Difference between revisions of "Ted Carnell"

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(there are way too many typos, explain New Worlds history better)
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(April 8, 1912 – March 23, 1972)
 
(April 8, 1912 – March 23, 1972)
  
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[[File:TedCarnell49.jpeg|thumb|'''Ted Carnell at [[Midwestcon 0|Indian Lake]], [[Ohio]], in 1949.'''<br>''Photo by [[Don Ford]]''.]]
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[[File:TedCarnell49.jpeg|thumb|'''Ted Carnell''' at [[Midwestcon 0|Indian Lake]], [[Ohio]], September 1949.<br>Photo by [[Don Ford]].]]
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'''Edward John “Ted” Carnell''' (also called '''John Carnell''' and '''E. J. Carnell''') was a [[UK]] [[fan]] and later [[prozine]] [[editor]], bookseller and agent. He attended the [[1937 Leeds Convention]], the [[Second British Convention]] and the [[Third British Convention]].
+
'''Edward John “Ted” Carnell''' (publishing as '''John Carnell''' and '''E. J. Carnell''') was a [[UK]] [[fan]] and later [[prozine]] [[editor]], bookseller and literary agent. He attended the [[1937 Leeds Convention]], the [[Second British Convention]] and the [[Third British Convention]].
  
 
Carnell described his [[science-fictional]] and [[fannish]] roots in ''[[Futurian War Digest]]'' #24 (November 1942):
 
Carnell described his [[science-fictional]] and [[fannish]] roots in ''[[Futurian War Digest]]'' #24 (November 1942):
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  ... first dabbled in [[fantasy]] reading with [[Verne]] at the age of 8. Shortly afterwards came 'Boys Magazine' a lurid red-covered 'blood'; which ran lengthy serials on invasions by Martians and others of that ilk. I used to bind the damn things into book form – which cost me a Trade Scholarship in book-binding because the Board thought that I shouldn't read such tripe! Later when working through a printing apprenticeship, one of the machine hands used to pass me his copies of ''[[Wonder]]''. That was coming up to 1930 I believe.
 
  ... first dabbled in [[fantasy]] reading with [[Verne]] at the age of 8. Shortly afterwards came 'Boys Magazine' a lurid red-covered 'blood'; which ran lengthy serials on invasions by Martians and others of that ilk. I used to bind the damn things into book form – which cost me a Trade Scholarship in book-binding because the Board thought that I shouldn't read such tripe! Later when working through a printing apprenticeship, one of the machine hands used to pass me his copies of ''[[Wonder]]''. That was coming up to 1930 I believe.
 
   
 
   
−
  That died away, as we only obtained copies spasmodically, until I 'discovered' the Clayton ''[[ASF]]'' second-hand on the junk stalls in 1930. Became somewhat enthusiastic, and followed ''ASF'' till it faded out in 1933. Didn't even know that S&S had taken it over until early 1935, when a copy was sent to me by a New York correspondent. But before that arrived, I had become embroiled in US fandom through the letter section of ''[[Amazing]]''. When I lost touch with ''ASF'', I took [[T. O'Conor Sloane|Doc Sloane]]'s mag into my bosom, and was greatly desirous of having some New York correspondents.
+
  That died away, as we only obtained copies spasmodically, until I 'discovered' the Clayton ''[[ASF]]'' second-hand on the junk stalls in 1930. Became somewhat enthusiastic, and followed ''ASF'' till it faded out in 1933. Didn't even know that S&S had taken it over until early 1935, when a copy was sent to me by a New York correspondent. But before that arrived, I had become embroiled in US fandom through the letter section of ''[[Amazing]]''. When I lost touch with ''ASF'', I took [[T. O'Conor Sloane|Doc Sloane]]'s mag into my bosom, and was greatly desirous of having some [[New York]] correspondents.
 
