Proud and Lonely is a new history of science fiction and its fans in Australia by historian Dr Leigh Edmonds. It tells the story of its arrival in Australia in the 1920s, and the start here of a sub-culture of fans of the genre.

Science fiction was seen as a low form of literature and didn't get public acceptance until at least the 1970s. Because of the frequent ridicule, fans of the genre kept quiet about their interest in public. But in private they sought out other fans, locally and overseas. They corresponded, started clubs and published amateur magazines about the genre.

They created a fascinating sub-culture that was a microcosmos of Australian life from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Leigh Edmonds' history makes a significant contribution to the study of the field. It will also be of value to people interested in cultural and literary studies.'

Proud and Lonely is the first of a two-part history exploring how science fiction fandom developed in Australia, from its beginnings in the 1930s to the first World Science Fiction Convention held in Australia, in 1975.

Part one deals with the early period up to 1961, when government regulations prevented most science fiction from being imported into Australia, and the seeds were sown of a gathering energy that would raise Australia's profile in the global science fiction community.