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Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Papers and Fantasy Press Archives
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This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
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Lloyd Arthur Eshbach was born in Palm, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1910. He was raised in a Pennsylvania German county, one in which both his maternal and paternal ancestors had settled in 1734. He became a science fiction fan at the age of nine, when an older brother awakened his interest in the work of Burroughs, Merritt, Hal, Flint and other writers who produced stories of scientific fantasy for the Munsey publications. After starting to write seriously at the age of seventeen, he published his first story in 1930. He continued to produce science fiction for twenty years, his work appearing in numerous science fiction pulps including Amazing Stories, Science Fiction, Astounding Stories, and Strange Stories.
Outside of writing, Eshbach's career ranged from show-card writer and advertising copy writer to publisher in two Pennsylvania-based publishing companies, and later clergyman for three small eastern Pennsylvania churches. Eshbach stopped writing in 1946 to organize Fantasy Press.
Through Fantasy Press, a collection Eshbach's own fiction appeared in 1955 under the title The Tyrant of Time. The non-fiction book Of Worlds Beyond: The Science of Science Fiction Writing, edited by Eshbach, was published in 1947, in which top authors outlined the various ways in which they approached science fiction writing. One of Eshbach's first accepted stories, "A Voice from the Ether, " was selected by Michael Ashley for Part I of his History of the Science Fiction Magazine (Chicago, 1974) as representative science fiction for 1931.
Besides science fiction, Eshbach's other interests included lapidary arts and silversmithing. While living in Chicago in the 1960s, he became an expert in these crafts, winning some major prizes in competition. After his retirement, Eshbach began writing again, and published Over My Shoulder: Reflections on a Science Fiction Era (1983), among other works.
Founded in 1946 by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach, Fantasy Press was one of the first American specialist science fiction and fantasy publishing houses. While in conversation with two fellow employees Glidden Paint Company in Reading, Pennsylvania, where Eshbach was advertising copy writer, he asked in jest if they would like to go into the science fiction book publishing business. Eshbach was surprised to hear them reply with interest. This was the start of Fantasy Press, with Eshbach acquiring the stories, A.J. Donnell as illustrator, Lyman Houck (an accountant friend and fellow Mason) as bookkeeper, and Herb MacGregor shipping the books.
Fantasy Press's first publishing venture was E.E. Smith's Spacehounds of IPC. Two printings followed totaling more than 5, 500 copies produced and sold. Fantasy Press was responsible for bringing works by some of the great early magazine science fiction authors, notably E.E. Smith and John Campbell.
During the eleven years that Fantasy Press was run by Eshbach, more than 40 novels were published. In 1950 his partners sold their interests in the publishing company to Eshbach. Up until 1958, when Eshbach sold the company and its stock to Gnome Press, works by such authors as John W. Campbell, Jr., Sprague de Camp, E. E. Smith, Stanley G. Weinbaum and Jack Williamson were published.
For a more personal and detailed account of the Fantasy Press see "The Fantasy Press Story" by L.A. Eshbach in this collection, Box 3, Folder 1.
The Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Papers and Fantasy Press Archives contain correspondence of and manuscripts for books and short stories by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach, as well as other manuscripts and correspondence related to Eshbach's publishing company, Fantasy Press. In particular, the collection contains manuscript by and correspondence of three writers published by Fantasy Press: Eric Temple Bell (also known as John Taine), John W. Campbell, Jr., and E. E. "Doc" Smith. Many of the folders containing manuscripts have a typed note (1979) by Eshbach giving further pertinent history concerning those manuscripts.
