Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 48 — page 107: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION is no fanaticism, no hero- worship, no distorted per- spectives—at least where science fiction is concerned. Cranks there are indeed, but they are sensible cranks, if you see what I mean. The London Circle also differs from all other fan groups in that there is a strong professional element attached to it—parasitic, in the view of some fans! But, of course, the professionals are fans, too. Until he went to America early this year, Arthur C. Clarke was a regular attender. So are William F. Temple, John Wyndham, Peter Phil- lips, Bryan Berry, E. C. Tubb, Kenneth Bulmer, John Chris- topher, Sidney Bounds, Jonathan Burke and practic- ally every other London pro- fessional author you have ever heard of. John Carnell, my chief rival and very great friend, editor, anthologist, trooper, still comes regularly to the meetings that he helped to start so many years ago. If you come along—and [ do hope you~ will—you’ll see John and me arguing about 106 ~ what is good science fiction— and agreeing to disagree as we call for another pint! In spite of the many pro- fessionals present, the Globe meetings are entirely informal and absolutely free from any kind of snobbery or conde- scension. The pros and the fans mingle on a perfectly equal basis of harmonious fellow-feeling. Now, the London Circle is open to everyone. It doesn’t matter where you live or where you were born or what colour your skin or what God you believe in or none at all. You will be welcome at the Globe any Thursday of the year. But do make yourself known as a science fiction fan. It’s very easy for people to come in and be ignored for the whole evening—there is no reason why non-interested strangers should be accosted, is there? So carry a science fiction magazine, or go up to somebody and ask them how a rocket works, or something along those lines. But I warn you—if you come once, you'll come again! comiclbooks.conm