The George Allen Collection of Science Fiction was assembled by George J. Allen, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Connecticut. The collection is comprised of paperback science fiction books published from 1952 through the 1980s, the bulk published by Ace Books, and including several first editions issued by authors early in their careers. The affordably-priced "Ace Double" format was successful for Ace Books. Works by established authors were bound with those by lesser-known writers for the purpose of introducing readers to new writers and new work.