Albedo one
Encyclopedia
Albedo One is an Irish
horror
, fantasy and science fiction magazine
founded in 1993 and currently published by Albedo One Productions.
Albedo One currently publishes original (i.e. previously unpublished) stories from Irish, European and International authors. Its focus on Irish authors has often been noted by reviewers, but publication of non-Irish authors is not excluded as with some national genre magazines, and the magazine is "primarily interested in good writing". The magazine states that its "definition of what constitutes SF, horror and fantasy is extremely broad" and that it likes "to see material which pushes at the boundaries", a fact that has been remarked upon by readers and reviewers. In this respect, one reviewer stated that "Any magazine that encourages both new writers and readers to range more widely, deserves encouragement."
The magazine currently appears in print and electronic pdf format approximately two to three times per year. Stories published in each issue generally range from 2000 to 8000 words in length, though in practise published stories sometimes fall outside these lengths. The magazine also publishes in each issue an interview with a well-known genre author, in addition to book reviews and a (recently sporadic) letters column under the heading "Ugly Chickens" after the famous story "The Ugly Chickens" by genre author Howard Waldrop
. The editors of the magazine have stated that aside from the fiction, they feel that non-fiction content "lends a magazine its identity."
The magazine also features an irregular article or opinion piece by anonymous authors writing under the name of Severian
, after a character made famous in the writing of genre author Gene Wolfe
. These columns are often noted for their "opinionated" or controversial stance on genre matters, with that in issue 31 of Albedo One being described as "a deliberately provocative rant" by one reviewer. In 1996 the editors offered an open invitation, stating that "If you feel strongly about anything and want to let us and the readers know, you too can don the mightly mantle of Severian."
, winning Awards for "Best Magazine" and "Best Publisher".
Stories from the magazine have often earned Honorable Mentions in the Year's Best Science Fiction edited by Gardner Dozois
and the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror edited by Ellen Datlow
, Kelly Link
and Gavin Grant
.
Despite this, it is only relatively recently that stories from the magazine have been reprinted in the Year's Best volumes, with "The Bad Magician" by Philip Raines and Harvey Welles (from Albedo One issue 28) reprinted in volume 18 of the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 2004 and "I Hold My Father's Paws" (from issue 31) by David D. Levine
repinted in volume 24 of the Year's Best Science Fiction 2006.
Albedo One was voted 8th in the Nominations for the Hugo Award
under the "Best Semiprozine" category for 2006. Although only the top five in the list are deemed to have earned a Nomination for the Hugo Award
under this category, the event is notable as being the first time Albedo One has had a presence on the nominations list (and the first time an Irish genre magazine has had a presence). The event is also notable in that Albedo One was placed ahead of other well-known magazines such as Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet
, Postscripts
and Apex Digest
.
However, Mann's inclusion of some genre magazines like Albedo One as opposed to other available magazines earned some criticism from reviewers, with one reviewer from the online edition of The Zone commenting that "Ireland's Albedo One rates a plug... But where are comparable titles like Tony Lee's The Zone, Chris Reed's ever-stylish Back Brain Recluse, or the unforgettable Critical Wave?"
One reviewer commented of issue 25, 2002, that "It has a certain charming loopiness of type design and layout reminiscent of Pagemaker output from the early 1990s, but the stories certainly are strong." Regarding production values, in 2003, one editor of the magazine remarked "We would love to produce a fully printed magazine with a full colour cover but, unlike the situation in the UK, our Arts Council does not feel that either science fiction or magazine publishing are worthy enough to be considered for support."
However, in a possible response to criticism, the magazine has since attempted to increase its production values, with full colour covers, in a perfect-bound A4 format and DocuTech
printed greyscale interior, from issue 28 (2004) onwards. At the time, the editors commented that "When we started we never dreamed we would still be around in the New Millenium. But, our philosophy was that we would keep doing it as long as it was fun and it still is. We hope you like the full colour cover."
A review of issue 33 on BestSF stated of the magazine that "It's not quite up to kicking Interzone's arse, but as the redoubtable English mag takes strides forward under its new leadership, Albedo One is keeping up with the pace and is at least in sight of those coat tails, if not in grabbing distance." A review of issue 34, stated that "Albedo One prides itself on distinctive fiction and as previously stated, in this department it delivers."