The collection is arranged into 5 series as follows:
- Series 1:Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Papers, 1929-1945, undated
- Subseries 1.1: Correspondence, 1929-1943, undated
- Subseries 1.2: Short Stories, 1929-1945, undated
- Series 2: Fantasy Press Archives, circa 1909-1976
- Subseries 2.1: The Fantasy Press Story, undated
- Subseries 2.1: John W. Campbell, Jr. Manuscripts, circa 1976
- Subseries 2.2: John Taine (Eric Temple Bell) Manuscripts, circa 1909-1954
- Subseries 2.2: E.E. Smith Manuscripts and Correspondence, 1947-1976
- Sub-subseries series 2.2.1: Skylark Series, circa 1947-1966
- Sub-subseries series 2.2.2: Lensman Series, circa 1950-1976
- Sub-subseries Series 2.2.3: Correspondence, 1954-1964
- Series 3: Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Papers 1981 Addition, circa 1983, undated
- Series 4: Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Papers 1993 Addition, circa 1983-1990
- Series 5: Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Papers 1990 Addition, circa 1980s
The manuscripts of John Campbell, John Taine (Eric Temple Bell) and E.E. Smith were acquired by purchase in 1977 with the help of a number of authors and publishers; the personal papers of Lloyd Eshbach were the gift of Eshbach in 1979, with additions in 1981, 1990, and 1993.
Finding aid revised according to contemporary archival standards in July 2014 by Katy Rawdon, Coordinator of Technical Services.
People
- Bell, Eric Temple, 1883-1960
- Campbell, John W., Jr. (John Wood), 1910-1971
- Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer), 1890-1965
- Taine, John, 1883-1960
Organization
Subject
- Publisher
- Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center
- Finding Aid Author
- Machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan, Sky Global Services India (P) Ltd.
- Finding Aid Date
- March 2024
- Access Restrictions
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Collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
-
The Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Papers and Fantasy Press Archives are the physical property of the Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries. Temple University holds intellectual property rights only for material donated to the university with such rights specifically assigned. For all other material, intellectual property rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for determining the identity of rights holders and obtaining their permission for publication and for other purposes where stated.
Collection Inventory
Includes 16 letters to Eshbach from Miriam Bourne (3), B.G. Davis (3), Amazing Stories (5), Raymond A. Palmer (3), M. Simon (1), Ziff-David Publishing company (1); one purchase invoice from Experimenter Publications for "a Voice from the Ether." One letter from Eshbach to Florence Bothner (carbon copy). "Amazing Stories Formula" (carbon copy, 1p.).
Includes 15 letters to Eshbach from Harry Bates (9), John W. Campbell, Jr. (6); 2 Christmas cards from Harry Bates, 1930 & 1931; one purchase receipt for "The Gray Plague" from Astounding Stories.
Includes 4 letters from Eshbach to Erisman: three are carbon copies, one is typescript sent back to Eshbach by Erisman with holograph note.
Includes 6 letters to Eshbach from Charles D. Hornig (3), Louis H. Silberkleit (1), Robert W. Lowndes (2).
Includes 27 letters from Hugo Gernsback (10), David Lasser (5), Oscar J. Friend (1); 5 holiday greeting cards from Gernsback (3), C.D. Hornig (1) and Leo Margulies (1); Letters from Eshbach to Wonder Stories editor (1, carbon copy), Charles D. Hornig (5, carbon copies); 2 leaflets titled "Suggestion to Authors" from H. Gernsback.
Includes one letter to Eshbach from Farnsworth Wright.
Includes 18 letters to Eshbach from Julius Schwartz, including one ALS; one greeting card and one post card to Eshbach from Schwartz; 5 letters (all carbon copies) from Eshbach to Julius Schwartz.
Includes one copy pamphlet (c.1933) "Announcing Unusual Stories, Literary Science Fiction & Fantasy Tales." It mentions L.A. Eshbach as a "famous author" and "consulting editor." L.A. Eshbach's personal scrapbook of fan letters that appeared in various "science fiction" pulps.
Includes 17p. concerning Eshbach's published stories – "Valley of Titans, " "A Voice from the Ether, " "The Light from Infinity, " "Kingdom of thought, " "Meteor Miners, " and "the Outpost on Ceres."
Includes 3p. concerning Eshbach's published story – "The Gray Plague." Marvel Science & Dynamic Science: 1p. concerning Eshbach's published story – "Mutineers of Space." Science Fiction & Strange Stories: 1p. concerning Eshbach's published stories, "The God that Science Made" and "the Cauldron."
