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Schneeman (Charles E.) Papers
D-238  
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Table of contents What's This?
  • Biography
  • Selected Bibliography
  • Scope And Content
  • Provenance
  • Access
  • Publication Rights
  • Preferred Citation
    • Language of Material: English
    Contributing Institution: University of California, Davis General Library, Dept. of Special Collections
    Title: Charles E. Schneeman, Jr. Papers
    Creator: Schneeman, Charles, 1912-1972
    Identifier/Call Number: D-238
    Physical Description: 21.8 linear feet
    Date (inclusive): 1935-1963
    Abstract: Contains artwork and correspondence of illustrator Charles E. Schneeman, Jr. The group of science fiction illustrations includes roughly 500 drawings, sketches, photochemical reproductions (including photographs used as reference for sketches), and paintings. The collection also includes a small collection of correspondence from such science fiction authors as Isaac Asimov.
    Physical Location: Researchers should contact Special Collections to request collections, as many are stored offsite.
    Physical Description: 21.8 linear feet contained in 15 folio boxes and 17 document cases.

    Biography

    Charles Schneeman was born in Staten Island, New York on November 24, 1912. In 1922 his family moved to Brooklyn, where he attended Erasmus Hall High School from 1924 to 1928. He received a diploma from New York City's Pratt Institute in 1933. Further art training followed at Grand Central School of Art with Harvey Dunn and George Bridgeman's figure drawing classes.
    The catalyst for Schneeman's interest in science fiction and drawing was explained in a letter written to Alva Rogers: "a friend showed me an early copy of Amazing Stories sometime in 1927 and it was my undoing. The world lost a chemist as I went down the science fiction drain."1 Early artistic influences included Winsor McKay, Franklyn Booth, McClelland Barclay and H.G. Wesso. Charles Schneeman began illustrating for Astounding Stories in 1935. His first cover illustration for Astounding Science Fiction appeared in May 1938.
    In 1940, Charles Schneeman was drafted and stationed at Lowry Field, Denver, Colorado. Although W.W. II interrupted his career, Schneeman continued to produce science fiction graphics. During his assignment with the Army Air Corps 3rd Film Strip unit, he illustrated technical manuals. He married Betty Myers in 1944 and was released from the Armed Services in 1945.
    Schneeman returned to New York, where his first son, Paul, was born. He worked as an illustrator and photographic retoucher at the NY Journal-American in 1946 and 1947. After another move in 1947, he found employment in the same capacity with the Denver Post. During this time, the Schneemans' other two children, Gregg and Lynne, were born.
    In October, 1950, Charles Schneeman moved with his family to California. He worked as a retoucher and illustrator for the Los Angeles Examiner. Schneeman participated in the Los Angeles Newspaper Guild strike, walking the picket line and working odd jobs to support his family. The guild was still on strike when Schneeman passed away on January 1, 1972. He died due to complications from polysythemia, compounded by religious beliefs forbidding blood transfusions. During his residence in Pasadena, Schneeman exhibited his artwork in California venues including: the Pasadena Art Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum, various Laguna galleries, and street fairs. 1 Charles Schneeman, letter to Alva Rogers, 10 Feb. 1966 (box 12, ff 37).

