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Advent:Publishers is an American publishing house. It was founded by Earl Kemp and other members of the
University of Chicago The University of Chicago (UChicago, Chicago, or UChi) is a Private university, private research university in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Its main campus is in the Hyde Park, Chicago, Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, Chic ...
Science Fiction Club, including
Sidney Coleman Sidney Richard Coleman (7 March 1937 – 18 November 2007) was an American theoretical physicist noted for his research in high-energy physics. Life and work Sidney Coleman grew up on the Far North Side of Chicago. In 1957, he received h ...
, in 1955, to publish criticism, history, and bibliography of the
science fiction Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...
field, beginning with
Damon Knight Damon Francis Knight (September 19, 1922 – April 15, 2002) was an American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He is the author of " To Serve Man", a 1950 short story adapted for ''The Twilight Zone''.Stanyard, ''Dimensions Behind ...
's ''
In Search of Wonder ''In Search of Wonder: Essays on Modern Science Fiction'' is a collection of critical essays by American writer Damon Knight. Most of the material in the original version of the book was originally published between 1952 and 1955 in various scie ...
''. With books like ''In Search of Wonder'' and
James Blish James Benjamin “Jimmy” Blish () was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. He is best known for his ''Cities in Flight'' novels and his series of ''Star Trek'' novelizations written with his wife, J. A. Lawrence. His novel ''A Case ...
's ''The Issue at Hand'', Advent became the genre's first scholarly publisher.


Authors

Authors in the field who have either written or edited Advent books, or been the subject of an Advent book, include: * Cy Chauvin * Reginald Bretnor *
Theodore Cogswell Theodore Rose Cogswell (March 10, 1918 – February 3, 1987) was an American science fiction author. Profile During the Spanish Civil War, Cogswell served as an ambulance driver for the Republicans as part of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. He ...
*
Robert A. Heinlein Robert Anson Heinlein ( ; July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific acc ...
* Cyril Kornbluth *
Alfred Bester Alfred Bester (December 18, 1913 – September 30, 1987) was an American science fiction author, TV and radio screenwriter, magazine Editing, editor and scriptwriter for comics. He is best remembered for his science fiction, including ''Th ...
*
Robert Bloch Robert Albert Bloch (; April 5, 1917September 23, 1994) was an American fiction writer, primarily of crime fiction, crime, psychological horror fiction, horror and Fantasy Fiction, fantasy, much of which has been dramatized for radio, cinema and ...
*
L. Sprague de Camp Lyon Sprague de Camp (; November 27, 1907 – November 6, 2000) was an American author of science fiction, Fantasy literature, fantasy and non-fiction literature. In a career spanning 60 years, he wrote over 100 books, both novels and works of ...
* Howard DeVore * E. E. Smith * Ron Ellik *
Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Lloyd Arthur Eshbach (June 20, 1910 – October 29, 2003) was an American science fiction science fiction fandom, fan, publisher and writer, secular and religious publisher, and minister. Biography Born in Palm, Pennsylvania, Palm, Pennsyl ...
*
Damon Knight Damon Francis Knight (September 19, 1922 – April 15, 2002) was an American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He is the author of " To Serve Man", a 1950 short story adapted for ''The Twilight Zone''.Stanyard, ''Dimensions Behind ...
* Alexei Panshin * Donald H. Tuck * Harry Warner Jr