Includes 6p. concerning Eshbach's published stories, "The Man with the Silver Disc, " "The Time Conqueror, " "The Brain of Ali Kahn, " and his poem "The Martian Cry."
Published in Science Fiction Digest (Dec. 1933). a) letter from Harry Bates, editor Astounding Stories to Eshbach (Jan. 9, 1931). b) letter from David Lasser, editor Wonder Stories to Eshbach (Jan. 27, 1931). c) draft, carbon copy with corrections, 20p.
Published as "The Chimu Treasure" under the pseudonym W. Anders Drake in Toronto Star Weekly (4 part serial, Sept. 1937), 15, 000 words. a) one letter from R.B. Cowon, Toronto Star (Aug. 23, 1937). b) draft, carbon copy, no corrections, 60p.
Published under the pseudonym Anders W. Drake by Marvel Stories (Summer 1935), 3, 000 words. a) one letter from Leo Margulies, editorial director, Strange Stories (Feb. 27, 1937). b) draft, type-script with no corrections, 9p.
Published in Fantasy Magazine (Sept. 1934). a) two letters to Eshbach from Raymond A. Palmer, associate editor, Science Fiction Digest (March 6, July 6, 1934). b) one letter (carbon copy) from Eshbach to Raymond A. Palmer. c) draft, carbon copy, no corrections, 24p.
Unpublished, 1300 words. a) rejection letter to Eshbach from John W. Campbell, editor, Unknown. b) notes on "The Forgotten Ones, " typescript with no corrections, 4p. c) draft, typescript with no corrections, 5p.
Published in Startling Stories (Jan. 1941), approx. 8, 000 words. a) three letters to Eshbach from Julius Schwartz, literary agent (March 8, March 24, April 19, all 1938). b) one letter to Julius Schwartz from Raymond A. Palmer, editor Amazing Stories (March 22, 1938). c) one letter to Eshbach from Leo Margulies, editorial director Strange Stories (Feb. 10, 1939). d) draft, type-script, no corrections, 25p.
Unpublished. a) one letter to Eshbach from Harry Bates, editor Astounding (Aug. 18, 1931). b) one letter to Eshbach from D. Lasser, editor Wonder Stories (Sept. 5, 1931). c) one letter to Eshbach from Miriam Bourne, editor Amazing Stories (July 29, 1932). d) draft, carbon copy, no corrections, 37p.
Published in Weird Tales (Oct. 1936), 10, 000 words. a) draft, carbon copy, no corrections, 30p.
Unpublished. a) comment by P. Schuyler Miller (to Eshbach), holograph, 1p. b) draft, carbon copy, with corrections, 46p. (with holograph note on back of p.46).
Published in Marvel Tales (May, 1934). Reprinted in The Garden of Fear by R.E. Howard, Crawford Publications, L.A. (1945), approx. 5, 000 words. a) one letter (carbon copy) from Eshbach to Charles D. Hornig, Wonder Stories (Jan. 11, 1934). b) draft, type-script, no corrections, 16p.
Unpublished. 7, 000 words. a) letters to Eshbach from Charles D. Hornig, editor Wonder Stories (Dec. 19, 1934 and Jan. 20, 1939). b) draft, typescript, no corrections, 22p. (For additional correspondence see Eshbach Papers – Marvel Science, Box 1, Folder 3, letter: Dec. 4, 1940).
Published in Fantasy Book #4 (1948), approx. 10, 000 words. a) one letter to Eshbach from David Lasser, editor Wonder Stories (Sept. 19, 1931). b) one postcard to Eshbach from Lurton Blassingame (Aug. 12, 1936). c) one letter to Eshbach from John W. Campbell, Jr., editor Astounding Stories (Dec. 2, 1938). d) one letter to Eshbach from Charles D. Hornig, editor Science Fiction (April 10, 1939). e) one letter to Eshbach from T. Stanhope Sprigg, editor Fantasy (July 21, 1939). f) one letter and note to Eshbach from Malcolm Reiss, editor Planet Stories (Jan. 25, 1940). g) draft, type-script with corrections, 30p. (For additional correspondence see Eshbach Papers – Marvel Science, Box 1, Folder 3, letters: Dec. 4, 1940 and Oct. 16, 1938).
