. By the time Paul Collins and is also sole owner of Bantam Books be helpful, although some of these items edited Distant Worlds, the publishing in the U.S.A. are so obscure that I have not checked house name had become Cory § Collins them personally. John Baxter's The God This anthology contains eleven stories (not Void Publications). Van Ikin should Killers appeared first in 1966 not 1965 and an afterword by Paul Collins that I think have consulted with someone and then the publisher was Ace and the has been criticised here as self-congra­ learned in this field, such as Graham title The Off-Worlders (the Horwitz tulatory, and certainly has a chatty, Stone, before producing his bibliography. publication cited was in 1968); the fannish tone, without containing much first publication of The Hermes Fall Now that we have a sampling of Australia's information about the Australian SF was not in Panther but Simon and Schuster. early sf it is natural for us to demand scene or about whatever qualities that Guy Boothby's Pharos the Egyptian was from Van Ikin that he continue his work might make the stories uniquely Austra­ published in 1899 not 1889. The Chandler by reprinting some of the more interest­ lian. Among the authors represented in list is hopeless: so many titles are ing early novels, starting perhaps with the book are David J. Lake and Jack given that it looks as if it should be The Last Lemurian. Meanwhile, I for Wodhams with two stories each, and A. complete, which is far from being the one am grateful for the introduction to Bertram Chandler, Van Ikin, editor case; several of the first publications the subject given in this volume and for Collins himself, Cherry Wilder, Trudy Rose, John J. Alderson and Wynne W. were in Ace Doubles and so back-to-back the hard work that went into reading all Whiteford, sources not given, but (Alternate Orbits with The Dark Dimen­ those odd old books. sions, for instance - the first title presumably all or most of them are taken from the anthologies published by later renamed Commodore at Sea); Empress Reviewed by Michael J. Tolley Cory and Collins. These are typically of Space should be The Empress of Space mediocre SF stories as might appear in (and why follow the now eccentric any SF publication anywhere in the world, practice of separating the titles and only John J. Alderson, in "Take the beginning with definite or indefinite Dilemma by the Horns", tries to write articles in an alphabetical list?); a story about Australians, a broad farce, The Rim Gods was first published by Ace in which the Australians on their own, in 1968 not Avalon in 1969 and the Avalon and ahead of the rest of the world, date for The Rim of Space should be thwart a series of invasions by various 1961 not 1971; some attempt might have left-footed aliens bent on storing humans been made to mark the Grimes books. in their deep-freezers. These aliens Jon Cleary's A Flight of Chariots first act so dumb as if they came straight out appeared in 1964 not 1963. The editor similar stories by E.F. Russell, and I seems not to have seen the first edition cannot say that I found the author's of Erle Cox's Out of the Silence: it was first published by Vidler in Melb­ references to canned Americans and the ourne in 1925 and appeared in Britain like very funny. There is a story of in 1927, New York 1928 - so why list a simulated worlds and god-like beings Melbourne edition of 1947 as well as ("Creator" by David Lake), another two recent reprints? (The editor quite amusing story by Lake about "The doesn't frankly confess, what I take Last Day of Christmas" with an insidious it is the case, that he used the Hyperion plot against mankind, a murder story Press editions of 1976 for his copy-texts among astronauts on Mars that tries to of this and of Vandals of the Void, not strip away the glory from astronauts the first editions.) M. Barnard Elder- ("Armstrong" by Jack Wodhams), but shaw (I may as well mention here) was manages mostly to be shrill; the same a pseudonym of two writers by only one author has a ponderous humorous story of them, Marjorie Faith Barnard, wrote about the slowness of interstellar Tomorrow and Tomorrow, as Van Ikin would communications ("Mostly Meantime", the have noted in his "Introduction" if wit of the title is lost in German he'd read George Turner's article in translation) . A. Bertram Chandler the St. Martin's Press dictionary. writes about our "Hairy Parents" in a The title-page of the Melbourne edition SF AUS AUSTRALIEN story that is run-of-the-mill, there is of Sumner Locke Elliott's Going states another fairly simple story about the clearly that it was "first published" Paul Collins 8 Peter Wilfert, Editors loneliness and stress suffered by a by Harper § Row (to whom, presumably, Munich: Goldmann 1982; 277pp; DM 6.80 solitary space traveller ("Vandal" by he sold the book), even though it was Trudy Rose), and a story about super­ This is the second volume in a series "simultaneously published" in Australia. men in our midst and what they did to of anthologies presenting SF from various For John M. Iggulden's Breakthrough, an investigative reporter; and so on. countries, in which Goldmann's SF editor priority should be given to the Chapman The selection of this anthology is not Peter Wilfert co-operates with various and Hall edition. C.H. Kirmess's The very convincing, I