Generous Art Scott sent me a copy of The Crackpot and Other Twisted Tales of Greedy Fans and Collectors just published by Ramble House. The book is edited by Dwight R. Decker and includes a Foreward by Richard A. Lupoff. Art Scott was the key catalyst in bringing all the pieces together for this hilarious book to be published. John E. Stockman was a collector and fan who published fanzines very similar to the ones he wrote about in the stories collected in The Crackpot. Stockman wrote about rabid fans who broke into stores to steal comic books and pulp magazines. He wrote about incredible trades between fans. He wrote about crooked dealers. In essence, Stockman’s stories are funhouse mirrors of the world of wacky comic book fans and loony book collectors. Yes, these tales are crudely written but the intensity of collecting mania is apparent on every page. If you’re a book collector, you’ll see a lot of your tendencies in the wild characters Stockman creates. I had a lot of fun reading this book and recommend it to those collectors who might love books and magazines and comics a little too much.
I’ve read only one story so far, but it’s wacky stuff. Lots of fun in store for me, I’m sure.
Bill, wacky is right! These tales have a lot of Truth to them.
Bill, I figured you wouldn’t want to read it as it seems a little close to home.
😉
Jeff, I could relate to a lot of Stockman’s caricatures of comic book fans and book collectors. But, I’ve never broken into a car to steal books like one of Stockman’s characters does.
Well, we do know a guy who used to go dumpster diving behind Barnes & Noble, right?
Jeff, you are so right! Stockman included a lot of weird fan behavior, but not dumpster diving!
Everyone has one story like this to tell but a whole book of them. I am intrigued.
Patti, the tales are wild. I’m sure your local Public Library would provide a copy if you request it.
Stockman’s stories also provide a look back at a subculture we were part of and is now as dead as rotary dial telephones – amateur publishing in the ditto and mimeo era. The various characters we’ve known, selves included, weren’t nearly as crazed as Stockman’s oddballs (the funhouse mirror reference is spot-on) but still the nostalgia wells up, redolent of the smell of mimeo ink and ditto fluid. Thanks for giving the book a plug.
Art, I remember being addicted to the scent of those freshly run mimeo copies! And, I had no idea TARZAN #20 was the Holy Grail of collecting. Stockman’s outlandish tales of fandom were great fun to read! I hope THE CRACKPOT finds its audience. There’s a lot of fun between those covers! Thanks for sending me a copy!
I should note that you over-sell my role in the making of this book. Dwight Decker is the Stockman maven and champion, and he deserves the lion’s share of credit for bringing “Mule’s” unique vision back into print.
Art, you are too modest! Without you, Dwight Decker would not have connected with Lupoff and Ramble House!
Sounds like a lot of fun. You descriptions also reminded me of Overbooked in Arizona which was published many years ago.
Rick, if you liked OVERLOOKED IN ARIZONA you would really like THE CRACKPOT.
That’s from my salad days of comics fandom. If you don’t have any long term plans for that book, George, I’d be pleased to borrow it. *scrape* *bow* *wheedle*
Bob, perhaps a copy of THE CRACKPOT will find its way to you in a future mailing box with QUICK DRAW in it.
That would be swell. Thanks.
Bob, you’ve got some goodies arriving at your mailbox today.