The Fantasy Fan , Volume 2, Number 1, September 1934
by Charles D. Hornig
A Rare Look Into the Early Days of Fantasy and Science Fiction Fans
The Fantasy Fan, Volume 2, Number 1, September 1934 edited by Charles D. Hornig is an important early fantasy magazine that helped shape science fiction and horror fandom during the 1930s. Published during the golden age of pulp fiction, the magazine brought together stories, poems, reviews, fan discussions, and literary commentary for readers who loved fantasy and weird fiction.
The magazine became well known for supporting new ideas and giving space to writers and fans who were passionate about imaginative storytelling. Even though its circulation was small, The Fantasy Fan gained an important place in fantasy and horror history.
A Magazine Built for Fantasy Readers
This issue continued the magazine’s tradition of mixing fiction with fan discussion and literary news. Readers could find unusual stories, poems, opinions, and conversations about the growing world of fantasy and science fiction writing.
Charles D. Hornig edited the magazine while still very young, helping create one of the first fan publications focused entirely on fantasy and weird fiction. The magazine became a meeting place for readers and writers who shared interest in supernatural stories, science fiction adventures, and horror literature.
The September 1934 issue was also important because it marked the beginning of the magazine’s second volume and reflected the growing enthusiasm surrounding fantasy fandom during the period.
The Editorial Style and Atmosphere
Charles D. Hornig used a direct and enthusiastic writing style that made the magazine feel personal and welcoming. Unlike larger commercial magazines, The Fantasy Fan often felt like a conversation between passionate readers and writers.
The magazine focused strongly on imagination and creativity rather than polished presentation. This gave it a unique charm that many collectors and fans still appreciate today.
Its pages helped introduce readers to ideas, stories, and discussions connected to some of the most important names in early fantasy and horror literature. Writers connected to the magazine included H. P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, Clark Ashton Smith, and others.
Main Subjects Found in the Magazine
- Fantasy and horror short fiction
- Poetry and imaginative writing
- Fan opinions and literary discussion
- News connected to weird fiction and pulp magazines
Why the Magazine Still Matters
The Fantasy Fan remains important because it played a major role in the early growth of fantasy and science fiction fandom in America. It helped connect readers who shared interest in imaginative fiction long before online communities existed.
Readers interested in pulp magazines and literary history often value the magazine for its connection to famous fantasy writers and the early development of fan culture. Its small circulation and historical importance have also made original copies highly collectible.
The magazine continues to offer insight into how fantasy literature gained popularity during the early twentieth century.
Final Thoughts
The Fantasy Fan, Volume 2, Number 1, September 1934 edited by Charles D. Hornig remains a fascinating piece of fantasy publishing history. Through fiction, commentary, and fan discussion, the magazine captured the excitement of a growing literary movement that would later become hugely influential.
For readers interested in classic pulp magazines, fantasy history, and early science fiction fandom, this issue remains both entertaining and historically valuable.
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About the Author
Charles D. Hornig was an American editor and science fiction writer whose influence on the genre extended well beyond his own published stories. Born in 1916, he became one of the youngest magazine editors in science fiction history when he took charge of Wonder Stories while still in his teens. Explore Charles D. Hornig books to discover the author's life, literary career, and access notable works, including The Fantasy Fan November 1934, The Fantasy Fan, Volume 1, Number 9, May 1934, The Fantasy Fan, Volume 1, Number 10, June 1934, The Fantasy Fan, Volume 1, Number 11, July 1934 , and more.
