Man of Two Worlds:: My Life in Science Fiction and Comics - Softcover

Schwartz, Julius; Thomsen, Brian M

3.64

53 ratings by Goodreads

9780380810512: Man of Two Worlds:: My Life in Science Fiction and Comics

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0380810514 ISBN 13: 9780380810512

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks, 2000

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Before there was Superman or Batman, before Ray Bradbury or Harlan Ellison ever picked up a pen, before there were science-fiction fans and conventions, there was Julius Schwartz -- a man who would have an indelible effect on all this and more.

One of the inventors of science-fiction fandom in the thirties and publisher of the first SF "fanzine" (one of its early subscribers was Superman's cocreator Jerry Siegel), Julius Schwartz became the world's first SF specialty literary agent while still in his teens. During the "Golden Age" of science fiction, he represented a distinguished roster of authors, including H. P. Lovecraft, Alfred Bester, Robert Bloch, and Ray Bradbury. But that was only the first chapter in Schwartzs amazing career, for he is also one of the most influential editors in comic-book history.

Besides working on both the Superman and Batman character she created much of the mythology we now take for granted. Schwartz was also responsible for revitalizing nearly every important DC Comics character, highlighted by the mighty Justice League of America, in what has since become known as comics' beloved "Silver Age." Over more than forty years, Schwartz captained such blazing talents of the comics industry as Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Curt Swan, Neal Adams, Denny O'Neil, Alan Moore, and many others.

Here, in "Julie's" own words, is a behind-the-scenes look at a life spent having fun and making sure readers did, too -- the incredible story of a true hero of American pop culture.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Julius Schwartz was one of the inventors of science-fiction fandom in the thirties and publisher of the first SF "fanzine" (one of its early subscribers was Superman's cocreater Jerry Siegel), Julius Schwartz became the world's first SF specialty literary agent while still in his teens.

From Library Journal:

Using anecdotes, capsule portraits of writers, and an appropriately jocular style, Schwartz highlights his strategic location as a literary agent in 1930s sf and an editor at DC Comics after World War II. Growing up in New York City, he became a fan of pulp sf and used his familiarity with sf editors and writers to place the early stories of authors like Alfred Bester, Robert Heinlein, and Ray Bradbury. When the market for pulp sf declined, Schwartz began editing such popular comics as Flash, Justice League of America, Superman, and Batman. This book might interest those curious about the economics of sf publishing in the Golden Age or insider publishing activities at DC Comics. However, too often the author focuses on the trivialities of business lunches or petty interoffice squabbles. Ultimately, Schwartz epitomizes the 20th-century phenomenon of sf and comics fandom, and, like many fans, he never quite explains what fascinates him about these genres. Recommended for specialized collections only, except where local interest warrants.DRoger A. Berger, Everett Community Coll., WA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.