remember reading local editors to present what is suppo­ Australian Crisis was first published some better stories in John Baxter's sedly the best in SF from that region in Melbourne by George Robertson 8 Pacific anthologies of Australian SF, of the world. Two volumes per year were Company, not by Lothian. In the David there really must be some better Aust- ■ planned in this series, but there are Lake and Chandler listings, the correct ralian SF somewhere, and I think that, rumours that the first two volumes did name for the publisher is DAW not D.A.W.; given the strength of SF in Germany now, so poorly (the first one has a selection Lake's The Wildings of Westron, sequel there would be a market for another of Japanese SF) that the future frequency to The Right Hand of Dextra, should be such anthology. will be less. Goldmann is among the included (same published and date). leading SF publishers in paperback in Somewhere it should be explained that Reviewed by Franz Rottensteiner Germany; they do now 3-5 books a month the title-page of Robert Potter's The (Heyne does 8-9, and Bastei-Lubbe 7) Germ Growers gives the authors as Robert and were among the first to do SF in Easterley and John Wilbraham (the Germany. They started in 1960 with a principal characters in the book but series in hardback that ran to 77 volumes, still a pseudonym); the Melbourne pub­ mELB0URI1Ein85 then with paperbacks. Their SF line lost lishers were Melville, Millen § Slade, much ground in the 70's, but now they 17 sense of "honour" based on a societal to read, but one must definitely over­ THE NON BORN KING code which I can usually not appreciate. look some rather dubious 'science' to Her women's sense of honour seems more fully appreciate them. I certainly By Julian May personal: self-sacrifice in payment enj oyed them. PAN (William Collins) $5.95 ARP for personal stupidity. If a woman Reviewed by Jean Weber This is book 3 in "The Saga of the in one of these stories does something Exiles", following THE MANY-COLOURED which turns out to harm innocents GEMINI GOD LAND and THE GOLDEN TORC. I'm beginn­ (for example, in revenge against ing to find the series a trifle tedious, someone for a wrong done to her or By Garry Kilworth though it's still amusing and has some to her kin), she will work very hard Penguin Books; 240pp; $3.95 interesting twists of plot. This volume to put things right, even if it means After SPLIT SECOND I was ready to take definitely leaves one with a teaser to loss of her own life (see the title story, by MZB) . The final story in some interest in an unassuming new tempt a purchase and reading of the novelist who told a good tale with no fourth (concluding?) book to come, THE the book ("Skeptic" by Lynn Mims) is a delightful -- if rather predictable frills, but with GEMINI GOD, Kilworth ADVERSARY. Volume 2 left us with a joins the mind-blowing fraternity cataclysm (the opening of the straits -- explanation why researchers can't who have nothing to say in 90,000 of Gibraltar and subsequent filling of measure psi ability. Again, Darkover words. the Mediterranean, starting with a tidal fans will enjoy this book -- but it wave that wipes out much of the alien's should appeal far more widely, even An emphatic relationship between city). Aiken Drum, a human "exile", with those who find MZB's own novels identical twins operates instantaneously seizes the opportunity to set himself a bit tedious. at inerstellar distances and is used up as king. In this book, he must win for an experiment in alien contact. over not only two sets of aliens, but Reviewed by .Jean Weber For reasons which elude me the experiment the humans as well. A second band of result s---int he creation of a 'force humans (also from the future) are living field' which may eventually lead to in North America and become involved in interstellar utopia. For me, instant­ the struggles for power in Europe. aneous contacts and metaphysical force Various aliens presumed dead reappear. fields are the stuff of fantasy and The other aliens plot their own take­ rob the story of meaning. This one over of the unstable situation. Numer­ reads pleasantly enough, no better and ous rather clever things happen, always no worse than most wish fulfilments. with an undertone of tongue-in-cheeki- ness by the author. Some of the lengthier Reviewed by George Turner descriptions of ceremonies etc. can be

skipped at no expense to the basic THE BEST SCIENCE FICTION OF TIE YEAR II story, but they're full of fascinating detail. Edited by Terry Carr Reviewed by Jean Weber Gollancz, 1982; x 6 430pp; £9.95

