Collection Timeline

1905 to 1949

1905
5 3/4 x 6 1/2 inch black and white drawing, captioned on the verso in Smith's hand: "Chinese Hell Cat. / 1918"
Handwritten postcard from Abraham Merritt (1884-1943) to Richard Dodson, agreeing to autograph one of Merritt's books as a Christmas gift for Edward Elmer Smith.
Handwritten letter from George Zambock (pseudonym for Allen Glasser) to Richard Dodson. Zambock apologises for being sold out (of some stories) but tells him to look forward to those stories in a new publication that is to be released regionally.

1919
6x9 inch color drawing, captioned on the verso in Smith's hand: "For 'The Hashish-Eater'/C.A.S." with a quote from the story underneath.

1931
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about his "Skylark" and "Spacehounds" works along with an unnamed upcoming story. Smith then talks about his struggles when writing sci-fi.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz gives Dodson clues to guess at who is behind certain pen names. Schwartz then talks about a few stories and tells him about the author Ed Earl Repp.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz writes Dodson to share thoughts on authors and stories, inviting Dodson to ask him for more information on authors.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz asks about the price of some publications and discusses a new magazine he'd recently read. He then talks about a few stories he'd read then gives him information on another author.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about the SF fan publication he wants to start, then discusses the chemicals used in the meteor prank he spoke of in his previous letter. He then talks about recent stories he enjoyed reading.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith writes about progress in writing "Skylark" and his future plans for "Triplanetary." Smith then discusses stories and authors he likes.
Typewritten letter from George Zambock (thought to be written or typed by Julius Schwartz) to Richard Dodson. The letter answers some assumptions Dodson made about a magazine and tells him to write back if he wants more answers.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz tells Dodson everything he knows about Smith and talks about stories that he likes.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwarts tells Dodson how to get more illustrations by saving coupons from a publication, then he talks about his school life and stick and ball team. He then talks about another author.
Handwritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about the book that he sent Dodson, then talks about some other publications and gives Dodson information on another author.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartsz talks about school beginning later than usual due to an epidemic then he talks about what classes he's going to take. Schwartz then tells him about the authors Hall and Flint, talks about SF news, and tells Dodson about the author Edmond Hamilton.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about different authors and the gossip around them. He also provides Dodson with an address where he can purchase magazines for lower prices, then tells him about another author.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about a few authors and asks Dodson about his thoughts on a new magazine. He then talks about a few stories that he's recently read.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz discusses the hoax of "wonder" magazine closing down along with a suspect whom recently pulled a meteor prank. He then talks about SF news including; "The Invisible Man" being produced by Universal Pictures, new SF publications, and other SF news. He then asks Dodson for help with jokes since he had been chosen as humor editor for his high school paper.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz is surprised that he and Dodson are both 16, and explains how he can afford so many books and magazines. He then talks about some SF news and asks Dodson some more questions about himself.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about his recent school life then agrees with Dodson's critique of a story. He then talks about the author Ralph Farley.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz asks Dodson for a list of SF stories that he's read outside of SF specific publications. Schwartz then talks about news in upcoming publications.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith introduces some of his thoughts on science fiction publishing.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz discusses an author that he and Dodson like then tells him about a SF publication that is about to be discontinued. He then tells Dodson about another author and asks Dodson some questions about himself.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about a new story he liked and argues against Dodson's stance on the illustrations in Amazing Stories. He then tells Dodson about another auther and tells him news about a few publications.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about his school and about a book he is mailing Dodson. Schwartz then talks about SF news and tells Dodson about another author.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith speaks about his career in chemistry and gives Dodson advice on pursuing a career in chemistry. Smith goes on to explain and defend "Spacehounds" and some of his recent writings. Then, Smith discusses authors and works that he enjoys.
Typewritten letter from Harry Bates to Richard Dodson. Bates tells Dodson that he will not be publishing Mr. Russell's letter about "Skylark Three".
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz congratulates Dodson on getting a job then talks about some recent stories he'd read. He then tells Dodson some information about another author.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz tells Dodson he received his subscription payment to the new publication he is starting called "The Time Traveller (TTT)", Dodson is one of the first to subscribe. After that he talks about recent SF publications and stories, as well as the release and reception of Universal Pictures' "Frankenstein".
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz explains how he knows so much about various authors and tells him how he began reading "Amazing Stories". He then gives Dodson information on Eshbach.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about his plans for "Spacehounds" and his future plans for the "Skylark" series. Smith talks about his difficulties in continuing "Skylark" and how he plans for the third edition to be the last.