Published in Amazing Stories (Oct. 1936). a) two letters Eshbach from Florence Bothner, Amazing Stories (Nov. 22, 1934 and Sept. 5, 1935). b) one letter to Eshbach from Charles D. Hornig, editor Wonder Stories (Oct. 3, 1935). c) draft, carbon copy with corrections, 33p.
Published in Marvel Science Stories (Nov. 1950), 6, 800 words. a) one letter to Eshbach from Leo Margulies, editorial director Strange Stories (Aug. 2, 1944). b) draft, carbon copy, no corrections, 21p.
Published as "Spaceways Incident" in Tyrant of Time by Eshbach, Reading, Pa., Fantasy Press (1955), 3, 000 words. a) one letter to Eshbach from Harry Bates, editor Astounding Stories (Sept. 11, 1931). b) 1 typed page (p.1) draft, with corrections. c) draft, carbon copy, no corrections, 9p. (For additional correspondence see Eshbach Papers – Marvel Science, Box 1, Folder 3, letter: Dec. 4, 1940).
Published in Tyrant of Time, Reading, Pa., Fantasy Press (1955). Originally, titled and published as "The God That Science Made, " Science Fiction (Aug. 1939), 7, 000 words. a) draft, carbon copy, no corrections (with holograph note by Eshbach on p.1), 23p. (For additional correspondence see Eshbach Papers – Science Fiction, Box 1, Folder 4, letters: June 24, 1939 and Aug. 16, 1939).
Published in Science Adventure Stories, Comet Publication (no date), v.1 no.1. a) two letters to Eshbach from Farnsworth Wright, editor Weird Tales (Sept. 23, 1937 and May 4, 1939). b) one letter to Eshbach from Leo Margulies, editorial director Strange Stories (April 19, 1939). c) three letters to Eshbach from Robert W. Lowndes, authors agent (Oct. 18, Oct. 24, Dec. 12, all 1940). d) two letters (carbon copies) from Eshbach to Robert W. Lowndes (Oct. 26, 1940 and Dec. 4, 1940). e) two letters to Eshbach from Donald A. Wollheim, Albing Publications (Jan. 4, 1941 and Jan. 10, 1941). f) one letter (carbon copy) from Eshbach to Donald A. Wollheim (Jan. 7, 1941). g) one copy Science Adventure Stories, Comet Publication (no date) v.1 no. 1 (containing "The Scroll of Valoki on p.5).
Unpublished, approx. 6, 000 words. a) draft, type-script, no corrections, with pseudonym W. Anders Drake, 24p. b) "The Thing That Slept, " 11, 300 words, revised unpublished version of "Shoes – and a Man" written by Eshbach and J.R. Parkes, type-script, no corrections, 35p. c) one letter to Eshbach from Leo Margulies, editorial director Thrilling Wonder Stories (Feb. 26th 1943) concerning acceptance of "God of Light, " another rewrite of "Shoes – and a Man" (see Eshbach's correspondence, "God of Light" for publishing information).
Unpublished. a) two letters to Eshbach from Harry Bates, editor Astounding Stories (Dec. 18, 1930 and April 22, 1932). b) two letters to Eshbach from Rose Bolsen, Good Story Magazine Co. (April 28, and Sept. 14, 1931). c) one postal telegraph to Eshbach from Good Story Magazine Co. (July 6, 1931). d) one letter to Eshbach from Miriam Bourne, editor Amazing Stories (Feb. 3, 1932). e) one letter to Eshbach from David Lasser, editor Wonder Stories (May 5, 1932). f) one letter to Eshbach from Florence Bothner, Amazing Stories (Jan. 20, 1933). g) two letters to Eshbach from Charles D. Hornig, editor Wonder Stories (Nov. 14, 1934). h) one letter to Eshbach from editors of Amazing Stories (Nov. 10, 1938). i) draft, type-script with a few compositional corrections, 10, 500 words, 33p. j) another draft but different textual version than (1) above, also type-script with no corrections, 42p.
