The Futurians

The Futurians chronicles a group of science fiction fans and aspiring writers who came together in New York City in the late 1930s. The book follows their evolution from teenage enthusiasts to influential figures in science fiction publishing and writing. Knight's account documents the dynamics between members like Frederik Pohl, Isaac Asimov, Cyril Kornbluth, and others as they published fanzines, organized conventions, and developed their craft. Their activities and relationships played out against the backdrop of the Great Depression, World War II, and the Golden Age of Science Fiction. The narrative tracks how these young dreamers pursued their literary ambitions while navigating poverty, politics, and interpersonal tensions. Many members went on to become major authors and editors who shaped the science fiction genre for decades to come. This insider history reveals broader themes about artistic communities, the evolution of American science fiction, and how shared passion can forge lifelong creative connections. The book stands as both a cultural record and an exploration of how literary movements take root.

Readers appreciate Knight's firsthand account of the early science fiction fan group and its notable members like Isaac Asimov and Frederik Pohl. Reviews highlight the book's documentation of 1930s-40s science fiction fandom and publishing through personal anecdotes. Many note the value of Knight's insider perspective as both participant and chronicler. Common criticisms include the scattered, episodic narrative structure and Knight's occasionally harsh characterizations of fellow members. Some readers found the minutiae of fan politics and infighting less compelling than the broader cultural history. Several reviews mention wanting more depth about how the Futurians influenced science fiction beyond their early years. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (87 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) "Fascinating time capsule of early SF fandom" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on petty squabbles" - Amazon reviewer "Required reading for understanding Golden Age SF's origins" - SF Site review

The Way the Future Was by Frederik Pohl A first-hand chronicle of the early science fiction scene from another key Futurian member who witnessed the same era Knight describes.

The World of Science Fiction, 1926-1976 by Lester del Rey This history covers the seminal period of science fiction publishing and fandom, including the Futurians' influence on the genre.

All Our Yesterdays by Harry Warner Jr. A comprehensive look at science fiction fandom from the 1940s to the 1950s, documenting the conventions, fanzines, and feuds that shaped the community.

Galaxy Maker by Frederik Pohl and Jack Williamson A dual biography that illuminates the relationship between two major figures in science fiction publishing who interacted with the Futurians.

Once Around the Bloch by Robert Bloch A memoir from a contemporary of the Futurians that captures the same transformative period in science fiction history from another insider's perspective.

🌟 The Futurians science fiction fan club included several members who went on to become legendary figures in the genre, including Isaac Asimov, Frederik Pohl, and Cyril Kornbluth. 📚 Author Damon Knight was himself a Futurian member, giving him unique first-hand insight into the group's dynamics and personalities. 🏆 The book chronicles how the Futurians, despite their humble beginnings in 1930s New York, influenced modern science fiction more than any other single group in the genre's history. 🎭 Many Futurians lived together in a sort of commune arrangement in Brooklyn, leading to both creative collaborations and dramatic personal conflicts that shaped their later works. ⚡ The group was famously banned from the first World Science Fiction Convention in 1939, due to political tensions with other fans—an incident known in fandom history as the "Great Exclusion."