The Enchanted Duplicator, published in February 1954, is probably the most frequently reprinted work in the microcosm.
Often called a Pilgrim’s Progress of the microcosm, it chronicles the progress of Jophan from the land of Mundane to the Tower of Trufandom, where he ultimately obtains the enchanted duplicator, a.k.a. the magic mimeograph, so that he can achieve his heart’s desire and publish the perfect fanzine. Jophan’s journey provides genuine good advice for meeting and overcoming the many pitfalls one can encounter as one enters fandom.
An online version of The Enchanted Duplicator is available. There have been two sequels: Beyond The Enchanted Duplicator...To the Enchanted Convention by Walt Willis and James White (illustrated by Stu Shiffman) was published in 1991 by Geri Sullivan (37 Monson Road, Wales, MA 01081-9743). Check with Geri for availability. Rob Hansen's The Reaffirmation, is an excellent psuedo-sequel originally published in BLAT #4, edited by Ted White and Dan Steffan, in 1995.
Contributors: Dr. Gafia
| from Fancyclopedia 2 ca. 1959 |
| The very bible of Serious Constructive Insurgentism. Walt Willis and Bob Shaw wrote this fannish epic of Jophan's journey from the Land of Mundane to Trufandom, where he found the Enchanted Duplicator with which to publish the Perfect Fanzine. Such locations as the Glades of Gafia, Hekto Swamp, Mountains of Inertia, ktp, entered fan legendry from this work. |
