Fortean Times: The History of a Chronicle of the Unexplained
The world of the unexplained—from spontaneous fish falls to mysterious atmospheric phenomena—found a dedicated home in the pages of Fortean Times. What began as a modest, typewriter-produced newsletter has evolved into a professional publication documenting the fringes of science and the curiosities of the natural world. The magazine's journey is a testament to the enduring fascination with the works of Charles Fort, a researcher who spent his life collecting data on phenomena that mainstream science often ignored.
The Origins of a Fortean Obsession
The foundation of the magazine lies in the curiosity of Bob Rickard. Rickard first encountered the works of Charles Fort through science-fiction stories in Astounding Science Fiction (later Analog), where editor John Campbell encouraged authors to use Fort's data as inspiration for imaginative tales. While studying product design at Birmingham Art College in the mid-1960s, Rickard immersed himself in the world of fanzines, influenced by Peter Weston's Speculation magazine.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1968 at a science-fiction convention, where Rickard purchased all four of Fort's books from Derek Stokes. This sparked a connection with the International Fortean Organization (INFO), an American group founded in 1966 by Paul and Ronald Willis. Rickard's correspondence with the Willis brothers, particularly Paul, provided the final spark of inspiration. Despite the struggles the Willises faced in maintaining their own INFO Journal due to Ronald's illness, their efforts encouraged Rickard to launch his own periodical.
The News (1973–1976): A Hobbyist's Beginning
In November 1973, Bob Rickard launched The News — A Miscellany of Fortean Curiosities. This bimonthly, mail-order newsletter was a labor of love, produced on a typewriter with Letraset headings during the blackouts of the late 1970s. The title was inspired by Samuel Butler's The News from Nowhere (though Rickard may have conflated this with Butler's Erewhon).
The early days of The News were characterized by a grassroots effort. Rickard was aided by Steve Moore, a kindred spirit met at a comics convention, who helped with everything from content to stuffing envelopes. The publication grew from a 20-page document costing 35p to a more robust 28-page miscellany. As the magazine evolved, it attracted a circle of dedicated contributors and supporters, including marine biologist Phil Ledger, theatre director Ken Campbell, and cartoonist Hunt Emerson.
Emerson's arrival in 1974 marked a significant shift in the magazine's visual identity. He provided dozens of headings and created the prototype for the "Phenomenomix" strip, which would become a staple of the publication. By issue #15, Rickard decided the magazine needed a more descriptive name to reflect its growing ambition.
The Birth and Evolution of Fortean Times
In 1976, issue #16 officially rebranded the publication as Fortean Times. The name emerged from discussions between Rickard and Paul Willis, who envisioned a Fortean version of The Times newspaper—a record of the weird and wonderful read by millions. The new iteration carried the subtitle "Portents & Prodigies" and a revised mission: "A Contemporary Record of Strange Phenomena."
The transition to a professional magazine was not without financial hardship. Rickard initially edited, wrote, and typed the issues alone, often pleading for subscribers to keep the publication afloat. However, donations from a hardcore readership allowed for higher production values. By 1977, the magazine shifted to a quarterly schedule, increasing its page count to 40 pages to maintain the volume of material.
As the publication grew, so did its editorial team. Steve Moore, Paul Sieveking, Mike Dash, and Bob Rickard became known as the "Gang of Fort." This team expanded the magazine's scope, introducing features like "Forteana Corrigenda" to correct errors in existing literature and the "Strange Deaths" column.
Professionalization and Format Changes
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a move toward professional typesetting and printing. Paul Sieveking joined the team in 1978, helping the magazine transition from a small-scale operation to a limited company, Fortean Times Ltd. The publication moved its semi-official address to the Soho bookshop Dark They Were and Golden Eyed, run by Derek Stokes.
By issue #30, the magazine had expanded to 68 pages and adopted professional typesetting via Warpsmith Graphics. The format eventually settled into the standard A4 size with glossy covers, moving away from the black-and-white, typewriter-based layout of The News. While editorship eventually passed to David Sutton in 2002, the legacy of the original "Gang of Fort" continues to influence the publication's scholarly yet curious tone.
| Period | Title | Format/Production | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973–1976 | The News | Typewritten, Bimonthly | Hobbyist newsletter, Letraset headings |
| 1976–1977 | Fortean Times | Self-published, Bimonthly | Transition to "Contemporary Record" |
| 1977–1980s | Fortean Times | Quarterly, Professional Printing | Increased page count, A4 size, glossy covers |
Key Facts
- Founder: Established by Bob Rickard in 1973.
- Original Name: First published as The News — A Miscellany of Fortean Curiosities.
- Inspiration: Based on the data-collection methods of Charles Fort.
- The Gang of Fort: The core editorial group consisting of Rickard, Sieveking, Dash, and Moore.
- Visual Identity: Long-term collaboration with cartoonist Hunt Emerson for covers and the "Phenomenomix" strip.
- Evolution: Progressed from a typewriter-produced fanzine to a professional A4 magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Fortean Times?
The magazine serves as a contemporary record of strange phenomena, curiosities, and mysteries, continuing the work of Charles Fort in documenting unexplained events that fall outside mainstream scientific explanation.
Who was Charles Fort?
Charles Fort was a researcher whose books provided the foundational inspiration for the magazine. He specialized in collecting reports of anomalous phenomena, which Bob Rickard discovered through science-fiction literature.
How did the magazine change from The News to Fortean Times?
After 15 issues of The News, Bob Rickard and Paul Willis decided on a more descriptive title. Issue #16 (1976) was the first to be titled Fortean Times, aiming to be a "Fortean version of The Times newspaper."
What was the "Gang of Fort"?
The "Gang of Fort" was a nickname for the primary editorial team of Bob Rickard, Paul Sieveking, Mike Dash, and Steve Moore, who collectively shaped the magazine's direction and production during its formative years.
What is the "Phenomenomix" strip?
It is a long-running cartoon strip created by Hunt Emerson. It began as a prototype called "Fortean Funnies" in issue #11 of The News before becoming a regular feature in Fortean Times.