However, not all reviews have been this positive, though have stopped short of being explicitly negative. Issue 30 received a relatively neutral review on BestSF, while commenting on issue 33, a reviewer stated that "With the ripples from the splash caused by last issue's impact still lapping at my brain, the still waters of Albedo One #33 signal a return to – if not more settled, then less startling – genre fiction, well-crafted and likeable, but a little stagnant all the same.".
In 2003, one editor stated that "We're striving to improve with every issue and critics have said some very nice things about us over the years, as well as some bad. Personally, I have always felt it preferable if a story elicits strong reactions - either negative or positive - than for it to get a lukewarm response all round. At least a story that people hate has affected them enough to stir an emotion... I don't think we've ever published a story nobody disliked and I doubt (hope) we ever will."
The overall approach to selection of fiction for publication in Albedo One has been commended by one reviewer by stating that "while other publishers strain to adhere to self-imposed deadlines, Albedo One embraces a publishing schedule dictated by its gradual accumulation of quality material - material that mixes first time writers with established professionals, and that demands an audience."
Since 2004 Albedo One has sponsored the Aeon Award
, a fiction contest aimed at promoting new writers and writing in the speculative fiction genres. The story "My Marriage" by English author Julian West won the Inaugural 2004-2005 Aeon Award with Grand Judge Ian Watson
commenting that he found it "rather unsettling", recommending it for the gender bending Lambda Award.
Its most notable release to date is Emerald Eye: Best Irish Imaginative Fiction (2005) edited by Roelof Goudriaan and Frank Ludlow
That collection comprises science fiction, fantasy and horror from modern Irish authors. Its dark tone lacked typical Irish fantasy elements (e.g. leprechauns), and as such was considered by some to be controversial. One review generated a relatively long debate concerning the nature of "Irish" fantasy, "Irishness" and the art of reviewing.
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
horror
Horror fiction magazine
A horror fiction magazine is a magazine that publishes primarily horror fiction with the main purpose of scaring or frightening the reader. Horror magazines can be in print, on the internet, or both.-Defunct magazines:*The Arkham Collector...
, fantasy and science fiction magazine
Science fiction magazine
A science fiction magazine is a publication that offers primarily science fiction, either in a hard copy periodical format or on the Internet....
founded in 1993 and currently published by Albedo One Productions.
Overview
Albedo One is widely regarded as the successor to the defunct Irish science fiction magazine FTL, which was originally published by the (also now-defunct) Irish Science Fiction Association. FTL was itself a successor of the Irish magazine Gateway. Albedo One is often credited as holding the position of the "longest running Irish magazine of speculative fiction" and has been billed as "Ireland's answer to Interzone." From issue 1, 1993, to issue 12, 1996, Albedo One was published by Tachyon Productions and was in an A5 size format. From issue 13, 1996, the magazine moved to a larger A4 format and was published by Albedo One Productions. The move to new publisher and format was motivated, according to the editors, "in an effort to gain better distribution, more advertising and put a little jizz into the magazine.".Albedo One currently publishes original (i.e. previously unpublished) stories from Irish, European and International authors. Its focus on Irish authors has often been noted by reviewers, but publication of non-Irish authors is not excluded as with some national genre magazines, and the magazine is "primarily interested in good writing". The magazine states that its "definition of what constitutes SF, horror and fantasy is extremely broad" and that it likes "to see material which pushes at the boundaries", a fact that has been remarked upon by readers and reviewers. In this respect, one reviewer stated that "Any magazine that encourages both new writers and readers to range more widely, deserves encouragement."
The magazine currently appears in print and electronic pdf format approximately two to three times per year. Stories published in each issue generally range from 2000 to 8000 words in length, though in practise published stories sometimes fall outside these lengths. The magazine also publishes in each issue an interview with a well-known genre author, in addition to book reviews and a (recently sporadic) letters column under the heading "Ugly Chickens" after the famous story "The Ugly Chickens" by genre author Howard Waldrop
Howard Waldrop
Howard Waldrop is a science fiction author who works primarily in short fiction.Waldrop's stories combine elements such as alternate history, American popular culture, the American South, old movies , classical mythology, and rock 'n' roll music. His style is sometimes obscure or elliptical...
