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Eric Frank Russell (1905-1978) was one of the leading and most popular British science fiction writers of the 20th century. Possessing a lifelong interest in science fiction, Russell published his first story in Astounding in 1937. He particularly admired Charles Fort (1874-1932), the American journalist, author and chronicler of scientific anomalies whose influence on Russell is reflected in the recurrent theme of humans as helpless victims of external forces in his fiction. Eric Frank Russell's first novel Sinister Barrier was published in 1943, followed by Metamorphosite (1946), Hobbyist (1947) and Dear Devil (1950). These novels were followed by a number of anti-war stories, including Late Night Final (1948), ...And Then There Were None (1951) and I am Nothing (1952). Yet, it is humour that is the most distinctive feature of Eric Frank Russell's writing and it was for the satirical short story Allamagoosa (1955) that he gained the distinction of being the first British writer to receive a Hugo Award. Eric Frank Russell's later fiction is regarded as less colourful but remains characteristically humanitarian.

The Eric Frank Russell Collection was donated to The University of Liverpool by the author's daughter, Erica Metcalfe, in November 1993. The Archive contains 21 typescripts of his fiction and non-fiction, plus offprints from various periodicals of some of Russell's work. There is a large amount of papers relating to his literary career, including correspondence with agents, editors and publishers and a group of royalty statements and copyright agreements. The Archive also contains a large number of letters from family, friends, fans and fellow authors, as well as correspondence relating to Russell's role as British representative of the Fortean Society. Eric Frank Russell's personal library of books, magazines and fanzines and his Hugo Award are also contained in the Archive.

Finding Aid

The archive is fully listed and an online Finding Aid including further biographical information is available for browsing or searching.

Access

Permission is required for access to the correspondence between Eric Frank Russell and John W. Campbell Jr. All other material is available to researchers for consultation in the University of Liverpool Library's Special Collections and Archives Reading Room by prior arrangement. Please read Using the Collections if you are considering visiting us.

Copyright

Reproduction and Licensing rules are available upon request.

Related material

Search the SF Catalogue for Eric Frank Russell's published works and related critical material in our collections. A bibliography of his works can be found at the Fantastic Fiction site, whilst the Shadow Man site, devoted to Eric Frank Russell, contains biographical and bibliographical information. Eric Frank Russell also appears in the Science Fiction Museum's Hall of Fame.