CYRION On the evidence of the seventeen stories in this collection, 1981 was not a By Tanith Lee vintage year for the short form; indeed, DAW; (William Collins) $4.95 ARP the most satisfying pieces here are of Heroic fantasy, mostly a collection of novella length, Poul Anderson's Nebula short stories connected by the device winner "The Saturn Game" and Gregory of a man searching for Cyrion and having Benford's "Swarmer, Skimmer". Anderson EARTH DREAMS each person he asks tell him a tale. employs a convincing extrapolation from the "Dungeons and Dragons" kind of esca­ Eventually the man, Roilant, finds Cyrion By Janet Morris and the main adventure begins. Cyrion pism in a well-worked narrative of Berkley 1982 $2.75 US disguises himself and takes Roilant's doomed exploration; Benford extends the (Fontana published vols 1 J 2, but no place on a visit to Eliset, Roilant's story of his Dangerous Visions piece sign of this title from them.) betrothed. He meets other members of about an adaptable hero, "And the Sea Like Mirrors" (and might extend it her family and the servants, and learns EARTH DREAMS is the third book in a further). Other stories I enjoyed here of the powers that dwell under the castle, series, following DREAM DANCER and were ones employing wit and humour by Cyrion's main asset is his cleverness CRUISER DREAMS. It's one of those Lafferty, Ted Reynolds, Pat Cadigan, and ability to see past the surface sweeping stories of family dynasties, Knight and Zelazny. Among the failures, events and spot hidden relationships. political intrigue, space empires, and it is instructive to note two main kinds A well-told story, with quite a bit of so on that seem very popular these of incompetence, an inability to write wit and humour to liven it up. Lee's days. The unique element in these convincingly from the viewpoint of a approach to witchcraft, evil, demons books is the 'sponge cruiser', a sentient woman (Bryant, George Florance-Guthridge) and the like mixes great seriousness spacecraft that can travel in the dim­ and ignorance of simple technology (scuba with biting humour; the mix is delight­ ensionless void known as sponge: a in Kim Stanley Robinson). Banality of ful. device allowing, in effect, faster- theme and treatment is frequent (Michael than-light (though not instantaneous) Reviewed by Jean Weber Swanwick, Jack Dann and even Gene Wolfe) travel. A new type of experimental and the two notable attempts to avoid cruiser no longer requires the presence SWORD OF CHAOS this, sociological sf by John Varley of a human pilot for them to be able to ("The Pusher") and Spider Robinson By Marion Zimmer Bradley and the successfully traverse sponge. But the ("Serpents' Teeth") are, I hope, need­ Friends of Darkover new cruisers do have human pilots, and lessly unpleasant. Some of the failure Daw; (William Collins) PB $4.50 ARP both cruisers and pilots are part of a here is Carr's, as there were better larger power struggle between factions stories around, by such as Bishop, Card, Short stories by various members of and families. The main characters are Ellison and Keith Roberts. This collec­ the Darkover fan group, mostly women. Shebat, a young woman from an Earth tion isn't worth the money, especially Generally high quality. As well as which has regressed into primitivism as it contains abundant misprints. being set in MZB's universe, the and magic, being populated by descend­ stories tend to follow her style of ants of those who chose not to go to Reviewed by Michael J. Tolley writing: considerable emphasis on the stars; Marada Kerrion, heir to an human emotions, more than events. empire and a half-mad ex-pilot; and his Love, jealousy, fear, pain, and brother Chaeron, Shebat's husband. OUR THANKS TO LOCUS, SCIENCE FICTION overcoming one's impulses with reason: This final book finds Shebat and Chaeron CHRONICLE and ANSIBLE and all other people coming to terms with themselves. back on Earth, which they are trying to sources of information including THE The idea of a "sense of honour" is lift from its backwardness. The main PUBLISHERS WEEKLY,THE BOOKSELLER and explored in several stories. MZB's focus is still on the cruisers, and the various publishers lists and catalogues. men generally have the old European power games of the Kerrions. These 18 books are quite exciting and interesting SYSTEM Edited by Isaac Asimov, Martin fans over the years. A great book that trouble except that Mathew Swain is the H.Greenberg and Charles G.Waugh. even non Star Trek fans can enjoy. one who keeps getting trouble. Fun and Brian Daley came to my attention seme lots of action from Bantam. years ago with a pair of fine fantasy Richard Orme is the leader of an exped­ novels and now canes his third, A ition to Mars and when he is captured TAPESTRY OF MAGICS. This story has an and he meets a man floating in a golden original premise for its setting and orb who claims to be Jesus, then all it is obviously the first in a series. sorts of problems are likely to occur. Good stuff. Ballantine pb. Philip Jose Farmer does not disappoint DANCE OF THE HAG by Stephen Leigh is a the reader in JESUS ON MARS though the Of recent science fiction and fantasy sequel to SLOW FALL TO DAWN and tells action fans might get bored. Granada pb. Books and Films of the further fortunes of a cult of THE NORTHERN GIRL by Elizabeth Lynn is assassins trying to survive on a planet the third in a series and it is long, By Paul J. Stevens that has been taken over by a galactic and it is boring and a waste of time. Hi there fans. I have a question. .. . empire. Interesting story if a little It is labelled as Hamlyn fantasy, but are you reading more now but enjoying slow and still more to follow in another don't waste your money as there is far it less? Are you getting bored with volume or three. Bantam pb. too much talk and not enough action. your science fiction? Does your fantasy Donning are also responsible for the Lin Carter has yet another fantasy on seem all limp and wilted? Do your third in a series by Robert Asprin offer, KESRICK. Billed as an adult magazines seem to drag? Then you must telling the misadventures