. The editors of the magazine have stated that aside from the fiction, they feel that non-fiction content "lends a magazine its identity."
The magazine also features an irregular article or opinion piece by anonymous authors writing under the name of Severian
Severian
Severian is the narrator and main character of Gene Wolfe's four-volume novel The Book of the New Sun, as well as its sequel, The Urth of the New Sun. He is a Journeyman of the Guild of Torturers who is exiled after showing mercy to one of his clients.Severian claims to have perfect memory...
, after a character made famous in the writing of genre author Gene Wolfe
Gene Wolfe
Gene Wolfe is an American science fiction and fantasy writer. He is noted for his dense, allusive prose as well as the strong influence of his Catholic faith, to which he converted after marrying into the religion. He is a prolific short story writer and a novelist, and has won many awards in the...
. These columns are often noted for their "opinionated" or controversial stance on genre matters, with that in issue 31 of Albedo One being described as "a deliberately provocative rant" by one reviewer. In 1996 the editors offered an open invitation, stating that "If you feel strongly about anything and want to let us and the readers know, you too can don the mightly mantle of Severian."
Industry attention & awards
Between 1997 and 1999 Albedo One was honored three times by the European Science Fiction SocietyEuropean Science Fiction Society
The European Science Fiction Society is an international organisation of professionals and fans who are committed to promoting Science Fiction in Europe and European Science Fiction worldwide....
, winning Awards for "Best Magazine" and "Best Publisher".
Stories from the magazine have often earned Honorable Mentions in the Year's Best Science Fiction edited by Gardner Dozois
Gardner Dozois
Gardner Raymond Dozois is an American science fiction author and editor. He was editor of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine from 1984 to 2004...
and the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror edited by Ellen Datlow
Ellen Datlow
Ellen Datlow is an American science fiction, fantasy, and horror editor and anthologist.-Biography:Datlow was the fiction editor of Omni magazine and Omni Online from 1981 through 1998, and edited the ten associated Omni anthologies...
, Kelly Link
Kelly Link
Kelly Link is an American editor and author of short stories. While some of her fiction falls more clearly within genre categories, many of her stories might be described as slipstream or magic realism: a combination of science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, and realism...
and Gavin Grant
Gavin Grant
Gavin J. Grant is a science fiction editor and writer. He runs Small Beer Press along with his wife Kelly Link. In addition, he has been the editor of Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet since 1996 and, from 2003 to 2008, was co-editor of the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror anthology series along with...
.
Despite this, it is only relatively recently that stories from the magazine have been reprinted in the Year's Best volumes, with "The Bad Magician" by Philip Raines and Harvey Welles (from Albedo One issue 28) reprinted in volume 18 of the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 2004 and "I Hold My Father's Paws" (from issue 31) by David D. Levine
David D. Levine
David D. Levine is an American science fiction writer who won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 2006....
repinted in volume 24 of the Year's Best Science Fiction 2006.
Albedo One was voted 8th in the Nominations for the Hugo Award
Hugo Award
The Hugo Awards are given annually for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. The award is named after Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, and was officially named the Science Fiction Achievement Awards...
under the "Best Semiprozine" category for 2006. Although only the top five in the list are deemed to have earned a Nomination for the Hugo Award
Hugo Award
The Hugo Awards are given annually for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. The award is named after Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, and was officially named the Science Fiction Achievement Awards...
under this category, the event is notable as being the first time Albedo One has had a presence on the nominations list (and the first time an Irish genre magazine has had a presence). The event is also notable in that Albedo One was placed ahead of other well-known magazines such as Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet
Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet
Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet is a twice-yearly small press zine published by Small Beer Press, edited by Gavin Grant and Kelly Link. It contains an eclectic mix of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, with an emphasis on speculative fiction, fantasy or slipstream. Link, Karen Joy Fowler, and...
, Postscripts
Postscripts
Postscripts is a quarterly Britishmagazine of science fiction, fantasy, horror and crime fiction, first published in June 2004.Each issue is published in two editions: a regular newsstand-type edition and a signed, numbered, 150-copy hardcover edition. Beginning with Postscripts #14, it is a...
and Apex Digest
Apex Digest
Apex Magazine, also previously known as Apex Digest, is an American horror and science fiction magazine which began publishing in 2005 out of Lexington, Kentucky. In 2008, Apex Digest ceased printing the American digest size print version and opted to move the magazine online. This free webzine,...