1932
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about Dodson's highschool graduation as well as his own upcoming graduation. He then asks if Dodson is going to write the article he said he would for "TTT". From there he talks about news in SF magazine and book publications.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith writes about his progress in publishing "Triplanetary" and the requirements he needs to meet to publish it in Astounding Stories or other magazines.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith describes sending Dodson a rough draft with illustrations, discusses the mathematical impossibility of many Astounding Stories publications, and debates where "Triplanetary" will be published.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz updates Dodson on "The Time Traveller" being published. He then speaks about the new issue of "Wonder" and about Williamson making the cover of "Wonder" and "Astounding". He also talks about the changes in Williamson's writing style, hoping for improvement.
Handwritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith answers questions that Dodson had about his writing.
Autographed photograph of E. E. "Doc" Smith. The note thanks Dodson for reading his works.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith congratulates Dodson on his graduation and academic acheivments. Smith then answers a few questions about his progress on "Skylark".
Typewritten letter from Linus Hogenmiller to Richard Dodson. Hogenmiller responds to Dodson's A.I.E. application letter, explaining what he is looking for in applicants and what the goals are for A.I.E. He ends the letter by explaining how to request membership, and asks his opinion on A.I.E. In the handwritten note at the bottom, he explains where he can find older issues of SF magazines.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith answers questions about his progress on "Skylark" and explains some reasoning behind his choices in the story. Smith then answers some chemistry questions Dodson had sent him.
Typewritten letter from Abraham Merritt (1884-1943) to Richard Dodson, about Merritt's work and signing a book.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith thanks Dodson for the present that he sent him for christmas.
Typewritten letter from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith thanks Dodson for his letter and for being interested in his work. He talks about which of his stories he is proud of and which he does not like. He then answers a few of Dodson's questions.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about how TTT is low on subscribers, but he is glad that Dodson enjoyed the first issue. He then criticises Cummings' recent works, and discusses Williamson's recent works. Schwartz then talks about recent SF publications and stories, as well as an article by Zambock written under a pen name.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz talks about his issues purchasing "The Moon Pool", the prices were higher than he liked and he was able to bargain using the depression as a factor in his argument. He then asks for Dodson's thoughts on the new issue of TTT, Schwartz then talks about recent SF stories and publications.
Photo of Henry Clark
Handwritten postcard from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson
Typewritten letter from Harry Bates to Richard Dodson. Bates informs Dodson of subscription prices and confirms that "Triplanetary" will be published in Astounding Stories.
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark reminds Dodson to fill out the questionaire, giving him the contact information of another new member to meet with.
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark requests that Dodson fills out and returns a questionaire, then he recommends a story to him.

