This is chronologically the fourth volume in Rob Hansen’s history of the early UK science fiction conventions, though the fifth to be published. As in other such fanhistorical compilations, the story is told in the participants’ and observers’ own words, with explanatory and bridging commentary by Rob Hansen himself. This was a golden age of humorous convention reporting, with many laugh-out-loud observations. Guests of Honour during this period included Kingsley Amis, E.J. (Ted) Carnell of New Worlds, and Bruce Montgomery alias Edmund Crispin. Also on the scene, both as striving professionals and badly behaved fans, were Brian Aldiss, Harry Harrison and Michael Moorcock.

The BSFA was formed in 1958 (see Appendix 1: The Birth of the BSFA) and the annual UK national conventions were officially BSFA conventions from 1959 to 1967.

See the official book page for further details, links to other volumes, and a free ebook download. Published December 2025. 116,000 words. All proceeds from paperback sales go to the TransAtlantic Fan Fund.