Science Fiction Foundation
Encyclopedia
The Science Fiction Foundation is a Registered Charity established 1970 in England
by George Hay
and others. Its purpose is to "promote science fiction
and bring together those who read, write, study, teach, research or archive science fiction in Britain and the rest of the world." Science fiction writers Arthur C. Clarke
and Ursula K. Le Guin
were founding patrons; current patrons are LeGuin, Neil Gaiman
and Professor David Southwood.
Through 1995 the Foundation was based in the North East London Polytechnic in Barking, Essex, UK (now the University of East London
). For much of this period the Director of the Foundation was Malcolm Edwards
, who later moved to Gollancz, and then Orion.
three times a year and occasional critical works under the general title Foundation Studies in Science Fiction. It owns and supports the Science Fiction Foundation Collection, a research library that is currently one of the special collections at the Sidney Jones Library of the University of Liverpool
.
The Foundation and the British Science Fiction Association
hold their annual general meetings jointly in May or June. Annually SFF provides a scientific speaker for Eastercon
, under the general title George Hay Memorial Lecture.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
by George Hay
George Hay
George Hay may refer to:*George Hay, 7th Earl of Erroll*George Hay , United States politician and judge*George Hay , Member of Parliament and Dean of the Arches...
and others. Its purpose is to "promote science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
and bring together those who read, write, study, teach, research or archive science fiction in Britain and the rest of the world." Science fiction writers Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur C. Clarke
Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, CBE, FRAS was a British science fiction author, inventor, and futurist, famous for his short stories and novels, among them 2001: A Space Odyssey, and as a host and commentator in the British television series Mysterious World. For many years, Robert A. Heinlein,...
and Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula Kroeber Le Guin is an American author. She has written novels, poetry, children's books, essays, and short stories, notably in fantasy and science fiction...
were founding patrons; current patrons are LeGuin, Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman
Neil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960)is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book...
and Professor David Southwood.
Through 1995 the Foundation was based in the North East London Polytechnic in Barking, Essex, UK (now the University of East London
University of East London
The University of East London is a university located in the London Borough of Newham, East London, England, based at two campuses in Stratford and Docklands areas...
). For much of this period the Director of the Foundation was Malcolm Edwards
Malcolm Edwards
Malcolm John Edwards is a British editor and critic in the science fiction field. He received his degree from the University of Cambridge. He is currently Deputy CEO at the Orion Publishing Group. Edwards resides in London with his wife, the CEO of a public relations company...
, who later moved to Gollancz, and then Orion.
Activities
SFF publishes the journal Foundation: The International Review of Science FictionFoundation - The International Review of Science Fiction
Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction is a critical peer-reviewed literary journal founded in 1972 that publishes articles and reviews about science fiction. It is published triannually by the Science Fiction Foundation and the editor in chief is Graham Sleight.-See...
three times a year and occasional critical works under the general title Foundation Studies in Science Fiction. It owns and supports the Science Fiction Foundation Collection, a research library that is currently one of the special collections at the Sidney Jones Library of the University of Liverpool
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is a teaching and research university in the city of Liverpool, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of large research-intensive universities and the N8 Group for research collaboration. Founded in 1881 , it is also one of the six original "red brick" civic...
.
The Foundation and the British Science Fiction Association
British Science Fiction Association
The British Science Fiction Association was founded in 1958 by a group of British science fiction fans, authors, publishers and booksellers, in order to encourage science fiction in every form. It is an open membership organisation costing £26 per year for UK residents and £18 for the unwaged. The...
hold their annual general meetings jointly in May or June. Annually SFF provides a scientific speaker for Eastercon
Eastercon
Eastercon is the common name for the British national science fiction convention. From 1948 until the 1960s, the convention was held over the three-day Whitsun bank holiday at the end of May. Since then it has been held over the four-day Easter holiday weekend...
, under the general title George Hay Memorial Lecture.
External links
- Science Fiction Foundation
- "Science Fiction Hub", University of Liverpool Special Collections & Archives