of Skeeve, fantsy this thin little tale with have what I have because I haven't read the apprentice magician, his mentor elements stolen from the Arabian is much lately that I would want to vote Aahz who is a giant green demon from hardly satisfying and can be safely a HUGO. the planet Perve and Skeeve's dragon ignored except by the most rabid fantasy Perhaps it is just me but a lot of the Gleep. Along with various thieves, reading material lately seems boring Trolls, Devils, Gargoyles and nubile and repetitive and bloody overpriced. women, Skeeve and Aahz get mixed up in I don't know yet what I will vote for a fatal game of football that has as on the 1983 HUGO ballot but neither the winning trophy one of the worst 2010, FRIDAY, or FOUNDATION'S EDGE are pieces of sculpture in all the dimensions worth a HUGO. Great fun to read and made even better with great art by Phil Foglio. MYTH TIMESCAPE just pushed yet another heap DIRECTIONS tpb. of muck on the Star Trek fans under the title of TRIANGLE and if you thought I Piers Anthony's Tarot trilogy has been was nasty to BLACKFIRE then I can only published by Granada and are interesting, say that TRIANGLE is far, far worse and if rather confused reading, GOD OF TAROT, leave it at that. VISION OF TAROT and FAITH OF TAROT A much better buy is the Donning publi­ are the titles. A mixture of 21st cation of Bjo Trimble's ON THE GOOD SHIP Century decaying civilisation and the- ENTERPRISE. This is the book to have hard boiled private eye are the main if you want to know all the gossip, the ingredients in the third of the MATHEW funny little incidents that happened to SWAIN: THE DEADLIEST SHOW IN TOWN, by Bjo when in company of Shatner, Nimoy, Mike McQuay. People are getting murder­ Lennard, and the hordes of Star Trek ed, the cops don't care and the client is a sexy redhead who could be in deep

ISSUE #12 - available at last! Featuring: - An interview with Damien Broderick. In which all is revealed: from the story behind The Zeitgeist Machine to the honest-to-God-substitute real truth about the psychology of the sf reader. "I still owe the Literature Board a novel of mainstream gloom, based closely on the life of Bruce Gillespie.” "Believe me, receiving enthusiastic rejections is infinitely more grovelling than pulling a printed-form response.” "Of all the writers I read as a child, the one I strove most gruesomely to emulate was purple, sentiment-besotted Sturgeon. I hated Bradbury. John Carnell, buying my first long story when I was 19, told me I reminded him of Bradbury. Aw, shit." "I was living in Darlinghurst, NSW, at the time, just down the hill from King’s Cross, hub of vice and drugs. I spent most mornings for six weeks strolling through the Cross mumbling to myself, which made me appear inconspicuous in that place, and borrowing armsful of random volumes from the municipal library."

- Fiction by Chris Simmons: "A Shadow Over Usheeath". In order to observe the Usheeath phenomenon, the Earthman had to change bodies with the Cheraseu alien. Which is fine unless your own body goes missing during the transfer.

- Kirpal Singh attacks the academic knockers of sf: will the twentieth century ever dawn in academe?

- Russell Blackford praises Broderick’s Judas Mandala and Span Hanna discusses Wilson’s Schrodinger’s Cat: The Universe Next Door - "Nothing else happens, or has ever happened, or will ever happen".

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $6 for 3 issues; single issue $2.50. Mail to V. Ikin, Dept of English, University of WA, Nedlands, WA 6003. Cheques payable to "V. Ikin"j please. 19 It is true that Stanley Kubrick has Appendix. I certainly did not write the bought a short story. The story in brief and silly back-cover blurb. I think LETTER question is SUPERTOYS LAST ALL SUMMER the covers will put off the readership I LONG, first published in 'Harpers and really had in mind when I wrote the book. COLU Queens" in 1969, when I was striving to I hope some of the discerning will try get sf published outside the charmed it, in spite of the packaging. circle of sf magazines. Kubrick always Happy New Year, liked the story; in fact, we discussed David Lake. Dealt Readers, a film in 1975, but I was working on Pear Pavid, Last year 1 made, a statement in my ed­ MALACIA or something, and did not want itorial regarding the reviewing of books to go ahead. Unfortunatly most publishers tend to get by Ken Methold. I received a number of We met once or twice thereafter, and a bit carried away when waiting the blurbs tetters criticising me for my remarks, last year he phoned me again, saying I and introductions on their books. Paul is but circumstances have prevented me from should think again. I have done so. It's probably not much worse than most, but I including them tn this column. 