Footnotes on First Beginnings: Advent & the UofCSF Club…

“After exchanging a few letters with Mari Wolf (who was conducting “Fandora’s Box” for William Hamling’s ''
Imagination Imagination is the production of sensations, feelings and thoughts informing oneself. These experiences can be re-creations of past experiences, such as vivid memories with imagined changes, or completely invented and possibly fantastic scenes ...
''), she insisted upon connecting me with local
Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
active fan Ed Wood. In fear and trepidation, at her insistence and by prearrangement, I went to meet the exalted co-editor of the ''Journal of Science Fiction''.”—Earl Kemp And then Ed Wood introduced Earl Kemp to the
University of Chicago The University of Chicago (UChicago, Chicago, or UChi) is a Private university, private research university in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Its main campus is in the Hyde Park, Chicago, Hyde Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, Chic ...
Science Fiction Club, and a publishing legend was begun.''The Anthem Series'' by Earl Terry Kemp, The Last Stand, 2012, pages 423-456. Evan H. Appelman was the president of the UofCSF Club when Earl Kemp joined in 1950. Originally sponsored by a university professor, the club had been in existence a number of years prior to then when Kemp became a member. Appelman and Kemp hit it off really good, and Appelman picked him and encouraged him to become president when he retired (graduated). He further set it up so that Kemp could do so for public consumption, but internally Rick Pararie, a student, was alleged president. Things continued with the full support of the university without a bobble even with Kemp in charge. George Price, also not a student was the president after his term expired. Edward Wood (April 28, 1926 – 1995) was one of the original five co-founders of Advent:Publishers which was formed October 24, 1955, by Chicago fans Earl Kemp, Edward Wood (deceased),
Sidney Coleman Sidney Richard Coleman (7 March 1937 – 18 November 2007) was an American theoretical physicist noted for his research in high-energy physics. Life and work Sidney Coleman grew up on the Far North Side of Chicago. In 1957, he received h ...
(deceased 2007), Robert E. Briney (deceased 2011), and Jon Stopa. It was initially formed for only one purpose, to publish the
Damon Knight Damon Francis Knight (September 19, 1922 – April 15, 2002) was an American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He is the author of " To Serve Man", a 1950 short story adapted for ''The Twilight Zone''.Stanyard, ''Dimensions Behind ...
book that became ''
In Search of Wonder ''In Search of Wonder: Essays on Modern Science Fiction'' is a collection of critical essays by American writer Damon Knight. Most of the material in the original version of the book was originally published between 1952 and 1955 in various scie ...
'' (originally titled ''Rx Science Fiction''). Collectors should note that a “secret” printing run of 100 brown paperbacks copies of ''
In Search of Wonder ''In Search of Wonder: Essays on Modern Science Fiction'' is a collection of critical essays by American writer Damon Knight. Most of the material in the original version of the book was originally published between 1952 and 1955 in various scie ...
'' were published as a market test. They sold out immediately. Robert E
ward Ward may refer to: Division or unit * Hospital ward, a hospital division, floor, or room set aside for a particular class or group of patients, for example the psychiatric ward * Prison ward, a division of a penal institution such as a pris ...