Unpublished. a) draft, typescript with corrections, holograph note on p.1, 53p.
Published in Startling Stories (Nov. 1939). Reprinted in Wonder Stories Annual, 1952. a) one letter to Eshbach from Julius Schwartz, literary agent (Feb. 16, 1938). b) one letter to Eshbach from Raymond A. Palmer, editor Amazing Stories (June 17, 1939). c) draft (carbon copy), no corrections, 20p.
Published as "The Shadows from Hesplon" in Science Fiction (1940), 11, 300 words. a) one letter to Eshbach from editor, Amazing Stories (no date). b) post card to Eshbach from Robert O. Erisman editor Marvel Science Stories (March 16, 1939). c) two letters and one post card to Eshbach from Julius Schwartz, literary agent (Jan. 9, April 29, and Dec. 19, all 1940). d) one letter (carbon copy) from Eshbach to Julie Schwartz (Dec. 3, 1940). e) draft (carbon copy), no corrections, 34p.
Published in Amazing Stories (March, 1931). Reprinted in Science Fiction Classics (Spring, 1968), 21, 000 words. a) one letter to Eshbach from H. Gernsback, editor Science Wonder Stories (Aug. 29, 1929). b) one letter to Eshbach from Harry Bates, editor Astounding Stories (May 8, 1930). c) two letters to Eshbach from Miriam Bourne, editor Amazing Stories (July 7, Dec. 5, both 1930). d) purchase receipt for "the Valley of Titans" from Amazing Stories (Feb. 5, 1931). e) draft, type-script, no corrections, holograph note by Eshbach on p.1, 37p.
Unpublished, 4, 500 words. a) one letter to Eshbach from John W. Campbell, Jr., editor Unknown (march 23, 1939). b) three letters to Eshbach from C.G. Williams, Golden Fleece (June 22 & 26, 1939). c) one letter to Eshbach from Farnsworth Wright, editor Weird Tales Magazine (July 17, 1939). d) one letter to Eshbach from Leo Margulies, editorial director Standard Magazines, Inc. (Aug. 4, 1939). e) one letter to Eshbach from Julius Schwartz, literary agent (May 20, 1940). f) draft, type-script, no corrections, 14p. g) another draft, type-script, no corrections, 14p. h) another draft, type-script, no corrections, 17p.
Unpublished. a) one letter to Eshbach from T. O'Conor Sloane, editor Amazing Stories (Sept. 7, 1932). b) two letters to Eshbach from Charles W. Hornig, editor Wonder Stories (Nov. 20, 1934 and March 5, 1935). c) one letter to Eshbach from Leo Margulies, editorial director Standard Magazines, Inc. d) draft, type-script, no corrections, 27p. (this story was later rewritten or revised and published as "Through the Tesseract" see Eshbach Papers Box 2, Folder 22).
Carbon copy, 50p. (includes complete list of the Fantasy Press publications with pertinent information about each book, pp.48-50).
Published in The Space Beyond by Pyramid Books (1976). Written under the pseudonym Don A. Stuart. Approximately 25, 000 words. Type-script with some corrections. Signed by Campbell on first and last pages, 101p.
Published in The Space Beyond by Pyramid Books (1976). Written under the pseudonym Karl Van Kampen, approximately 18, 000 words, type-script with corrections, 37p.
Published in The Space Beyond by Pyramid Books (1976). First draft, type-script with Campbell's corrections and holograph notes on first page, 83p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1947) under the pseudonym John Taine. Holograph manuscript, first draft is final draft, erasures and corrections are almost non-existent, 522p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1954) under the pseudonym John Taine. Original draft typescript without corrections, 321p.
