Science Fiction Quarterly

Science Fiction Quarterly: A Pulp Legacy

Imagine a world where science fiction was not just a genre but a vibrant, bustling community of writers and readers. Enter Science Fiction Quarterly (SFQ), an American pulp magazine that played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of science fiction during its heyday from 1940 to 1958.

Launched by publisher Louis Silberkleit amidst a boom in science fiction magazines, SFQ was part of a larger movement that began with Amazing Stories in 1926. But what made SFQ stand out among its contemporaries? Let’s dive into the story behind this fascinating publication.

The Birth and Early Days

Science Fiction Quarterly was born during a time when science fiction magazines were experiencing a surge in popularity. Alongside it, Silberkleit also launched two other titles: Science Fiction and Future Fiction. However, these magazines faced challenges early on due to slow sales and paper shortages, leading them to cease publication before World War II.

But the story doesn’t end there. In 1950-1951, Silberkleit relaunched Future Fiction and Science Fiction Quarterly, marking a new chapter in the magazine’s history. By 1958, SFQ had become the last surviving science fiction pulp magazine, known for its policy of reprinting novels as lead stories.

The Editorial Team

Charles Hornig was initially appointed as editor, but when he joined the military, Silberkleit offered the position to Sam Moskowitz, who declined. This led to Donald Wollheim taking over. Later, in November 1940, Robert A. W. Lowndes joined Future Fiction and replaced Hornig as editor by mutual consent due to his move to California.

Lowndes’ tenure was marked by a shift in editorial control, with Silberkleit initially maintaining close oversight but later giving him more autonomy. Under Lowndes, SFQ featured novels from well-known authors like Ray Cummings and Hugo Gernsback, alongside notable stories by Isaac Asimov, James Blish, and others.

The Futurians Connection

One of the key factors that set Science Fiction Quarterly apart was its reliance on friends in the Futurians. This group included aspiring writers such as Isaac Asimov, James Blish, and Donald Wollheim, who contributed to the magazine’s content. Notable stories published by SFQ include ‘Second Dawn’ by Arthur C. Clarke, ‘The Last Question’ by Isaac Asimov, and ‘Common Time’ by James Blish.

Lowndes’ editorial selections were not always successful; five out of seven proposed stories for the April 1941 Future Fiction issue were vetoed by Silberkleit. However, under Lowndes’ editorship, SFQ featured high-quality nonfiction articles and attracted new writers like Poul Anderson, William Tenn, and Arthur C. Clarke.

Format Changes and Decline

Despite its initial success, Science Fiction Quarterly faced challenges due to declining sales and changes in distribution networks. In 1952, a new magazine called Dynamic Science Fiction was launched but eventually cancelled in favor of the digest format. By the end of 1955, all Silberkleit’s magazines had switched to digest format except for SFQ, which remained in pulp format until its cancellation in February 1958.

The omitted issues of SFQ were November 1951, May 1952, and August 1953. The order of publication varied from the US editions, including changes in page count and price. There are no anthologies solely drawn from SFQ, but some anthologies did include stories from the magazine.

Legacy and Impact

Science Fiction Quarterly was part of a larger movement that began with Amazing Stories in 1926. Its legacy lies not just in its content but also in the contributions it made to the science fiction community, nurturing talent and shaping the genre’s future.

Through its unique blend of high-quality fiction and nonfiction, SFQ played a crucial role in the development of science fiction as we know it today. It was more than just a magazine; it was a beacon for aspiring writers and a platform for established authors to share their visions with the world.

Science Fiction Quarterly was a testament to the power of community and collaboration in shaping the future. Its story is one of resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of science fiction itself.

In conclusion, Science Fiction Quarterly stands as a remarkable chapter in the history of American pulp magazines. It not only provided a platform for emerging talent but also contributed significantly to the evolution of science fiction as a genre. Its legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers, reminding us that every story has the potential to shape the future.