Briney, Jr. (2 Dec 1933-25 Nov 2011) was a noted science fiction and mystery fan, and was a founding member of Advent:Publishers, Inc. He graduated from high school in 1951. By 1961 he had earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from M.I.T. In 1968 Briney joined the faculty of Salem State College as a professor of mathematics and in 1977 founded Salem State's Computer Science Department. His early period as a fan of science fiction was highlighted by the self-publication of ''Shanadu'' (SSR Pubs., Tonawanda, 1953, 101 pp., $1.50), an anthology containing three stories: "Quest of the Veil," by Thomas Eugene DeWeese, “The Fire- Born,” by Toby Duane (pseudonym of W. Paul Ganley—a founding member, along with Ken Krueger, of the Buffalo Fantasy League), and “The Black Tower,” by Brian J. McNaughton & Andrew Duane (pseudonym of R.E. Briney). Upon Briney's departure from SSR Pubs. (Snappy Space Rocket Publications), all titles and rights passed to Ken Krueger, publisher of Shroud: Publishers. Due to their initial success with ''
In Search of Wonder ''In Search of Wonder: Essays on Modern Science Fiction'' is a collection of critical essays by American writer Damon Knight. Most of the material in the original version of the book was originally published between 1952 and 1955 in various scie ...
'', now confident in their efforts, the group continued with their publishing organization for over sixty years. Among some of their noteworthy works, Ed Wood, together with fellow Advent co-owner, Bob Briney, compiled ''SF Bibliographies: An Annotated Bibliography of Bibliographical Works on Science Fiction and Fantasy Fiction'' (Advent:Publishers, Inc., Chicago, IL, 1972, 49 pp., $1.95). On May 25, 1957, Advent:Publishers incorporated, Jim O’Meara and George Price were added as two additional partners. Equal shares were sold to finance the initial, and later, offerings and continued to pay a percentage annually. (Of note: Officially, there is no space band following the colon.) Among the various partners, Earl Kemp was the original driving force, selecting works for publication. George Price, another partner added on in 1957, became the typesetter, following Earl Kemp who typeset the first Advent productions and was instrumental in orchestrating the production of the brilliant
Frank Kelly Freas Frank Kelly Freas (August 27, 1922 – January 2, 2005) was an American artist known for his work in science fiction and fantasy, with a career spanning more than 50 years. He was known as the "Dean of Science Fiction Artists" and he was the s ...
portfolio. Ed Wood was the editorial director, consulting with the various writers over content and motivating them to deliver the works on time, as promised.
Sidney Coleman Sidney Richard Coleman (7 March 1937 – 18 November 2007) was an American theoretical physicist noted for his research in high-energy physics. Life and work Sidney Coleman grew up on the Far North Side of Chicago. In 1957, he received h ...
acted as treasurer in the early years. Jon Stopa did the original book design. Bob Briney and James O’Meara (another partner added in 1957) acted as silent partners. Advent began with a more general program including nonfiction, an art portfolio, and an anthology. Their first, and only, anthology, by fellow Chicagoan Ted Dikty and a partner at Shasta Publishers, which continued a series originated at Frederick Fell Publishers, Inc. but done for the mass market instead—and recently discontinued by that mass market publisher ( Doubleday )—was terminated after only one book when Dikty, not long out of Shasta, demanded a full share of Advent, and according to Advent, editorial control. Dikty denied the later but pointed out at the time that his anthology was selling, even better and faster than any of the early ones he had done with E. F. Bleiler, even to the Doubleday SF Book Club, and clearly could carry the line, so he believed a share wasn't out of the question. The partners saw it differently, and decided to drop Dikty, and stick from that point on to the one thing they could all agree on: nonfiction about the science fiction and fantasy field. This turn of events, while unplanned, oddly insured their long-term survival. According to the rules of incorporation, which required corporate offices and records be maintained in