1 still a poignant story. Kubrick and I are now do appreciate your feelings about the do not have room this issue, as I con­ discussing the screenplay, but you must matter and sympathise with you. I often sider other letters I have received understand that this means nothing or leave the "the" off titles when I am list­ since are more important, so 1 regret almost nothing. There is absolutely no ing them, but my proof reader Justin that as the tetteu are io out of date guarantee, and can't be, that a SUPERTOYS Ackroyd has so often pointed out, if the I cannot cue them. I would tike to film will ever be made. I'm hopeful but author put a "the" in the title, that is thank John Alderson who I said did "not also realistic. Perhaps I may remind you the way he wants it and Who are we to (give an) altogether complimentary review" that Robert Abel Associates have been leave it off. I also sympathise with you of RVN by Jack Wodhams. He dtd make a faithfully taking out options for ten on the cover. It is bright and colourful, minor criticism regarding the limitations years on HOTHOUSE, for the first all­ but it looks tike a blood and guts sword of a baby Ryn's age tn his review, but computer -graphic animated film, stepping and sorcery epic and will no doubt put his tetter says, "RYN is one of the beit up payments occasionally, and still no some people, off. You have to give Paul books I've had the good fortune to rev lew." footage has been shot. I've earnt a right and Rowena "A" for effort, but it Is a to stay cool regarding such things. shame that they do not pay a bit more Othea tetteu received were from Steven attention to such details. Paulsen who iatd, " As a young writer All the best, stilt teaantng the skills of the trade, Yours Brian Merv E>. I have found Paul Collins to be one of John Brunner, the few editors wttttng to take the Dear Solan, The Square House, time to edit my manuscripts. So, surety Palmer Street, he mint edtt the booki and stories he Thank you for those details. I am South Petherton, publishes. I can't help feeling Methotds vaguely aware of the situation that can SOMERSET. TA13 5DB criticism ti unjust." and. Michael develop regarding films rights on Hailstone who iatd, "What really annoys stories, having talked to a few authors 17th January, 1983 who have been in similar situations to me about Methold's aevtew Is the utterly Dear Merv, unfair criticism he makes of Wynne yourself. Frank Herbert for instance, Whiteford's SAPPHIRE ROAD. He objects whose PUNE is finally being made. Many thanks for your lengthy and news- mainly to the 'tack of convincing detail It is nice to know that we might see filled letter of 8th January, lately to and the anaebromisms that most irritate SUPERTOYS and tn particular HOTHOUSE, hand. tn this book. ' ... He Is clearly on the screen someday, if we all live I'm pleased to learn that you had no blinded by the gee-whiz worship of long enough. The computer graphics idea of the fuss your publication of technological change ...'If Methold have developed to such a stage as Harry's rude comments might cause, for can't do bettea than that he ought to evidenced in Disney’s TRON, that it is what you say does at least indicate gtve up reviewing altogether. " quite evident that animated films made that his grudge hadn't been fuelled by I will be happy to provide readers in that medium are something we are anything I said in public! But it with the full text of these tetteu on likely to see a lot of in the future. looks, with luck, as though the fallout request. Regards from it has finally settled, in this Neville Angove wrote last year and Merv hemisphere at least. One has to protect also sold that he dtd not tike Methold's one's reputation, naturally, but I always reviews. He said, "Geoage Turner and David Lake find it disturbing to learn that there Sauce Gillespie aae about the only c/o Department of are people who don't automatically react English, University critics whose opinions I respect, even the way I (at least try to) do when though I think their opinions aae biased of Queensland, St Lucia, matters of common concern are at stake, Brisbane 4067 Q such as promoting the wider acceptance towards literary garbage instead of solid 31/12/82 and enjoyable reading; it is unfortunate Dear Merv, of SF... Enough, or I'll be accused of that they get caught in the broadside stirring things up again! when I tos e my temper with the turkeys." I'm writing to you because I want to make Neville also told us a couple of other public a statement concerning my new What I would like to do is utter some things we now belatedly tell you about; book The Ring of Truth, of which I have general remarks about this vexed question Michael Haltstone is fiction editor of just received an advance copy from Paul of guests of honour. I shall try to Nev's magazine THE CYGNUS CHRONICLER, Collins today. Perhaps you could put this speak as someone who not only has been but that does not mean that they are in your next News? GoH on - I'm glad to say - numerous combining "The Chronicler" and "Crux", and (1) The title of the book on the cover occasions, but has also served (and his art director Michal Vutkiewicz he- is slightly wrong. It should be THE RING indeed is serving) on convention bid reported, had been having some sucess in OF TRUTH --- not RING OF TRUTH. If this committees. I was first a member of the commercial world, with covers on was an editorial change, I was never one in 1957, you know, when we secured record albums for "Gotham City" and some informed of it. the first European Worldcon for London, story illustrations for Women's Weekly. whereas this year I've had to turn down (2) I disclaim responsibility for the more GoH invitations than I can easily My apologies to these people for not being statement on the first page under my count. Not boasting. Fact. Writers able to print their letters in full. photo that I am "fast outselling