R. A. Fairthorne

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(???? – )

Robert A. 'Bob' Fairthorne[1] was a UK fan from Hampshire active in the 1950s. He attended the London SF Con of 1952 and the Coroncon of 1953. At the former:

Mr. Fairthorne, introduced as a physicist working on a Government project, was an advocate of more science in s-f if it was logical; he also mentioned an Irish myth as s-f, causing intense excitement in my vicinity.[2].

At the latter:

Bob Fairthorne spoke a few words on the subject of pornography in general. 'Good pornography,' he said, 'is a very rare thing. It is very hard to write and harder still to get hold of.' (Laughter)[3].
...
This was followed by an item omitted from the afternoon's programme, and brought forward – 'Why I Read Science-Fiction'. For this, Fred Brown picked out at random individuals from the audience to give their reasons. Among those who stood up were Dave Cohen, Brian Burgess and Bob Fairthorne, whose answer was probably the best – 'Why do I read Science-Fiction? 1) Because I can read, and 2) I like it'. ((This terse answer was well appreciated by the audience.))[4] 

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  1. He is 'R. A. Fairthorne' in 1952 but a conrep for 1953 identifies him as 'Bob' so he was likely 'Robert'.
  2. 'Con Tour' by A. Vincent Clarke, Science Fantasy News Convention Supplement (1952).
  3. 'London Convention 1953' by 'the editors', Space Diversions #7 (December 1953).
  4. Ibid.

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