Illinois Illinois ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. It borders on Lake Michigan to its northeast, the Mississippi River to its west, and the Wabash River, Wabash and Ohio River, Ohio rivers to its ...
, in 1965 when Earl Kemp left
Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
to follow William Hamling to
San Diego San Diego ( , ) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the List of United States cities by population, eighth-most populous city in t ...
as Vice President of Greenleaf Classics, the position of manager of Advent passed to George Price, the only legal resident of
Illinois Illinois ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. It borders on Lake Michigan to its northeast, the Mississippi River to its west, and the Wabash River, Wabash and Ohio River, Ohio rivers to its ...
. Under his excellent and firm control, Advent outlasted all the other original specialty publishers of the post-WWII era and remained in the hands of all the original partners for the next fifty years. Price continued to do the typesetting and cover design. Ed Wood not only did the editorial work but also took care of the shipping end, keeping some stock handy while the rest was stored at their printers, Malloy Printing and Lithography in
Ann Arbor, Michigan Ann Arbor is a city in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States, and its county seat. The 2020 United States census, 2020 census recorded its population to be 123,851, making it the List of municipalities in Michigan, fifth-most populous cit ...
, and shipped out in cartons as sales warranted. Among several high-points, Advent also generated controversy with their publication of Alexei Panshin’s critical work of
Robert A. Heinlein Robert Anson Heinlein ( ; July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific acc ...
. ''Heinlein in Dimension'' (Advent:Publishers, Inc., 1968, x/198, $6.00) was the first in-depth look at the work of Grandmaster Heinlein’s till then unquestioned mastery of the genre. Heinlein was so upset when he heard about the pending publication he personally threatened Earl Kemp, and Advent, with a lawsuit unless they desisted. Heinlein never sued either. But with the insistence of George Price, the Advent Boys pulled together, and published Panshin’s masterwork. Heinlein remained bitter, forever cutting off longtime friend Earl Kemp from his once close connection, and cutting Panshin by turning his back to him, and refusing to shake his hand in peer recognition. Panshin's own views on the matter can be found on his website ''The Abyss of Wonder''. In 2001 Advent:Publishers, breaking with their nearly fifty year tradition of only printing works of non-fiction, printed the last of E.E. Smith’s unpublished fiction works: ''Have Trenchcoat—Will Travel, and Others: A novel of suspense, and three short stories'' (Advent:Publishers, Inc.,
Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
, IL, 2001, 274 pp., $20.00). From the Advent:Publishers advertising blurb: This book is not science fiction. The disclaimer is necessary because the late Edward Elmer “Doc” Smith made his literary name in writing science fiction. He was one of the earliest writers of interstellar and intergalactic adventure stories, fondly referred to as “space opera.” His ''Skylark'' novels began to appear in the science fiction magazines in 1928, followed by his epic ''Lensman'' series starting in 1937. Doc's literary estate has now released to Advent the four stories that make up this book; they have never before been published. So far as we know, these are Doc's only stories that are not science fiction or fantasy. Advent usually publishes only non-fiction related to science fiction, such as criticism or bibliography; we are bringing out this book primarily because of its associational interest to Doc Smith's many fans.''Rog Phillips' The Club House'' by Rog Phillips, The Last Stand, 2012, pages 493-494. In 2014, Advent was transferred to ReAnimus Press, which has continued to publish new Advent titles and republish the existing titles.