.
Production values
In The Mammoth Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, 2001, the entry for Albedo One notes that "Recent issues have boasted a printed cover, but the magazine still contains a black-and-white photocopied interior" and could "from the purely aesthetic point of view, benefit from some enhanced production values." The entry continues to note that "the editorial and literary quality of the contents more than makes up for this."However, Mann's inclusion of some genre magazines like Albedo One as opposed to other available magazines earned some criticism from reviewers, with one reviewer from the online edition of The Zone commenting that "Ireland's Albedo One rates a plug... But where are comparable titles like Tony Lee's The Zone, Chris Reed's ever-stylish Back Brain Recluse, or the unforgettable Critical Wave?"
One reviewer commented of issue 25, 2002, that "It has a certain charming loopiness of type design and layout reminiscent of Pagemaker output from the early 1990s, but the stories certainly are strong." Regarding production values, in 2003, one editor of the magazine remarked "We would love to produce a fully printed magazine with a full colour cover but, unlike the situation in the UK, our Arts Council does not feel that either science fiction or magazine publishing are worthy enough to be considered for support."
However, in a possible response to criticism, the magazine has since attempted to increase its production values, with full colour covers, in a perfect-bound A4 format and DocuTech
DocuTech
DocuTech is the name given to a line of electronic production-publishing systems produced by Xerox Corporation. DocuTech and Xerox are registered trademarks of Xerox Corporation....
printed greyscale interior, from issue 28 (2004) onwards. At the time, the editors commented that "When we started we never dreamed we would still be around in the New Millenium. But, our philosophy was that we would keep doing it as long as it was fun and it still is. We hope you like the full colour cover."
Fiction Content
Reviews of the fiction content of Albedo One have generally ranged from largely positive to very positive. One reviewer stated that "if you're flatulently full with the fluffer shorts of pedestrian writers going through the motions, a dose of Albedo One #29 is the perfect antidote." The same reviewer stated of issue 32 that "Albedo One's inexorable rise to the top gains momentum with this issue's expertly assembled and fluid mix of speculative fiction."A review of issue 33 on BestSF stated of the magazine that "It's not quite up to kicking Interzone's arse, but as the redoubtable English mag takes strides forward under its new leadership, Albedo One is keeping up with the pace and is at least in sight of those coat tails, if not in grabbing distance." A review of issue 34, stated that "Albedo One prides itself on distinctive fiction and as previously stated, in this department it delivers."
However, not all reviews have been this positive, though have stopped short of being explicitly negative. Issue 30 received a relatively neutral review on BestSF, while commenting on issue 33, a reviewer stated that "With the ripples from the splash caused by last issue's impact still lapping at my brain, the still waters of Albedo One #33 signal a return to – if not more settled, then less startling – genre fiction, well-crafted and likeable, but a little stagnant all the same.".
In 2003, one editor stated that "We're striving to improve with every issue and critics have said some very nice things about us over the years, as well as some bad. Personally, I have always felt it preferable if a story elicits strong reactions - either negative or positive - than for it to get a lukewarm response all round. At least a story that people hate has affected them enough to stir an emotion... I don't think we've ever published a story nobody disliked and I doubt (hope) we ever will."
The overall approach to selection of fiction for publication in Albedo One has been commended by one reviewer by stating that "while other publishers strain to adhere to self-imposed deadlines, Albedo One embraces a publishing schedule dictated by its gradual accumulation of quality material - material that mixes first time writers with established professionals, and that demands an audience."
The Aeon Award
For the main article see Aeon AwardAeon Award
The Aeon Award is a contest for short fiction in any speculative genre, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror. The Award is sponsored by Aeon Press has a grand prize of €1000 and publication in Albedo One.-2005-2006 Awards:...
Since 2004 Albedo One has sponsored the Aeon Award
Aeon Award
The Aeon Award is a contest for short fiction in any speculative genre, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror. The Award is sponsored by Aeon Press has a grand prize of €1000 and publication in Albedo One.-2005-2006 Awards:...
