Chapter 1: Foundation and Editorial Vision of George Scithers
Owlswick Press, founded by George Scithers in 1973, represented a sophisticated approach to small press publishing that combined commercial viability with literary preservation, specializing in high-quality editions of classic fantasy and science fiction works alongside original scholarship and creative writing guides. Scithers’ editorial vision emphasized bibliophile-quality production values and scholarly attention to literary heritage, positioning Owlswick as bridge between fannish enthusiasm and academic literary preservation during period of expanding science fiction legitimacy.
The 1973 founding coincided with science fiction’s increasing cultural recognition and expanding market demand for quality reprints and specialized publications that mainstream publishers often overlooked. Scithers leveraged his extensive editorial experience and fannish connections to create publishing house that served both collectors seeking premium editions and scholars requiring access to important but commercially marginal texts, establishing sustainable model for specialized literary publishing.
Chapter 2: Inaugural Publication Strategy and Market Positioning
The 1973 debut with “Al Azif (an edition of the Necronomicon)” demonstrated Owlswick’s commitment to publishing texts at intersection of scholarship and fantastic literature, providing serious treatment of materials that mainstream publishers might dismiss as mere curiosities. This inaugural choice established Owlswick’s editorial philosophy of treating fantastic literature with scholarly seriousness while recognizing commercial appeal of well-crafted specialty editions for discerning readers.
The Necronomicon edition represented calculated risk that balanced cult appeal with production quality, creating precedent for subsequent publications that would combine literary significance with collector interest. This strategic approach enabled Owlswick to build loyal readership among both fantasy enthusiasts and serious collectors while establishing reputation for editorial integrity and production excellence that would sustain twenty-year publishing program.
Chapter 3: Roy G. Krenkel Artistic Showcase and Visual Literature
The 1974 publication of “Cities & Scenes from the Ancient World (art of Roy G. Krenkel)” demonstrated Owlswick’s recognition of visual artistry as legitimate literary form deserving high-quality presentation and scholarly attention. Krenkel’s artwork, celebrated within fantasy and science fiction communities for historical accuracy and romantic sensibility, received treatment typically reserved for fine art publications, elevating fannish artistic appreciation to academic standards.
This artistic focus established Owlswick as publisher willing to invest in expensive color reproduction and premium materials necessary for proper artistic presentation, demonstrating commitment to visual excellence that distinguished small press publications from mainstream offerings. The Krenkel volume served both as artistic appreciation and historical document, preserving important fantasy artwork while educating readers about classical antiquity through visually compelling presentation.
Chapter 4: L. Sprague de Camp Partnership and Educational Mission
The extensive L. Sprague de Camp catalog – including “Science-Fiction Handbook, Revised” (1975), “The Tritonian Ring” (1977), “The Ragged Edge of Science” (1980), “Spirits, Stars and Spells” (1980), and “The Hand of Zei” (1982) – demonstrates Owlswick’s commitment to preserving and promoting work of major science fiction author whose combination of scholarly knowledge and storytelling skill exemplified genre’s intellectual potential. This partnership provided stable backlist while serving educational mission through de Camp’s instructional and essay collections.
The de Camp collaborations, often co-authored with Catherine Crook de Camp, represented Owlswick’s emphasis on educational publishing that served both aspiring writers and general readers interested in science fiction’s intellectual foundations. These publications combined practical writing instruction with scholarly analysis, creating resources that bridged gap between fannish enthusiasm and professional craft development while preserving important critical perspectives on genre evolution.
Chapter 5: Lord Dunsany Revival and Literary Heritage Preservation
The multiple Lord Dunsany publications – “Tales of Three Hemispheres” (1976), “A Dreamer’s Tales” (1979), and “The Ghosts of the Heaviside Layer and Other Fantasms” (1980) – represented systematic effort to preserve and promote work of foundational fantasy author whose influence on modern genre development required continued accessibility for contemporary readers. This preservation mission demonstrated Owlswick’s recognition of literary continuity and historical responsibility within fantastic literature.
The Dunsany revival culminated in Darrell Schweitzer’s 1989 critical study “Pathways to Elfland: The Writings of Lord Dunsany,” providing scholarly framework for appreciating Dunsany’s contributions while demonstrating Owlswick’s commitment to supporting serious critical analysis alongside primary text preservation. This combination of reprints and scholarship created comprehensive literary resource that served both casual readers and academic researchers.
