Beyond (UK)

Beyond was a science fiction fanzine published by Charles Platt in the UK.

Arriving in the early 1960's, Beyond was one of the fanzines that was proclaimed by Jim Linwood, in his January 1964 fanzine review column in Les Spinge, to represent the "New Wave" of science fiction fans in the UK. The fanzine started out life in November 1963 named Point of View, but by issue three, in 1964, it has become Beyond.

Contributions of articles included Beryl Henley (Link, OZ) on reincarnation, Christopher Priest wrote reviews, Richard Mayall writing on E.A. Poe, and Peter White writing on J.G. Ballard.

Contributors of fiction included Terence Bishop, and Allan Milne.

Issue 1 was reviewed by Skyrack #59 of November, 1963, when the fanzine was still called Point of View: "...Point of View deplores the fact that many fanzines are too esoteric to be understood by the outsider or the newcomer. (The obvious answer seems to be to make the attempt to progress away from being an outsider.) Point of View, by inviting contributions of a naturally subjective nature, could well fill the gap left by the suspension of Esprit."

The 3rd issue was reviewed in Skyrack #62 of January 1964, which said, "A neat ½ flscp zine, successor to Point of View. 36 pages for 9d. In the main the issue is made up of amateur fiction, about which Mr Platt makes a strong point in his editorial, particularly so as this particular fan fiction actually seems to be readable, extremely so in fact. Reviews and letters make up the issue which should definitely be tried.

The 4th issue featured the "BSFA Survey", listing the problems with the British Science Fiction Association.

The 5th issue was also reviewed in Skyrack #67 of May 1964, mentioning, "New wave fanzine number two and kicking off with a four page Petercon report. Most of the issue is devoted to fiction but Peter White contributes a good article on J.G.Ballard and the editor writes a good book review article. Editor Platt seems to have modified his approach to fandom somewhat with promising results."

The 6th issue contained an article by Archie Mercer (Vector) outlining the position of established fans and an opposing view from Beryl Henley with the views of new fans. Ironically they would soon marry.

Interviews with Ted Carnell (Novae Terrae) and Michael Moorcock (A Fanzine Called Eustace, Vector) were also featured.

The eighth issue, appearing in April 1965, was the last.

Beyond was one of the top five fanzines in the Skyrack Readers Poll of Best British Fan Publications for 1964, and Charles Platt was voted one of the top British Fan Writers for the same year.

Charles Platt also published Garbistan and Insomnia, and later published The Patchin Review, as well as editing New Worlds in the 1970s. The author of several books, he more recently wrote a regular column for Wired Magazine.