   
 
   
 
  I picked out [[George Gordon Clark]] of Brooklyn, as a possible and wrote him without any response at first. In desperation I then picked out a round dozen names and wrote all of them – that great friend of mine, [[Forrest J Ackerman|Forrie Ackerman]], was amongst those who didn't reply. Wild Bill Hoskins was another, as were several other well known names of the times. Then I received replies from Clark, and also from [[Harold W. Kirshenblit|Harold Kirshenblit]], also of Brooklyn, and the great game was on. Correspondence began to spread out over the States – [[Wollheim]] and a host of New Yorkers; [[Dan McPhail]] of Oklahoma; the [[Claire P. Beck|Becks]] of California; [[Wiggins]], Colorado; [[Baltadonis]], Philly; even down to NZ and Aussie the mail list extended.
 
  I picked out [[George Gordon Clark]] of Brooklyn, as a possible and wrote him without any response at first. In desperation I then picked out a round dozen names and wrote all of them – that great friend of mine, [[Forrest J Ackerman|Forrie Ackerman]], was amongst those who didn't reply. Wild Bill Hoskins was another, as were several other well known names of the times. Then I received replies from Clark, and also from [[Harold W. Kirshenblit|Harold Kirshenblit]], also of Brooklyn, and the great game was on. Correspondence began to spread out over the States – [[Wollheim]] and a host of New Yorkers; [[Dan McPhail]] of Oklahoma; the [[Claire P. Beck|Becks]] of California; [[Wiggins]], Colorado; [[Baltadonis]], Philly; even down to NZ and Aussie the mail list extended.
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  Back on the home front, through Clark of Brooklyn, I became acquainted with [[Leslie J. Johnson|Les Johnson]], later to be in partnership with him in Britain's Science Fiction Service. Through Les and [[Eric Frank Russell|Eric Russell]] I met and became firm friends with [[Wally Gillings]], and through Wally I met [[Ken Chapman]] and the host of other British fans that was gradually built up in the days of 1937-38.
 
  Back on the home front, through Clark of Brooklyn, I became acquainted with [[Leslie J. Johnson|Les Johnson]], later to be in partnership with him in Britain's Science Fiction Service. Through Les and [[Eric Frank Russell|Eric Russell]] I met and became firm friends with [[Wally Gillings]], and through Wally I met [[Ken Chapman]] and the host of other British fans that was gradually built up in the days of 1937-38.
  
−
Carnell was a regular contributor to ''[[Novae Terrae]]'' from its second issue in April 1936. In its final issue in January 1939 editor [[Maurice K. Hanson]] announced that:
+
Carnell was a regular contributor to the first UK fanzine ''[[Novae Terrae]]'' from its second issue in April 1936. In its final 29th issue in January 1939 editor [[Maurice K. Hanson]] announced:
  
−
  It will be followed in February by Volume 1, No.1 of [[New Worlds (Carnell)]], a new magazine which will be its successor as monthly organ of the [[SFA|Science-Fiction Association]]. Ted Carnell will be the editor and the magazine will be [[mimeographed]] on quarto paper.
+
  It will be followed in February by Volume 1, No.1 of [[New Worlds (Carnell)]], a new magazine which will be its successor as monthly organ of the [[Science-Fiction Association]]. Ted Carnell will be the editor and the magazine will be [[mimeographed]] on [[quarto]] paper.
  
−
Carnell produced four issues of this ''New Worlds'' in 1939. He was then approached by [[W. J. Passingham]] who had identified a potential publisher for a new British sf [[prozine|magazine]]. After some initial meetings, and with Carnell and Passingham each putting up £50 towards startup costs, the publishers went into liquidation. Carnell was called up in 1940 but was able to attend the '[[Bombcon]]' gathering in 1941. He also started the fanzine [[Sands of Time]] distributed with ''[[Futurian War Digest]]''.
+
Carnell produced four issues of this ''New Worlds'' in March, April, May and then Autumn 1939. He was then approached by [[W. J. Passingham]] who had identified a potential publisher for a new British sf [[prozine|magazine]]. After some initial meetings, and with Carnell and Passingham each putting up £50 towards startup costs, the publishers went into liquidation and the [[War]] intervened. Carnell was called up in 1940 but was able to attend the '[[Bombcon]]' gathering in 1941. Then he served in the Mediterranean, see ''[[Beyond Fandom]]''. Still he produced the fanzine ''[[Sands of Time]]'' distributed with ''[[Futurian War Digest]]''.  
  