Chapter 6: Educational Publishing and Professional Development
The educational focus, exemplified by Jack Williamson’s “Teaching Science Fiction: Education for Tomorrow” (1980), Barry B. Longyear’s “Science Fiction Writer’s Workshop – I” (1980), and “On Writing Science Fiction (The Editors Strike Back!)” (1981) by John M. Ford, Darrell Schweitzer, and George H. Scithers, established Owlswick as major publisher of science fiction pedagogical materials. These publications served growing academic interest in science fiction while providing practical resources for aspiring writers.
This educational mission reflected broader trend toward science fiction’s academic legitimization during 1970s and 1980s, with Owlswick providing essential textbooks and reference materials that enabled formal study and instruction. The combination of theoretical analysis and practical guidance created comprehensive educational resources that supported both classroom instruction and independent learning while maintaining high editorial standards and production quality.
Chapter 7: Genre Diversity and Specialty Publications
The eclectic catalog encompassed humor (“To Serve Man: A Cookbook for People” by Karl Wirf, 1976), collaborative fiction (“Tales from Gavagan’s Bar” by L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt, 1978), poetry anthology (“Burning With A Vision: Poetry of Science and the Fantastic” edited by Robert Frazier, 1984), and horror fiction (“The Devil’s Auction” by Robert Weinberg, 1988), demonstrating editorial flexibility and market awareness that enabled sustained operation across diverse readership interests.
This genre diversity reflected Scithers’ understanding that successful small press publishing required multiple revenue streams and diverse audience appeal while maintaining coherent editorial vision. The willingness to publish experimental works like science fiction poetry alongside established classics created dynamic catalog that served multiple market segments while advancing overall mission of literary preservation and promotion.
Chapter 8: Contemporary Authors and Original Fiction
The later publications featuring contemporary authors – Darrell Schweitzer’s “The White Isle” (1990), Keith Roberts’ “Anita” (1990), Michael Rutherford’s “The Infinite Kingdoms” (1990), and Avram Davidson’s collections (1991, 1993) – demonstrated Owlswick’s evolution toward supporting contemporary writing alongside historical preservation. These publications provided platform for established authors whose work might not find appropriate publisher elsewhere while maintaining Owlswick’s reputation for quality and literary significance.
The emphasis on authors like Davidson, whose unconventional style and literary sophistication sometimes challenged mainstream publisher marketing categories, illustrated Owlswick’s role as haven for literary excellence that transcended commercial formulas. This author development function complemented historical preservation mission while ensuring continued relevance and contemporary literary contribution.
Chapter 9: Production Values and Collector Appeal
Throughout its twenty-year operation, Owlswick maintained reputation for superior production values, typography, and materials that distinguished its publications from both mainstream commercial offerings and typical small press productions. This commitment to physical quality reflected understanding that specialty publishing success required tangible value proposition for readers willing to pay premium prices for limited-edition materials and careful editorial presentation.
The collector appeal extended beyond mere bibliophile fetishism to represent serious commitment to preserving literary heritage in formats worthy of content significance. This approach created lasting value for publications while building loyal customer base among readers who appreciated both literary quality and physical craftsmanship, enabling sustainable operation in competitive marketplace.
Chapter 10: Legacy and Small Press Publishing Influence
Owlswick Press’s twenty-year operation (1973-1993) established important precedents for successful small press publishing that combined literary preservation with contemporary author support, educational mission with commercial viability, and fannish enthusiasm with scholarly standards. The catalog’s breadth and quality demonstrated possibility of sustained independent publishing operation that served specialized markets while maintaining editorial integrity and production excellence.
The Scithers model influenced subsequent small press publishers by proving viability of quality-focused approach to specialty publishing that refused to compromise editorial vision for short-term commercial advantage. Owlswick’s success in balancing historical preservation, educational service, and contemporary literary support created template for small press operations that continue to serve science fiction and fantasy communities while preserving literary heritage and promoting continued genre development. The press’s dissolution in 1993 marked end of significant era in specialty publishing while leaving substantial legacy of important publications and editorial standards that continue to influence contemporary small press operations and literary preservation efforts.
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