Works published by Advent:Publishers

* ''
In Search of Wonder ''In Search of Wonder: Essays on Modern Science Fiction'' is a collection of critical essays by American writer Damon Knight. Most of the material in the original version of the book was originally published between 1952 and 1955 in various scie ...
'', by
Damon Knight Damon Francis Knight (September 19, 1922 – April 15, 2002) was an American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He is the author of " To Serve Man", a 1950 short story adapted for ''The Twilight Zone''.Stanyard, ''Dimensions Behind ...
(1956) * ''Frank Kelly Freas: A Portfolio'', by
Frank Kelly Freas Frank Kelly Freas (August 27, 1922 – January 2, 2005) was an American artist known for his work in science fiction and fantasy, with a career spanning more than 50 years. He was known as the "Dean of Science Fiction Artists" and he was the s ...
(1957) * '' The Best Science Fiction Stories and Novels: Ninth Series'', edited by T. E. Dikty (1958) * ''The Science Fiction Novel'', edited by Earl Kemp (1959) * ''Some Notes on Xi Bootis'', by
Hal Clement Harry Clement Stubbs (May 30, 1922 – October 29, 2003), better known by the pen name Hal Clement, was an American people, American science fiction writer and a leader of the hard science fiction subgenre. He also painted astronomically oriented ...
(1960) * ''The Eighth Stage of Fandom'', by
Robert Bloch Robert Albert Bloch (; April 5, 1917September 23, 1994) was an American fiction writer, primarily of crime fiction, crime, psychological horror fiction, horror and Fantasy Fiction, fantasy, much of which has been dramatized for radio, cinema and ...
(1962) * ''The Proceedings: CHICON III'', edited by Earl Kemp (1963) * ''The Proceedings: DISCON'', edited by Richard Eney (1964) * ''A Requiem For Astounding'', by Alva Rogers (1964) * '' Of Worlds Beyond'', edited by
Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Lloyd Arthur Eshbach (June 20, 1910 – October 29, 2003) was an American science fiction science fiction fandom, fan, publisher and writer, secular and religious publisher, and minister. Biography Born in Palm, Pennsylvania, Palm, Pennsyl ...
(1964) * ''The Issue at Hand'', by William Atheling, Jr. (1964) * ''The Universes of E. E. Smith'', by Ron Ellik and
Bill Evans William John Evans (August 16, 1929 – September 15, 1980) was an American Jazz piano, jazz pianist and composer who worked primarily as the leader of his trio. His use of impressionist harmony, block chords, innovative chord voicings, a ...
(1966) * ''Heinlein in Dimension'', by Alexei Panshin (1968) * ''All Our Yesterdays'', by Harry Warner, Jr. (1969) * ''More Issues at Hand'', by William Atheling, Jr. (1970) * ''SF Bibliographies'', by Robert E. Briney and Edward Wood (1972) * ''
The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy ''The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy'' (sometimes named ''The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy through 1968'') is a three volume reference work on science fiction and fantasy, edited by Donald H. Tuck and published by Advent: ...
, Volume 1'', compiled by Donald H. Tuck (1974) * ''SF in Dimension'', by Alexei Panshin and Cory Panshin (1976) * ''The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Volume 2'', compiled by Donald H. Tuck (1978) * ''Modern Science Fiction'', edited by Reginald Bretnor (1979) * '' Footprints on Sand'', by
L. Sprague de Camp Lyon Sprague de Camp (; November 27, 1907 – November 6, 2000) was an American author of science fiction, Fantasy literature, fantasy and non-fiction literature. In a career spanning 60 years, he wrote over 100 books, both novels and works of ...
and
Catherine Crook de Camp Catherine Crook de Camp (November 6, 1907 – April 9, 2000) was an American science fiction authors, science fiction and fantasy authors, fantasy author and editor. Most of her work was done in collaboration with her husband L. Sprague de Camp, ...
(1981) * ''The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Volume 3'', compiled by Donald H. Tuck (1982) (
Hugo Award The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, given at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and chosen by its members. The award is administered by th ...
winner) * ''Galaxy Magazine: The Dark and the Light Years'', by David L. Rosheim (1986) * ''The Tale That Wags the God'', by
James Blish James Benjamin “Jimmy” Blish () was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. He is best known for his ''Cities in Flight'' novels and his series of ''Star Trek'' novelizations written with his wife, J. A. Lawrence. His novel ''A Case ...
(1987) * ''PITFCS: Proceedings of the Institute for Twenty-First Century Studies'', edited by Theodore R. Cogswell (1992) (
Hugo Award The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, given at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and chosen by its members. The award is administered by th ...
nominee) * ''The Hugo, Nebula and World Fantasy Awards'', by Howard DeVore (1998) (
Hugo Award The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, given at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and chosen by its members. The award is administered by th ...
nominee) * ''Have Trenchcoat—Will Travel'', by Edward E. Smith (2001) * ''Heinlein's Children'', by Joseph T. Major (2006) (
Hugo Award The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, given at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and chosen by its members. The award is administered by th ...
nominee) * ''Sense of Wonder'', by
Gardner Dozois Gardner Raymond Dozois ( ; July 23, 1947 – May 27, 2018) was an American science fiction author and editor. He was the founding editor of '' The Year's Best Science Fiction'' anthologies (1984–2018) and was editor of '' Asimov's Science Fict ...
(2018) * ''Being Gardner Dozois'', by
Michael Swanwick Michael Swanwick (born November 18, 1950) is an American list of fantasy authors, fantasy and List of science-fiction authors, science fiction author who began publishing in the early 1980s. Writing career Swanwick's fiction writing began w ...
(2018) * ''The Reading Protocols of Science Fiction: Discourses on Reading SF'', by James E. Gunn and Michael R. Page (2021)


References

{{reflist


External links


The Advent:Publishers web site1955 Advent:uring Through the Years 2005
by George Price

American speculative fiction publishers Science fiction organizations Publishing companies established in 1956 Book publishing companies based in Illinois Small press publishing companies Science fiction publishers 1956 establishments in Illinois