−
After the [[Second World War|War]], he was successfully founder and first editor of the ''New Worlds'' prozine from 1946.  He also edited ''[[Science Fantasy (UK)|Science Fantasy]]'' from its third issue in 1949, and ''[[Science Fiction Adventures]]'' from 1958. The latter ended in 1963 and new editors took over ''New Worlds'' ''Science Fantasy'' from 1964. Carnell then edited 21 issues of the ''New Writings in Science Fiction'' anthology from 1964 to 1972. He helped launch the careers of [[Brian W. Aldiss]], [[J. G. Ballard]], [[Damien Broderick]], [[Michael Moorcock]], and [[James White]].
+
After the War, John Carnell was the first editor of the ''New Worlds'' prozine from 1946.  After the publisher folded in 1947, Carnell co-founded [[Nova Publications]] and revived the magazine in 1949. He also edited ''[[Science Fantasy (UK)|Science Fantasy]]'' from its third issue in 1949, taking over after [[Walter Gillings]], and ''[[Science Fiction Adventures]]'' from 1958. The latter ended in 1963 and the other magazines were sold to a new publisher with new editors taking over from 1964. Carnell then edited 21 volumes of the ''New Writings in Science Fiction'' original anthology from 1964 to his death in 1972. He helped launch the careers of [[Brian W. Aldiss]], [[J. G. Ballard]], [[Damien Broderick]], [[Michael Moorcock]], and [[James White]].
  
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In 1949, he was the recipient of the [[Big Pond Fund]], the first [[fan fund]], to bring him to the [[Cinvention]], where he was [[Fan GoH]]. A [[CFG]] post-[[con]] party for him at [[Doc Barrett]]’s place on Indian Lake, [[Ohio]], was the origin of [[Midwestcon]]. Carnell was a member of the [[London Circle]]. He He was a member of the [[International Fantasy Award]] judging panel and the [[committee]]s of [[Festivention]] and [[London SF Con]][[chaired]]. He chaired the first [[UK]] [[Worldcon]], [[Loncon]], in 1957 and was [[GoH]] at the [[Eastercon 1960|1960 Eastercon]].
+
[[File: MahaffeyB-TCarnell-CTabakow1949.jpeg |thumb| Carnell with [[Bea Mahaffey]] (left) and [[Carrie Tabakow]] at [[Doc Barrett]]’s post-[[Cinvention]] [[Midwestcon 0|party]], September 1949 ]]
 +
In 1949, Carnell was the recipient of the [[Big Pond Fund]], the first [[fan fund]], to bring him to the [[Cinvention]], where he was [[Fan GoH]]. A [[CFG]] post-Worldcon[[Midwestcon 0|party for him]] at [[Doc Barrett]]’s place on Indian Lake, [[Ohio]], was the origin of [[Midwestcon]]. Carnell was a member of the [[London Circle]]. He was a member of the [[International Fantasy Award]] judging panel and the [[committee]]s of [[Festivention]] and [[London SF Con]]. He [[chair]]ed the first [[UK]] [[Worldcon]], [[Loncon]], in 1957 and was [[GoH]] at the [[Eastercon 1960|1960 Eastercon]].
  
