1943 by Mr. X
first edition
1922 · Philadelphia
by MR. X (FORREST J ACKERMAN)
Philadelphia: Dorrance, 1922. First Edition. With an early printed ownership label of ‘Mr. Science Fiction’ Forrest J Ackerman affixed to the upper right corner of the front free endpaper, reading: “Forrest J. Ackerman [with a period after the J], Sciencefictionist, 530 Staples Avenue, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.” The label measures 1 3/4” x 3/4” and is printed in dark blue ink on cream paper. Very good copy with a hint of dust soiling to the pages edges and some very minor wear to the top and bottom edges of the spine in a lightly handled dust soiled dust jacket with some fading to the spine and a few small chips and tears. “1943” is a novel set in a utopian state in which pleasurable activities are officially frowned upon. Forrest J Ackerman (1916–2008) was from the 1930s into the 21st century, one of science fiction's best known promoters, spokesman, popular culture advocate, and was the creator of the now universally used term “sci-fi”. Living throughout his life in Los Angeles, Ackerman was a magazine editor, science fiction writer and literary agent, a founder of science fiction fandom. Internationally known for his role as editor of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland He was often called "Forry," "The Ackermonster," "4e" and "4SJ”, and, in subsequent years from the time of the printing of this label, did not use a period after his initial ‘J’. In his huge 18-room home known as the "Ackermansion” he created a superb collection of over 300,000 books, movie posters, props, photographs, and movie and science-fiction memorabilia which he generously shared with tours of thousands of people over decades. His influence was huge on several generations. One of his disciples, film director John Landis, has observed: “…As Editor of and major contributor to Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine, Forry’s direct influence on people like Guillermo del Toro, Rick Baker, Joe Dante, Stephen Spielberg, George Lucas, Frank Darabont, Brian Signer, Stephen King, Mick Garris, Tobe Hooper, Sam Raimi, John Carpenter, Peter Jackson and countless others has had a tremendous impact on world literature and the movies. His teenage friends Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen were his comrades in celebrating and creating the fantastic….” (Inventory #: 21286E)