Carl Swanson
(May 25, 1902 – November 16, 1974)
Carl W. Swanson of Washburn and Velva, North Dakota, was one of the earliest fans, his interest in SF dating to 1910. In the early 1930s, he corresponded with many other fans, including Charles Hornig, whom he introduced to fanzines, triggering Hornig to start The Fantasy Fan.
He hoped to publish SF, and he contacted a number of writers with a proposal to issue a magazine of weird and science fiction to be called Galaxy. He wanted new fiction if he could acquire it, but would also take the option of reprinting stories. He was unable to raise the necessary finances, however, and by May 1932 had dropped the idea. About that time, he started corresponding with Jerome Siegel and the the two decided to publish some small booklets. Swanson's first was Edmond Hamilton’s The Metal Giants, which was to have been in Galaxy. It was published in poor mimeography.
Around this time, he set up the Swanson Book Co. which advertised in fanzines. It was probably a very small mail-order operation.
He was to some extent still active in the 1940s.
Person | 1902—1974 |
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