−
In 1960 in a seemingly unpublished letter to [[Eric Bentcliffe]], Carnell said that he had 'quit fandom because of being publicly ridiculed at the London World Con' while adding that he doubted anyone remembered the incident and he'd not previously stated that he'd quit. In ''[[Who Killed Science Fiction?]]'' (also 1960), [[Doc Barrett]] said that Carnell was 'behind in correspondence, The reason now is that he is so interested in forming a new Masonic Lodge that he is spending a lot of time with that. He has given up all except his professional activities.' He added that 'He expects to come back in again but will probably take him two or three years'.
+
In a seemingly unpublished 1960 letter to [[Eric Bentcliffe]], Carnell said that he had 'quit fandom because of being publicly ridiculed at the London World Con' while adding that he doubted anyone remembered the incident and he'd not previously stated that he'd quit. In ''[[Who Killed Science Fiction?]]'' (also 1960), [[Doc Barrett]] said that Carnell was
 +
behind in correspondence, The reason now is that he is so interested in forming a new Masonic Lodge that he is spending a lot of time with that. He has given up all except his professional activities. […] He expects to come back in again but will probably take him two or three years.
  
−
He was married to [[Irene Carnell]]. After his death she took over the Carnell Literary Agency along with [[Les Flood]].
+
Carnell was married to [[Irene Carnell]] since before the war. After his death she took over the Carnell Literary Agency along with [[Les Flood]].
  
 
* {{SFE |name=carnell_john}}
 
* {{SFE |name=carnell_john}}
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{{fanzines}}
 
{{fanzines}}
 
* ''[[Creep, Shadow!]]'' (for the [[British Amateur Press Association]]) [1945–46]
 
* ''[[Creep, Shadow!]]'' (for the [[British Amateur Press Association]]) [1945–46]
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* ''[[New Worlds (Carnell)]]''
+
* ''[[New Worlds (Carnell)]]'' [1939]
−
* ''[[Postal Preview]]''
+
* ''[[Postal Preview]]'' [1939–40]
−
* ''[[Sands of Time]]'' ([[rider]] with ''[[Futurian War Digest]]'')
+
* ''[[Sands of Time]]'' [1941–4] ([[rider]] with ''[[Futurian War Digest]]'')
  
−
[[File: MahaffeyB-TCarnell-CTabakow1949.jpeg |thumb|left|'''[[Bea Mahaffey]], Ted Carnell and [[Carrie Tabakow]], from left, at [[Doc Barrett]]’s post-[[Cinvention]] [[Midwestcon 0|party]] in 1949.''' ]]
 
 
{{recognition}}
 
{{recognition}}
 
* 1949 – [[Big Pond Fund]], '''[[Cinvention]]'''
 
* 1949 – [[Big Pond Fund]], '''[[Cinvention]]'''

Revision as of 14:38, 18 July 2024

(April 8, 1912 – March 23, 1972)

Ted Carnell at Indian Lake, Ohio, September 1949.
Photo by Don Ford.

Edward John “Ted” Carnell (publishing as John Carnell and E. J. Carnell) was a UK fan and later prozine editor, bookseller and literary agent. He attended the 1937 Leeds Convention, the Second British Convention and the Third British Convention.

Carnell described his science-fictional and fannish roots in Futurian War Digest #24 (November 1942): 

... first dabbled in fantasy reading with Verne at the age of 8. Shortly afterwards came 'Boys Magazine' a lurid red-covered 'blood'; which ran lengthy serials on invasions by Martians and others of that ilk. I used to bind the damn things into book form – which cost me a Trade Scholarship in book-binding because the Board thought that I shouldn't read such tripe! Later when working through a printing apprenticeship, one of the machine hands used to pass me his copies of Wonder. That was coming up to 1930 I believe.

That died away, as we only obtained copies spasmodically, until I 'discovered' the Clayton ASF second-hand on the junk stalls in 1930. Became somewhat enthusiastic, and followed ASF till it faded out in 1933. Didn't even know that S&S had taken it over until early 1935, when a copy was sent to me by a New York correspondent. But before that arrived, I had become embroiled in US fandom through the letter section of Amazing. When I lost touch with ASF, I took Doc Sloane's mag into my bosom, and was greatly desirous of having some New York correspondents.

