Authentic Science Fiction

Authentic Science Fiction: A Journey Through Time

In the golden age of science fiction, a magazine named Authentic Science Fiction emerged as a beacon for enthusiasts. But what made this publication so special? Let’s dive into its history and explore why it left an indelible mark on the genre.

The Birth of a Magazine

Authentic Science Fiction was born in 1951, under the editorship of Gordon Landsborough. Imagine a world where every two weeks, readers could immerse themselves in thrilling science fiction adventures. But as time passed, the magazine evolved into something more—monthly issues packed with short stories and editorials.

Struggles and Adaptations

The journey wasn’t easy for Authentic Science Fiction. Financial struggles plagued its existence, much like a ship battling through stormy seas. To stay afloat, the magazine changed its banner to ‘Science Fiction Fortnightly No. 3,’ adding features that helped boost sales. But even with these changes, the magazine faced challenges.

Editorial Changes and Contributions

Landsborough’s departure marked a significant shift in direction. H.J. Campbell took over as editor, bringing new life to the publication. His contributions, along with those of other regulars like Sydney J. Bounds and William F. Temple, helped shape Authentic into something more substantial.

Evolution and Decline

In 1955, Campbell decided to leave editing for a scientific career. This left E.C. Tubb as the editor from February 1956. However, Tubb struggled with maintaining high standards due to low-quality submissions. To fill gaps, he often wrote material under pseudonyms.

By 1957, Hamilton invested in UK paperback rights and switched Authentic’s size to digest format. The magazine’s circulation increased but then decreased as Hamilton focused on other projects. In October of that year, the lights went out for Authentic Science Fiction due to financial constraints.

The Notable Novels

For its first twenty-five issues, Authentic featured full-length novels. But later, it reduced story lengths to less than forty pages. Despite this, the magazine included non-fiction departments and fanzine reviews, though these sections were eventually eliminated under Tubb’s editorship.

Cover Art and Legacy

The cover artwork of Authentic Science Fiction was initially poor but improved from mid-1953 with John Richards’ art. Josh Kirby and Chesley Bonestell influenced covers on space and astronomical themes, adding a visual spectacle to the magazine’s content.

Notable Stories and Critiques

The magazine published some notable stories, including Charles L. Harness’s ‘The Rose’ in 1953. However, critics often described Authentic as lacking originality and relying on stereotyped fiction. The first issue was dubbed ‘British pulp at its most infantile,’ but covers improved over time.

Authentic Science Fiction published a few well-known stories, such as Isaac Asimov’s ‘Ideals Die Hard.’ But overall, the magazine struggled to produce groundbreaking work that would stand the test of time. Critics often pointed out its reliance on reprints and lack of originality.

The End of an Era

Authentic Science Fiction folded in October 1957 due to financial reasons. While it may have been a short-lived publication, its legacy lives on as a testament to the challenges faced by science fiction magazines during that era. The magazine’s journey through ups and downs mirrors the broader struggles of the genre itself.