1933
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark talks about how he is hoping for a job since he has just graduated highschool, he then promises to send Dodson documents and requests that he return the carbon copies. He talks about A.I.E. projects he will have for Dodson. There is a drawing of spaceships fighting at the bottom of the letter.
Typewritten letter from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith encloses a few versions of the drawings of "the Hashish-Eater", he talks about some poetry and stories, as well as one he is working on. He then discusses his thoughts on religion.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith thanks Dodson for the christmas card he sent, and gives him an update on publishing his works.
Typewritten letter from Eric Temple Bell to Richard Dodson. Bell thanks Dodson for his compliments on his writing and talks about his ideas for the future of SF writing. He includes an autograph which has been blanked out in this copy.
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark tells Dodson that he has sent a letter that he wants either destroyed or returned, then tells him that he will send blueprints soon. Clark then asks if Dodson has any news on Granville.
Carbon copy of a typewritten manuscript poem signed by Clark Ashton Smith, enclosed in letter to Richard Dodson
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith answers questions about "Triplanetary" and "Skylark", considering switching who he sends stories to after some negative interactions with the head of "Amazing Stories". Smith invites Dodson to visit him over the summer.
Typewritten letter from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about a book he sent to Dodson as well as a few other stories, he then answers some more of Dodson's questions and talks about news of two publications being 'sunk'.
Handwritten postcard from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith promises to send some drawings to Dodson. He breifly talks about SF publications.
Typewritten letter from Julius Schwartz to Richard Dodson. Schwartz agrees with Dodson's criticism of recent SF stories and his loss of interest in reading SF. He then talks about SF publication news, including the conclusion of publishing "TTT".
Typewritten letter from Richard Dodson to Abraham Merritt (1884-1943), thanking Merritt for his autographed book, and asking Merritt to autograph a copy of Merritt's book as a Christmas gift for Edward Elmer Smith. Dodson also requests that Merritt send an autographed picture of himself.
Handwritten letter from Abraham Merritt (1884-1943) to Richard Dodson, inquiring as to what Edward Elmer Smith thought of Merritt's gifted book, Dwellers in the Mirage. Merritt offers to send Dodson the ending that he would have preferred been published in the book.
Typewritten letter from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith thanks Dodson for the picture he sent of himself, and says he hopes to send his own in return. He then talks about some recommended stories, and discusses authors and their writing styles.
Typewritten letter from Abraham Merritt (1884-1943) to Richard Dodson, about two of Merritt's publications, writing, and a missing letter
Typewritten letter from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about some of his suggested books and stories, telling Dodson where he may find some. He then talks about progress in publishing a few of his stories in some magazines.
Handwritten letter from Richard Dodson to Eric Rocker Eddison. Dodson compliments Eddison on his writing and asks for his opinions on the future of SF, he then requests an autograph.
Typewritten letter with handwritten notes from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark explains that this letter is to be paired with the outline he is sending, he asks Dodson to send copies of documents on to other members. He asks for a reply so that he knows Dodson received the package he sent.
Telegram from Abraham Merritt (1884-1943) to Richard Dodson, inquiring if Dodson received Merritt's autographed book for Edward Elmer Smith
Typewritten letter from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about the publication process for a few of his stories then answers another question about his thoughts on religion. He discusses a few opinions of SF and some stories of his own. He also recommends some stories to Dodson.
Handwritten postcard from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about some more progress in publishing some stories, then suggests a story of his to Dodson.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith discusses plans for Dodson to visit then answers questions about "Triplanetary" being published in "Amazing Stories" soon.
Typewritten letter from John W. Campbell Jr. to Richard Dodson. Campbell talks about his ideas for the future of SF. He then talks about his college and a planned prank via chemistry.

1934
Handwritten letter from Tom Daniel to Richard Dodson. Daniel introduces himself to Dodson, telling him a bit about himself.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about remodeling his house and what he has been reading lately. Smith criticizes recent SF publications.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith writes about "Triplanetary" finally being published. Smith explains some of his thoughts on his characters, then talks about his struggle with writing the third story in the "Skylark" series, deciding this third will be the last one in the series.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith congratulates Dodson for getting accepted to higher education. Smith sends some notes he'd received from an editor so Dodson can see how professional critique works.
Handwritten letter from Richard Dodson to Eric Rocker Eddison. Dodson apologizes for his late reply, saying he had been busy with his classes. He then thanks Eddison for answering his questions. Dodson then talks about what he is currently reading.
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark delivers the good news that there is a new A.I.E. member, giving Dodson his contact information. He reminds Dodson to send his photo and invites him to visit.
Typewritten letter from Aurelie Young to Richard Dodson. Young asks Dodson to forward "The Telescope" to them once he is done reading it.
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark assures Dodson that the "Clark" recently listed in the obituaries was not him. He asks Dodson to write often and send a photo of himself and Terry.
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark gets after Dodson for only writing four times in the two years he has been an A.I.E. member, requesting that he writes more often and that he sends his photo.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith writes to Dodson about the new he received that his third "Skylark" is about to be published much earlier than expected.
Typewritten letter from Henry Clark to Richard Dodson. Clark thanks Dodson for writing and for his photo, asking Dodson to continue to write often (once a month).
Handwritten letter from Eric Rocker Eddison to Richard Dodson. Eddison thanks Dodson for his letter then talks about SF, he signs the bottom of the letter so Dodson can have his autograph.
Typewritten letter from Desmond Hall (associate editor of Astounding Stories) to Richard Dodson. A letter from Hall thanking Dodson for his commentary on "Astounding Stories".
Typewritten postcard from Clark Ashton Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith promises to write Dodson soon, stating that he has been busy.