    Selected Bibliography

    • Astounding Stories. 15:2. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. "Exiles of the Stratosphere." July 1935.
    • Astounding Stories. 15:2. Clifton B. Krause. "Menace From Saturn." July 1935.
    • Astounding Stories. 17:3. R. DeWitt Miller. "The Shapes." February 1936
    • Astounding Stories. 17:3. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. "Cones." February 1936
    • Astounding Stories. 17:3. John Russell Fearn. "Mathematica Plus." February 1936
    • Astounding Stories. 17:4. Nat Schachner. "Reverse Universe." June 1936
    • Astounding Stories. 18:1. John Russell Fearn. "Deserted Universe." September 1936
    • Astounding Stories. 19:2. Ross Rocklynne. "Water For Mars." April 1937.
    • Astounding Stories. 19:6. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. "Temporary Warp." August 1937.
    • Astounding Stories. 19:6. M. Schere. "Anachronistic Optics." August 1937.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:1. Robert Moore Williams. "Flight of the Dawn Star." March 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:1. R. DeWitt Miller. "The Master Shall Not Die!." March 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:1. Kent Casey. "Flareback." March 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:2. L. Sprague de Camp. "Hyperpilosity." April 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:2. Lester del Rey. "The Faithful." April 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:3. Jack Williamson. Cover Illustration (for "Legion of Time") May 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:3. Jack Williamson. "Legion of Time, Part I." May 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:4. Jack Williamson. "Legion of Time, Part II." May 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 21:5. Jack Williamson. "Legion of Time, Conclusion." May 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 22:1. Arthur J. Burks. "The Trapper." September 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 22:1. Robert Moore Williams. "Robots Return." September 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 22:3. Malcolm Jameson. "Seaward." November 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 22:4. L. Sprague de Camp. Cover illustration (for "The Merman"). December 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 22:4. Horace L. Gold. "A Matter of Form." December 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 22:4. L. Sprague de Camp. "The Merman." December 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 22:4. Kent Casey. "They Had Rhythm!" December 1938.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 23:1. Don A. Stuart. "Cloak of Aesir." March 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 23:1. H.L. Gold. "Problem in Murder." March 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 23:2. Nat Schachner. Cover illustration (for "Worlds Don't Care"). April 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 23:2. Nat Schachner. "Worlds Don't Care." April 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 23:5. C.L. Moore. "Greater Than Gods." July 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:1. Manly Wade Wellman. "Forces Must Balance." September 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:2. E.E. Smith, PhD. "Gray Lensman, Part I." October 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:2. Malcolm Jameson. "A Question of Salvage." October 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:3. E.E. Smith, PhD. "Gray Lensman, Part II." November 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:3. Oscar C. Boch. "Spacewreck." November 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:4. Wallace West. "Sculptors of Life." December 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:4. E.E. Smith, PhD. "Gray Lensman, Part III." December 1939.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:5. E.E. Smith, PhD. Cover illustration (for "Gray Lensman"). January 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:5. E.E. Smith, PhD. "Gray Lensman, Conclusion." January 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:6 Harl Vincent. "High-Frequency War." February 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 24:6 R.S. Richardson. "Luna Observatory, No. 1." February 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:2 L. Ron Hubbard. "Final Blackout, Part I." April 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:3 Phil Nowlan. "Space Guards." May 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:3 Jack Williamson. "Hindsight." May 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:3 L. Ron Hubbard. "Final Blackout, Part II." May 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:4 Robert Heinlein. "The Roads Must Roll." June 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:5 Ralph Williams. "Emergency Landing." July 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:5 L. Sprague de Camp. "The Science of Withering." July 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:5 Author unknown. "The Red Death of Mars." July 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:6 Philip St. John. "Done Without Eagles." August 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 25:6 L. Sprague de Camp. "Done Without Eagles." August 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:1 A.E. van Vogt. "Slan, Part I." September 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:1 Robert Heinlein. "Blow-ups Happen." September 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:1 Kurt von Rachen. "The Kilkenny Cats." September 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:2 A.E. van Vogt. "Slan, Part II." October 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:2 Author unknown. "White Mutiny." October 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:2 Nat Schachner. "Runaway Cargo." October 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:3 Vic Phillips. "Salvage." November 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:3 A.E. van Vogt. "Slan, Part III." November 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:4 P. Schuyler Miller. "Old Man Mulligan." December 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:4 D.M. Edwards. "Spheres." December 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:4 L. Sprague de Camp. "Justinian Jugg's Patent." December 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:4 Riley Willey. "Fog." December 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:4 R.S. Richardson. "Wanted: Suggestions." December 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:4 A.E. van Vogt. "Slan, Conclusion." December 1940.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:5 Anson MacDonald. "Sixth Column, Part I." January 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:5 Maurice G. Hugi. "Mechanical Mice." January 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:5 Kurt von Rachen. "The Traitor." January 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:5 Author unknown. "Starting Point." January 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:5 Harry Walton. "Doom Ship." January 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:6 Robert Heinlein. "And He Built a Crooked House." February 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 26:6 Anson MacDonald. "Sixth Column, Part II." February 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:1 Robert Heinlein. "Logic of Empire." March 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:1 Malcolm Jameson. "Blockade Runner." March 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:1 D.B. Thompson. "Eccentric Orbit." March 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:1 Anson MacDonald. "Sixth Column, Conclusion." March 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:2 Theodore Sturgeon. "Microcosmic God." April 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:2 Harry Walton. "The Scrambler." April 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:2 Kurt von Rachen. "The Mutineers." April 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:3 Robert Heinlein. "Universe." May 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:3 Isaac Asimov. "Liar!." May 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:3 Eric Frank Russell. "Jay Score." May 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:3 Phillips and Scott Roberts. "Fish Story." May 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:3 Harry Walton. "Sub Cruiser." May 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:4 Ross Rocklynne. "Time Wants a Skeleton." May 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:4 Theodore Sturgeon. "Artnan Process." June 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:4 Malcolm Jameson. "Devil's Powder." June 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:4 Nat Schachner. "Old Fireball." June 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:4 Robert Moore Williams. "To Fight Another Day." June 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:4 Harry Bates. "A Matter of Speed." June 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:5 Clifford D. Simak. "Spaceship in a Flask." July 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:5 A.E. van Vogt. "The Seesaw." July 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:5 Nelson S. Bond. "The Geometrics of Johnny Day." July 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 27:6 Nat Schachner. "Jurisdiction." August 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 28:1 Alfred Bester. "Adam and No Eve." September 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 28:3 Nat Schachner. "Beyond All Weapons." November 1941.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:1 Author unknown. "Day After Tomorrow." March 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:1 Malcolm Jameson. "Dispersion." March 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:2 L. Ron Hubbard. "Strain." April 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:2 A.E. van Vogt. "Co-operate or Else!." April 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:2 .Joseph E. Kelleam "The Eagles Gather." April 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:2 Willy Ley. "The Fatal Coloration." April 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:3 A.E. van Vogt. "Asylum." May 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:3 Alfred Bester. "Push of a Finger." May 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:4 Isaac Asimov. "Bridle and Saddle." June 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:4 Roby Wentz. "A Nose for News." June 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 29:6 Kilgallen's Lunar Legacy. "Norman L. Knight." August 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 30:1 Malcolm Jameson. "Pride." September 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 30:1 . "." September 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 30:4 Frank Belknap Long, Jr.. "To Follow Knowledge." December 1942.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 39:4 A.E. van Vogt. Cover illustration (for "Centaurus II"). June 1947.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 39:4 A.E. van Vogt. "Centaurus II." June 1947.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 46:1 Lawrence O'Donnell. "Paradise Street." September 1950.
    • Astounding Science Fiction. 48:1 Frank M. Robinson. "Untitled Story." September 1951.

