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  • Collection: Lichtman Zines

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Building Worlds, Building Community<br /> Science fiction is one of the modern world’s leading art forms, and its fandom has invented the future as much as the genre’s writers.<br /> The works of outstanding science-fiction writers show us how to face and understand emerging worlds in tumultuous times. Through the workings of fans we understand how to create community.<br /> Fans imagined a community into existence long before the internet made it easy. They could be opinionated and quarrelsome, yet they worked out rules and rituals that made it possible to flourish.<br /> The connections between readers and writers, united by a common sense of wonder and imagination, are a gift to both sides—and ultimately to the rest of us as well. <br /> Among these connections is Worldcon, the principal annual gathering of science-fiction fandom. This convention has been running since the 1930s, and is home to the famed Hugo Awards. <br /> This exhibit features Worldcon material through the years and examines how science fiction has shaped—and been shaped by—society and culture in the real world. <br /> Source(s): The Guardian

Pictured here are covers from Worldcon programs through the years.

1951 Worldcon program featuring artwork by Hannes Bok<br /> Social commentary: Fanzines <br /> In this article, American fan Robert Bloch, who would go on to professional success as the author of the novel Psycho (1959), which inspired the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, satirizes the anti-communist activities of Senator Joseph McCarthy.

The Hugos and Worldcon<br /> The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction and fantasy works, and is widely considered the premier award in science fiction. It is given at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and chosen by its members.<br /> Named after Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the pioneering science-fiction magazine Amazing Stories, the Hugos were first given in 1953, and have been awarded every year since 1955. <br /> The Hugos were conceived as a one-off event, though organizers hoped that subsequent conventions would also present them. The 1954 Worldcon chose not to, but the Hugos were reinstated at the 1955 Worldcon and thereafter became traditional. <br /> The awards have expanded from seven to 17 categories of written and dramatic works over the years. <br /> Who can nominate and vote, and in what categories? The final ballot is open to all current Worldcon members. While the most famous categories are “Best Novel” and “Best Dramatic Presentation”, there are many other Hugo Awards—including some for short fiction, artists, editors and “fannish activities” (work done for the love of it, that is frequently far from amateurish).<br /> Previous nominees and winners you might have heard of include Dune (1964, 1966), Starship Troopers (1960), Cat's Cradle (1964), Slaughterhouse Five (1970), Left Hand of Darkness (1970), Neuromancer (1985), Ender’s Game (1986) and The Three-Body Problem (2015). <br /> <br /> <br /> Lehigh Libraries’ Science-Fiction Titles: Lehigh is home to an extensive science-fiction collection, spanning more than 1,600 titles. Scan the code to browse Lehigh Libraries’ science-fiction collection.

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