Since 2011, PulpFest has hosted FarmerCon, a convention that began in Peoria, Illinois, the hometown of Philip José Farmer. Originally a gathering of Farmer fans figuratively, and literally, in Farmer’s back yard, FarmerCon offered presentations, dinners, and even picnics at the author’s house. After the passing of Phil and Bette Farmer in 2009, it was decided to take FarmerCon on the road to broaden its horizons. By holding the convention alongside events such as PulpFest, Farmer fans get a variety of programming and a room full of pulp and book dealers to enjoy. As always, PulpFest is very pleased to welcome its FarmerCon members to our joint conference.
We’re equally pleased that year after year, FarmerCon has asked to help with our programming. On Friday, July 28 at 7 PM, please join PulpFest as we turn our programming stage over to our FarmerCon XII members and “The Psychos of Philip José Farmer — The Nine.” Win Scott Eckert, who edited the anthology MYTHS FOR THE MODERN AGE: PHILIP JOSÉ FARMER’S WOLD NEWTON UNIVERSE and collaborated with Phil on THE EVIL IN PEMBERLEY HOUSE, the novel that introduced adventuress Patricia Wildman, will moderate the panel. Joining him will be Frank Schildiner — author of THE QUEST OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE TRIUMPH OF FRANKENSTEIN, and other works — and Dr. Art Sippo, author of SUN KOH: HEIR OF ATLANTIS and host of the ArtsReviews podcast.
As this year’s PulpFest will be focusing on the “hardboiled dicks, dangerous dames, and a few psychos” of the pulps, our FarmerCon friends have decided to turn their attention toward Philip José Farmer’s novels of the Nine: A FEAST UNKNOWN, LORD OF THE TREES, and THE MAD GOBLIN. Win Scott Eckert is currently working on the fourth book in the series — a Doc Caliban novel entitled THE MONSTER ON HOLD — which is based on a chapter and high-level outline written by Farmer and published in the program book of the 1983 World Fantasy Convention. The series recounts the ongoing battle of the ape-man, Lord Grandrith, and the man of bronze, Doc Caliban, against the Nine, a secret cabal of immortals bent on amassing power and manipulating the course of world events.
With both Art Sippo and Win Scott Eckert having contributed introductions or afterwords to the Titan Books editions of Philip José Farmer’s books, expect a thought provoking and in-depth look at the Nine and the two men who seek to defeat them. It’s all part of PulpFest 2017 and FarmerCon XII at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry, just north of Pennsylvania’s “Steel City” of Pittsburgh. To register for both conventions, please click the Register for 2017 button just below the PulpFest home page banner. To book a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton — our host hotel — click one of the Book a Room buttons likewise located on the PulpFest home page.
Start planning now to attend PulpFest 2017 and FarmerCon XII and join hundreds of pulp fiction and Philip José Farmer fans at the pop-culture center of the universe. You’ll have a maddening time, especially if you’re planning to stay at the DoubleTree! We look forward to seeing you from July 27 – 30.
(Philip José Farmer’s LORD OF THE TREES was originally released in 1970 by Ace Books as part of their double line of paperbacks. The other half the book featured THE MAD GOBLIN. Both sides of the book featured covers created by Gray Morrow, a comic book and paperback artist who also illustrated many science-fiction magazines. He was nominated for the Hugo Award for best professional artist in 1966, 1967, and 1968.)