1935
Handwritten letter from Richard Dodson to Desmond Hall (associate editor of Astounding Stories). Dodson gives Astounding Stories constructive criticism, using examples of stories he likes to give advice.
Handwritten letter from Richard Dodson to Eric Rocker Eddison. Dodson talks about his excitement for upcoming stories and a recent story he enjoyed.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith discusses different sci-fi publications that he likes and dislikes. Smith then talks about writing plans that he is considering.
1935 Newspaper Article on E. E. "Doc" Smith. The article talks about his career in chemistry and his career of writing science fiction, giving short summaries of his stories.
Typewritten letter from F. Orlin Tremaine (editor of Astounding Stories) to Richard Dodson. Likely a response to Dodson's letter to Desmond Hall, associate editor of Astounding Stories, dated 1935-04-14
A review of "Mistress of Mistresses," written by E. R. Eddison. The end of the document has a chemical equation written on it.

1936
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith writes Dodson to tell him that his "Skylark" series is going to be published in book form. Smith also talks about his upcoming story "Galactic Patrol".
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about progress on his new story, Smith then talks about how he is beginning a new job and moving addresses.

1937
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about his progress on "Galactic Patrol", saying that it is now complete and set to be published. Smith then discusses modern sci-fi and what he likes and dislikes about some recent stories he's read.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about plans for Dodson and his new wife's upcoming visit.
Autographed photograph of E. E. "Doc" Smith

1939
Undated typewritten letter from Richard Dodson to Editor, Amazing Stories. Dodson suggests some changes in Amazing Stories; different editors, and screening for stories published.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith writes to Dodson who now has a doctorate, and congratulates him on his new job working on uranium fission. Smith then talks about his new story "Gray Lensman" and the progress of writing another story at the request of the editor of "Astounding". Smith also talks about his upcoming interview for a SF fan magazine.

1940
Typewritten letter from John W. Campbell to Richard Dodson. Campbell invites Dodson to contribute to the scientific technology sections of Astounding, saying that he needs better articles for that section.
Typewritten letter from Richard Dodson to John W. Campbell Jr. Dodson says he was currently too involved in research to consider writing a science fact article but perhaps he would in the future. He mentions his research, compliments Campbell on the quality of stories published in Amazing Science Fiction (ASF), and says he has been a long time fan of the magazine.

1945
Handwritten letter from Julius Unger to Richard Dodson on Fantasy Fiction Field paper. Unger was an early science fiction bookseller.

1946
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith discusses world politics and how things are going at his work.
Typewritten letter from Richard Dodson to Julius Unger (an early science fiction bookseller) Dodson requests a few copies of Astounding, and thanks Unger for forwarding a letter to Smith.
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about his new job after the war, Smith then talks about his last book in the "Lensman" series.
Handwritten postcard from Julius Unger to Richard Dodson. Unger was an early science fiction bookseller. Dodson requests a few copies of Astounding, and thanks Unger for forwarding a letter to Smith.

1949
Typewritten letter from E. E. "Doc" Smith to Richard Dodson. Smith talks about his upcoming stories and asks Dodson's advice on how he would handle writing about travelling faster than light.