    Scope And Content

    The bulk of the collection is comprised of sketches, compositional studies, final artwork, a presentation portfolio, printer's proofs, and magazine clippings from 1935-1963, with the majority from 1938-1942, that document Schneeman's working process as an illustrator for Astounding Stories/Astounding Science Fictionand other publications. In addition to the science fiction genre, Schneeman illustrated romance magazines, drew humorous cartoons, and created historical and scientific illustrations. Although he used a variety of media, Mr. Schneeman expressed a preference for brush and ink, using simple line or dry brush shading. Supplemental material includes personal and business correspondence, family photographs and negatives from the 1920s -1950s, originals and reproductions of work by other artists, and books and magazines that feature Schneeman's artwork or information related to Astounding Stories/Astounding Science Fiction. These papers lack examples of student work, paintings for cover illustrations, and work from late in Schneeman's life.

    Provenance

    The Charles Schneeman Papers were deposited by Betty Lundeen, Trustee of the Betty J. Lundeen Trust on March 21, 1997, in the UC Davis Library Special Collections Department, Shields Library. In June 2000, the collection became the property of the Regents of the University of California.

    Access

    The papers are unrestricted, except where noted. Please consult the archivist for further information and for access to electronically stored records.

    Publication Rights

    The Library can only claim physical ownership of the Charles Schneeman Papers. It is impossible for us to determine the identity of possible claimants of literary property. Responsibility for identifying and satisfying such claimants must be assumed by users wishing to publish the materials.

    Preferred Citation

    [Identification of item] Charles E. Schneeman, Jr. Papers, D-238, Special Collections, UC DavisGeneral Library, University of California, Davis.

    Subjects and Indexing Terms

    Science fiction -- Illustrations
    Schneeman, Charles, 1912-1972 -- Archives
    Collection Contents
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