Forrest J. Ackerman

Forrest J. Ackerman
Forrest J. Ackerman (1916–2008) was a pioneering American writer, editor, and literary agent, best known for his role in popularizing science fiction and horror. He created and edited the influential magazine "Famous Monsters of Filmland," which introduced many readers to classic and contemporary genre films. Ackerman is also credited with coining the term "sci-fi" and was an avid collector, amassing one of the largest collections of science fiction memorabilia in the world. His influence extended beyond writing, as he helped launch the careers of numerous sci-fi and fantasy authors, including Ray Bradbury and L. Ron Hubbard.

Author's Books:


The early morning streetcar, swaying and rattling along its tracks, did as much to divert my attention from the book I was reading as the contents of the book itself. I did not like Plato. Comfortable though the seat was, I was as uncomfortable as any collegiate could be whose mind would rather dwell upon tomorrow's football game than the immediate task in hand—the morning session with Professor... more...

I was a spy for the FBI—the Fantasy Bureau of Investigation! Learning of a monster meeting of science fiction "fen" in New York, I teleported myself 3,000 miles from the Pacificoast to check the facts on the monsters. And it was true—the 14th World SciFi Con was tremonstrous. In all seriousness, the Newyorcon was one of the greatest aggregations of s.f. enthusiasts I have ever seen. A far... more...