, a fiction contest aimed at promoting new writers and writing in the speculative fiction genres. The story "My Marriage" by English author Julian West won the Inaugural 2004-2005 Aeon Award with Grand Judge Ian Watson
Ian Watson
Ian Watson may refer to:* Ian Watson * Ian Watson , British science fiction author* Ian Watson , British cricketer* Ian Watson , British footballer...
commenting that he found it "rather unsettling", recommending it for the gender bending Lambda Award.
Aeon Press
Aeon Press has been described as the "book-publishing" arm of Albedo One, and is currently Ireland's only dedicated publisher of science fiction, fantasy and horror.Its most notable release to date is Emerald Eye: Best Irish Imaginative Fiction (2005) edited by Roelof Goudriaan and Frank Ludlow
That collection comprises science fiction, fantasy and horror from modern Irish authors. Its dark tone lacked typical Irish fantasy elements (e.g. leprechauns), and as such was considered by some to be controversial. One review generated a relatively long debate concerning the nature of "Irish" fantasy, "Irishness" and the art of reviewing.
Format & availability
Issues appear two or three times a year both as a PDF download and as an A4 size print magazine. Sample content from certain issues is also available to view on the Albedo One website and is periodically updated.Notable authors
Notable authors published in the magazine include:- Patricia AnthonyPatricia AnthonyPatricia Anthony is an American science fiction and Slipstream author. Anthony published her first science fiction novel in 1992 with Cold Allies, about the arrival of extraterrestrials in the midst of a 21st Century Third World War...
- Hugh CookHugh Cook (science fiction author)Hugh Cook was a cult author whose works blend fantasy and science fiction. He is best-known for his epic series The Chronicles of an Age of Darkness.-Biography:...
- Esther M. Friesner
- Colin GreenlandColin GreenlandColin Greenland is a British science fiction writer, whose first story won the second prize in a 1982 Faber & Faber competition. His best known novel is Take Back Plenty , winner of both major British science fiction awards, the 1990 British SF Association award and the 1991 Arthur C...
- Anne McCaffreyAnne McCaffreyAnne Inez McCaffrey was an American-born Irish writer, best known for her Dragonriders of Pern series. Over the course of her 46 year career she won a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award...
- Ian McDonaldIan McDonald (author)Ian McDonald is a British science fiction novelist, living in Belfast. His themes include nanotechnology, postcyberpunk settings, and the impact of rapid social and technological change on non-Western societies.- Biography :...
- David MurphyDavid MurphyDavid Matthew Murphy is a Major League Baseball outfielder with the Texas Rangers.He played high school baseball with fellow Major League Baseball player, Josh Barfield, at Klein High School, and played college baseball at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He was drafted in the 2003 Major League...
- Dermot Ryan
- Norman SpinradNorman SpinradNorman Richard Spinrad is an American science fiction author.Born in New York City, Spinrad is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. In 1957 he entered City College of New York and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree as a pre-law major. In 1966 he moved to San Francisco,...
- Brian StablefordBrian StablefordBrian Michael Stableford is a British science fiction writer who has published more than 70 novels. His earlier books were published as by Brian M. Stableford, but more recent ones have dropped the middle initial and appeared under the name Brian Stableford...
- Jeff VandermeerJeff VanderMeerJeffrey Scott VanderMeer is an American writer, editor and publisher.He is best known for his contributions to the New Weird and his stories about the city of Ambergris, in books like City of Saints and Madmen.-Biography:...
- Liz WilliamsLiz WilliamsDr Liz Williams is a British science fiction writer. The Ghost Sister, her first novel, was published in 2001. Both this novel and her next, Empire of Bones were nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award. She is also the author of the Inspector Chen series.Williams is the daughter of a stage...
- David D. LevineDavid D. LevineDavid D. Levine is an American science fiction writer who won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 2006....
- Ruth NestvoldRuth NestvoldRuth Nestvold is an American Science fiction and Fantasy writer. Born in Washington and raised in Oregon, she now lives in Stuttgart, Germany, where she works in technical translation and localization....
- Uncle River
- Robert Reed
- Robert Neilson
- John Kenny
- Justin Stanchfield
- Fred Johnston
- Sam Millar
- John W. Sexton
- Nina Allan
- Gill Alderman
- Mike O'Driscoll