also have to earn their living. Australia's top writers in the science fiction field". Before Chandler, Harding Jerucon snarled up largely because few Brian W.Aldiss, and Turner shoot me dead, let me assure if any of the people responsible real­ 16 Moreton Rd., them that this is not true, nor do I ised that their "guests" would have to Oxford, 0X2 7AX want it to be true. They are pros, I am pay their own way, would not be subsid­ England an amateur; and I detest competition in ised by their publishers or a university Dear Merv, 9th February '83 writing, anyway. (I garnered the impression that many of the organisers were used to being sent Saw your Kubrickian item in the SF NEWS, In fact, I am responsible for nothing to international conferences on a grant) and thought you’d like a word from me. in the volume called RING OF TRUTH (sic!) and could probably not spare the writing before the Contents page, or after the time for so lengthy an expedition any- 20 think 2010 is a pathetic piece of work, "slightly irate note" : much personal contact with Canadian but that's beside the point). Approx. Feb 25, '83 fans although I did attend T ORC ON in Talked to Richard Lester out at Pine­ '73, when we were bidding for the wood last November where he was work­ Dear Merv, '75 Worldcon, AUSSIECON. I met the late ing on SUPERMAN III. He says this film Susan Wood there and John Millard, with You've managed to garble the most impor­ whom I have had some correspondence will be more realistic than the other tant line of my letter in issue #31. two Supeys. No outer space stuff etc. since. Susan and her husband Mike Again. If you look at the first line at Glicksohn were our Fan G.O.Hs at In fact the movie will start in an the top of the middle column on page 19, unemployment office... Aussiecon. As we now look like hosting you'll find that it makes more sense in the Worldcon again in 19 85, we are anx­ John context if you insert the word "not" ious to let everybody know about it, right after "decided," so that it reads particularly since we want to make the PS: Avram Davidson has just bought a "I decided not to review CRUX." story of mine for a collection he's world con as international as possible. doing for ACE. The reason I decided not to review it, We are hoping to double the attendance as may still be clear from the letter as for '75 in '85, with a lot more over­ Dear John, printed, was that it was so inferior to seas visitors and from countries who Nice to hear from you. 1 had your old semi-prozines produced elsewhere that it did not have attendees last time. mate John Baxter tn here last month didn't belong in such a review any more M.B. than a particularly shabby hotdog stand interviewing me for an ABC program on PS Your letter got lost in the shuffle Australian SF. deserves mention in a survey of fine French restaurants. also Garth. Sorry'. I am not sure even In most cases I disagree with your film if that date is correct, but it is still reviews. You obviously just do not like The first magazine title you hopelessly quite relevant whatever. STAR TREK and that is that. Neither the mangled a few lines further down is WHISPERS. first or second ST films were great, but Do proofread. AMAZING SCIENCE FICTION STORIES, I enjoyed them both, the "Wrath oGardner Dozois, Somtow Sucharitkul, parisons to Le Guin are inevitable -- 1296 Richardson St., Darrell Schweitzer, Alan Dean Foster, SF NEWS" is a bit of a distortion, and Victoria, B.C. CANADA V8V 3E1 and many others. not my doing at all. The review was from 13/8/82 (?) If anything, we seem to be leaning more Dear Sir, your own publication, ASFN, and was of towards novellas than serials. As it the Collins anthology Distant Worlds, Thank you for ASF News. I will ask worked out so far, there has been one very in which one of the component stories, SFAV about the possibility of the club long and substantial piece in every issue. "Into the Dark Land", appeared. What subscribing. the review actually said was that, because Things are looking well with AMAZING. my story was about a descent into the It seems that, for publishing purposes, We still need subscription support badly, land of the dead, it would invevitably Australia has some advantages which but the first time in a long while it is be compared to The Farthest Shore but Canada does not. You have access to reasonable to expect that the magazine's that, to my credit, the story had nothing foreign anglophone publications, but future will be brighter than it's past. to do with the Le Guin at all. As you enough distance so that you can get your Yours can see, something was lost in the trans­ own publications and literature under­ lation into hype. Im Sure that if Ms. way, with your own style. That's diff­ George Scithers Le Guin ever reads the book, she will icult here. P.S. Let me mention that amazing welcomes be mightily puzzled, since it bears We find that a good source for news of Australian writers. Just enclose enough little relation to anything of hers. Canadian fanac is Edmonton fandom. The International Reply Coupons for airmail Other news: THE SHATTERED GODDESS Edmonton SF 8 Comic Art Society has a response. We suggest that overseas (novel) is due out from Starblaze in a mimeo zine, Neology, with a good deal authors submit disposable xerox copies. week or two. Companion stories (not of this information, and