This is a history of the beginnings of science fiction fandom by one of the active participants. Most of the participants were young, often ethnically Jewsh, and often in the New York City area. Some went on to major careers as writers, such as Ray Bradbury. Some became noted as collectors of sf related material, such as Forrest Ackerman, some became editors and minor writers, like Moskowitz himself. Some never became known beyond teir youth, but they created a culture of fanzines and cons that exists to this day on a worldwide basis. ( )