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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
Fantastic Universe was an American science fiction magazine which became part of the explosion of science fiction magazine publishing in that country during the 1950s. Although running for only eight years (69 issues) it was nevertheless outlasted most of its competitors.
First published by King Size Publications in June 1953, it was eventually sold in 1959 to Great American Publications. There were also two main editors, the first being Leo Margulies (1954-1956) and the second being Hans Stefan Santesson (1956-1960). In the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Volume 3 (1982), Donald H. Tuck has suggested that the quality of the magazine declined somewhat during Santesson's tenure, with the main complaint being that the magazine became known for printing much UFO-related material.
In 1960 Santesson edited an anthology of stories from the magazine for Prentice-Hall, called The Fantastic Universe Omnibus. One Australian-based author to have his works published in the magazine was A. Bertram Chandler.
First published by King Size Publications in June 1953, it was eventually sold in 1959 to Great American Publications. There were also two main editors, the first being Leo Margulies (1954-1956) and the second being Hans Stefan Santesson (1956-1960). In the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Volume 3 (1982), Donald H. Tuck has suggested that the quality of the magazine declined somewhat during Santesson's tenure, with the main complaint being that the magazine became known for printing much UFO-related material.
In 1960 Santesson edited an anthology of stories from the magazine for Prentice-Hall, called The Fantastic Universe Omnibus. One Australian-based author to have his works published in the magazine was A. Bertram Chandler.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
PeriodicalNewspaper Details
Subtitle:
Cover Subtitle: Science Fiction
Frequency:
Bi-monthly June/July 1953 - September 1954. Monthly thereafter.
Range:
1(1953) - 12:5(1960)
Size:
20cm
Price:
1953: 50c or 6 issues at $2.50 (U.S.) by subscription afterwards 35c or $3.75 for twelve by subscription.
Graphics:
Cover illustration in colour.
Advertising:
On back cover, some amongst front matter.
Last amended 18 Jan 2012 11:51:25
