Description
Dick Spelmann (b. 1931) was a book dealer who sold science fiction and fantasy books and helped to organize trade sells at
numerous science fiction conventions in the late twentieth century. This collection consists of his published checklists for
trade paperbacks.
Background
Dick Spelman was born on June 18, 1931. He worked as a bookseller in the science fiction book trade for more than thirty years.
As a trade bookseller, he has played an active role in the science fiction fan community by helping with the organization
of conventions and heading many of their dealers' rooms, primarily through the 1970s and 80s. His first attendance at a science
fiction convention dates back to 1952, when he attended the Chicon II convention. Thirty years later, Spelman was a member
of the board of directors of Chicon IV. He officially retired from bookselling in 1991 after selling his book business to
Larry Smith. Spelman is also known for having compiled a number of important checklists as references for collectors and booksellers.
In 1976, he authored A Preliminary Checklist of Science Fiction and Fantasy published by Ballantine Books (1953-1974) and Science Fiction and Fantasy Published by Ace Books (1953-1968). A year later saw the release of his books Science Fiction and Fantasy Published by Ballantine Books (1953-1977), Science Fiction and Fantasy Published by Arkham House (1939-1976), and Science Fiction and Fantasy Published by Avalon Books. His shorter and more recent works include The Forgotten Worldcon of '45 published in 1994 and The Worldcon of 2001 published in 1996.
Extent
1 box (0.5 linear ft.)
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UC Regents. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the
creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright
owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
Open for research. STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library
Special Collections for paging information.