I picked out George Gordon Clark of Brooklyn, as a possible and wrote him without any response at first. In desperation I then picked out a round dozen names and wrote all of them – that great friend of mine, Forrie Ackerman, was amongst those who didn't reply. Wild Bill Hoskins was another, as were several other well known names of the times. Then I received replies from Clark, and also from Harold Kirshenblit, also of Brooklyn, and the great game was on. Correspondence began to spread out over the States – Wollheim and a host of New Yorkers; Dan McPhail of Oklahoma; the Becks of California; Wiggins, Colorado; Baltadonis, Philly; even down to NZ and Aussie the mail list extended.

Back on the home front, through Clark of Brooklyn, I became acquainted with Les Johnson, later to be in partnership with him in Britain's Science Fiction Service. Through Les and Eric Russell I met and became firm friends with Wally Gillings, and through Wally I met Ken Chapman and the host of other British fans that was gradually built up in the days of 1937-38.

Carnell was a regular contributor to the first UK fanzine Novae Terrae from its second issue in April 1936. In its final 29th issue in January 1939 editor Maurice K. Hanson announced: 

It will be followed in February by Volume 1, No.1 of New Worlds, a new magazine which will be its successor as monthly organ of the Science-Fiction Association. Ted Carnell will be the editor and the magazine will be mimeographed on quarto paper.

Carnell produced four issues of this New Worlds in March, April, May and then Autumn 1939. He was then approached by W. J. Passingham who had identified a potential publisher for a new British sf magazine. After some initial meetings, and with Carnell and Passingham each putting up £50 towards startup costs, the publishers went into liquidation and the War intervened. Carnell was called up in 1940 but was able to attend the 'Bombcon' gathering in 1941. Then he served in the Mediterranean, see Beyond Fandom. Still he produced the fanzine Sands of Time distributed with Futurian War Digest.

After the War, John Carnell was the first editor of the New Worlds prozine from 1946. After the publisher folded in 1947, Carnell co-founded Nova Publications and revived the magazine in 1949. He also edited Science Fantasy from its third issue in 1949, taking over after Walter Gillings, and Science Fiction Adventures from 1958. The latter ended in 1963 and the other magazines were sold to a new publisher with new editors taking over from 1964. Carnell then edited 21 volumes of the New Writings in Science Fiction original anthology from 1964 to his death in 1972. He helped launch the careers of Brian W. Aldiss, J. G. Ballard, Damien Broderick, Michael Moorcock, and James White.

Carnell with Bea Mahaffey (left) and Carrie Tabakow at Doc Barrett’s post-Cinvention party, September 1949

In 1949, Carnell was the recipient of the Big Pond Fund, the first fan fund, to bring him to the Cinvention, where he was Fan GoH. A CFG post-Worldconparty for him at Doc Barrett’s place on Indian Lake, Ohio, was the origin of Midwestcon. Carnell was a member of the London Circle. He was a member of the International Fantasy Award judging panel and the committees of Festivention and London SF Con. He chaired the first UK Worldcon, Loncon, in 1957 and was GoH at the 1960 Eastercon.

In a seemingly unpublished 1960 letter to Eric Bentcliffe, Carnell said that he had 'quit fandom because of being publicly ridiculed at the London World Con' while adding that he doubted anyone remembered the incident and he'd not previously stated that he'd quit. In Who Killed Science Fiction? (also 1960), Doc Barrett said that Carnell was 

behind in correspondence, The reason now is that he is so interested in forming a new Masonic Lodge that he is spending a lot of time with that. He has given up all except his professional activities. […] He expects to come back in again but will probably take him two or three years.

Carnell was married to Irene Carnell since before the war. After his death she took over the Carnell Literary Agency along with Les Flood.

Fanzines and Apazines:

Awards, Honors and GoHships:

Person 1912—1972
This is a biography page. Please extend it by adding more information about the person, such as fanzines and apazines published, awards, clubs, conventions worked on, GoHships, impact on fandom, external links, anecdotes, etc. See Standards for People and The Naming of Names.

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