Epic science fiction poem, never published. Began in 1909 and completed in 1949. Carbon Copy draft, no corrections, with holograph notes on first three manuscript pages. 766p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1947).Reprinted in New York by Ace Books (196-) and Pyramid Books (1972). Draft, carbon copy with corrections, in hardcover binder, 332p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1948). Reprinted in London, T.V. & Co., Ltd. Boardman (1954) and in New York, Pyramid Books (1965 & 1970). Draft, type-script with corrections, 347p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1948). Reprinted in New York, Pyramid Books (1963, 1968, 1970, 1973). Draft, type-script with corrections, 304p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1949). Reprinted in New York, Pyramid Books (1963, 1968). Draft, typescript with corrections, 297p.
Published by Pyramid Books (1966). Reprinted in New York, Garland Publishing Co. (1975). a) first draft-working copy, part carbon and part type-script, with corrections, 213p. b) 24 miscellaneous carbon sheets possibly from other drafts.
Published by Fantasy Press (1950). Reprinted in London, T.V. Boardman and Co. Ltd. (1955) and in New York, Pyramid Books (1964). Draft, typescript, no corrections, 356p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1950). Reprinted in New York, Pyramid Books (1964, 1970). Draft, typescript with corrections, 324p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1951). Reprinted in Hicksville, N.Y., Gnome Press (1951) and N.Y., Pyramid Books (1955, 1971). Draft, typescript with corrections, 359p. (Page no. 1 missing).
Published by Fantasy Press (1953). Reprinted in New York, Pyramid Books (1965, 1970). Draft, typescript with a few corrections, 366p.
Published by Fantasy Press (1954). Reprinted in New York, Pyramid Books (1966). Draft, typescript with a few corrections, 362p.
Originally published by Fantasy Press (1960) and in Hicksville, New York, Gnome Press (1960). Draft, typescript with corrections, 239p.
Published in New York, Ace Books (1965). Draft, carbon copy, with corrections, 261p.
Number 1 of the "Family D'Alembert" series written by Smith with Stephen Goldin. Published in New York, Pyramid Books (1976). Draft carbon copy, with corrections, 76p.
Includes 18 letters (LAS & TLS) and 2 postcards (both ALS)
Includes 8 letters (TLS) to Eshbach from Margulies (Nov. 1, 1954 – March 10, 1958). One letter (carbon copy) to Margulies from Eshbach (April 20, 1955).
Includes mss. table of contents, notes, and fragment of first draft, on yellow lined paper, 9 leaves. Draft, photocopy of typescript, including 3 leaves of typescript, with editorial corrections in ink. [1], 50p. (51 leaves). [Note: box 3, Folder 1 contains photocopy of the same typescript without mss. corrections].
Includes text of "The Fantasy Press Story." Draft, typescript on blue paper plus photocopies of typescript, with editorial corrections in ink and some pages pasted up. [1], [1]-3, 3-21, 26-31, 19-44, 32-50, [1]-17, [1]-12, [1]-13, [1]-10, [1]-12, [1]-14, [1]-17, [1]-4, [1]-2, [1]-4, [1]-2, [1]-4, [1]-3, [1]-3, [1], [1]-6, [4], [1]-17, [8 (with irregular paging).] p. (227 leaves); with a few unnumbered leaves inserted.
Draft, photocopy of typescript: Introduction, pp. 1-4; The Making of a Science Fiction Fan, pp.5-10; Author! Author!, pp.11-27; A Task of Printer's Ink, pp.28-33; A Fan Among Fans, pp.34-61; The Fantasy Press Story, pp.62-82; August Derleth and Arkham House, pp.83-100; Grant-Hadley Enterprises—Plus, pp.101-112; Prime Press, Philadelphia, pp.113-125; Gnome Press pp.126-140; Shasta Publishers, pp.141-158; Fantasy Publishing Company, Inc., pp.159-168; a Book or Two, pp.169-193; I Forgot To Say --, pp.194-216; The Books They Published, pp.217-247.