New Canadian Otherwise include enough IRCs to air­ previously mentioned) include "Holy Fire", Fandom is published in the same city by mail the whole manuscript. a 23,000 word novella in the next an ESFCAS member, Robert Runte. Dear George, WEIRDBOOK, and "A Lantern Maker of Ai NEOLOGY, P.O.Box 4071, Edmonton, Alta. I am not going to start another Inter­ Hanlo", sold to AMAZING. These will be Canada T6E 4S8 national incident by any means, but 1 collected in ECHOES OF THE GODDESS. did reprint the details about amazing NEW CANADIAN FANDOM, P.O.Box 4655, Darrell Schweitzer in ASFN H 3/ from locus or sr chronicle, P.S.S.E., Edmonton, Alta. but I must have misinterpreted them. I T6E 5G5 Canada Dear Darrell, do thank you for taking the time to put Those are their addresses for any me straight. Best of luck with your Sorry for the lateness of that letter, but Australian fen who are interested. editorship of AMAZING. it just got lost in the shuffle. As I said in my reply to David Lake, publishers do Dear Garth, Merv B. get carried away with their blurbs at Thank you for your letter and the times. I have just received your later details therein. I have not had very 21 how. What's more, upon arrival at such keep forgetting to send things on the read. Maybe it was in one of, those con­ a function one may - Well, let me give possibly erroneous theory that he reads descending Yank publications. you a couple of illustrative instances everything I send to 305-7 Swanston St from our experiences. anyway. ..) Thanks {or you news and comments. At one SF festival we went to in France, I like the way in which, on page 10 of Merv B. the committee grew dreadfully annoyed ASFN, you imply that Ansible’s hideous because a GoH they had brought from the Carl Sagan libels are even more hideous John Brosnan, States at enormous expense preferred to than the actuality. However, the foll­ 23 Lushington Rd., treat the trip as a free holiday, and owing comment about the sale of movie London NW10 UK when he was supposed to be appearing for rights to Contact strikes me as a load 12th January 1983 his GoH speech he was being taken out of dingo's kidneys. The movie rights Dear Mervyn, for a tour of the area and a luxury meal. were sold right back at the beginning of Many thanks for the copies of ASFN.... But a year or two later, in the same town, the business, on the basis of an 'out­ I was scheduled to do the GoH bit on a line' and 'screen treatment' plus much Number 31 has just arrived and I feel I should let you know I'm still alive Sunday afternoon, in the main auditorium hype about the Cosmos series, all this (though my doctor might disagree on of the local Town Hall - and I might long before Sagan was obliged to write add, in a foreign language - and not anything of the actual book. (As you'll that point). one single member of the committee have noted as a diligent Ansible reader, So seasonal greetings from grey old showed up; there was no microphone, the numerous sales of foreign rights at England, Happy New Year and all that because they'd forgotten to book the Frankfurt '81 were also made on the stuff... resident electricians; and there was basis of the slim 'screen treatment'. No much to report, I'm afraid. I'm still nobody to introduce me. Being a long­ Nrbody seems to have seen the book text, hacking for STARBURST magazine, despite time con-goer, I waited until the which should by now have been delivered an increasing clamour from the Trekkies audience got restive, called on a pub­ long ago: hence, I suppose, the Unsavoury Anonymous that I should be flayed alive lisher friend in the front row to step Rumours.) over an open fire (it must have been in as presenter, invited everybody to Malcolm Edwards will be annoyed when you something I said about the ghastly mess sit close up so they could hear me, and say INTERZONE 'may still be hanging on'. that was the second Star Trek movie, went ahead anyhow, thereby saving the Outlook never better , say he and the The Rot of Khan or whatever...). committee's bacon. As the saying goes, other editors; £2000 Arts Council guar­ however, there's a million as wouldn't! Publishing news: Hamlyn Paperbacks will antee against loss; story by Malcolm Nor did I ever hear a dickybird of be following up SKYSHIP, the best novel Edwards Himself to appear to appear in thanks... about an airship crashing into New York issue 4, so this proves it. Langford ("Rubbish!"--- Captain Bert Chandler) I do attend at least three cons per year, skulks away, licking his wounds and written by me, with THE MIDAS DEEP later and if possible I ensure that one is in rejection slips, pursued by the wither­ this year. This, I can safely predict, another country. When I am at a con as ing scorn of Joe Nicholas (on account of will be the best novel about manganese GoH I put myself at the organisers' dis­ my having 'sold out' by selling a story nodule mining to be published this year. posal, regardless of whether or not it to George Scithers at Amazing). Yes, it's all about an expedition to the spoils our enjoyment of the visit (ask By the way, you were fooled by a UK fan Marjorie, who could recount a few stories bottom of the sea to mine nodules. How reference in the Library Guide story as on that score...) - but if I'm present it leads from the accidental launching of used on page 7. The librarian responsible as a fan, paying my own score, and the a nuclear missile is hard to say, and £ was anonymous: Ian Williams is merely a committee turns out to be a bunch of wrote it. Needless to say it has lash­ moderately prominent UK fan who happens incompetents, I reserve the right to ings of sex and violence, blatant sex­ to be a librarian, and Kevin merely ism, sadism,- pornography and even a find something better to do than hang speculated that Ian might do the same touch of immorality (though how many of around indefinitely until it suits them thing (apparently he doesn't). these ingredients will remain by the time to remember I exist. Charles Platt has offered his services the editors at Hamlyn have finished Which is among the reasons why Seacon as columnist for Ansible, so prepare to 'copy-editing' the novel is hard to say). 2 - the combined Eastercon and Eurocon be even more shocked by vile revelations It will even have a couple of deliberate - which we plan to mount if we win the in 1983! nautical errors hidden within it for bid at Glasgow this year, will be one Captain Chandler to uncover. But above of the finest SF conventions ever, Am writing two novels for delivery this all it will have lots of manganese nod­ uniting the best of everything I can year. One is pseudonymous not because ules. I envy you possums the experience recall from cons in seven or eight it's hackwork (though critics may differ of reading it, you lucky devils. countries... and with luck will have there) but because it lampoons a certain four guests of honour, including a fan Ministry of Defence establishment where I suppose you know by now that the GoH. Me? I'm just one of the'committee, someone close to my heart used to work. British sf writer who has sold a story _ which is 25 strong! Other is SF, provisionally titled WILD­ to Kubrick is none other than the great ERNESS OF MIRRORS, contracted by Arrow, Brian Al diss. The story is SUPER TOYS Sincerely, who published THE SPACE EATER here. LAST ALL SUMMER LONG. It's early days (Amazed that latter got a nice review in yet, however, and I have no idea when John Brunner Locus, incidently.) Timescape edition of the film will actually go into product­ '■■ear John, TSE out round about now, so I'm naturally ion. Hopefully it will be next year if hoping for limitless fame and power. Or all goes well. Thank you. f,or your ZeZte/i. AUniversity of Sydney, 24pp. Semi-prozine, beautifully Australian & NSW, 2006, Australia. Aust, fanzine. presented, terrific artwork. Fiction 20pp, duplicated, with illustrated and reviews. Available for A$5.00 for Fan Artwork cover. Emphasis on personal views 4 issues, or A$1.50 per issue. by Michael McGann & Sakura Allison rather than literary judgments. Good WAHF-FULL 10 September, 1982 SPACE ART ON YOU! correspondence section, and interesting Editor, Jack R. Herman, Box 272, T-SHIRTS $8.00 printed black on white, blue, gold or red. tit-bits of information. Available for Wentworth Building, University of SLOPPY JOES $18.00 printed black on white or blue. I the usual, or A$0.60, US$0.80, or Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Duplicated, WALL PRINTS $6.00 each equivalent per issue. 48pp. In his own words "general sf zine", STATE SIZE, NUMBER and COLOUR PREFERENCE includes articles and a stimulating LoC THE SMOFF ' S NEWSLETTER I Adult Sizes.! Postage Included in Price column. (More recent issues of the zine Dealer Inquiries Welcome. S.M.L.XL. Editor, Derrick Ashby, P.O. Box 175, have been used as PR's for Syncon '83.) South Melbourne, Vic. 3205, Australia. 483 BEAUCHAMP RD, Available for the usual. Cheque to Saku/Ld A-CU40H MAROUBRA, N.S.W. 2035 Clubzine for the South Melbourne Organ­ SPACE ASSOCIATION isation of Fantasy Fans. Duplicated, AUSTRALIAN SF NEWS . 16pp. Includes a genzine and The P.O. Box 4, Thornbury, Vic 3071, Eloquent Hag (LocCol) . Lots of infor­ Australia. This is a newsletter publi­ . > n science fiction mation on current/future events, articles cation, not a fanzine, but worth a too. Get this one, folks. Available mention to let those people who are & Fnnrnsv checklist for trade or A$0.20if an issue (free to interested know more on the scientific Issue #1; Books published July/Dec '82. #2 Kanga Ruse subscribers - Overseas subs­ side of space developments involving Jan/Jun '83 (Due July). Sub: 4 issues $7.50 cribers note NonKanga Ruse issues will Australia, and the world. Photocopy, Published irreg. single: $2.00 plus 50C post. cost A$0.20if for airmail delivery). 10pp. No obvious information on avail­ ability. From: ASFNews 305/307 Swanston St. Melbourne. 23 STEPHEN DONALDSON to tour Australia

World-famous author Stephen Donaldson is to tour Australia during July to promote his latest Fontana paperback, white Gold wielder. Donaldson is the creator of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant,sales of which have made him a publishing phenomenon worldwide. The tour will, include live radio and television and press interviews and a round of appearances at major bookstores which is likely to attract great attention considering Donaldson's reputation as "the world's most asked-for author" ...... Fontana are certain that white Gold wielder will even better the record of Donaldson's previous chronicles.

$6.95 A,R.R.P.

For June release by Fontana: the third book in the Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.