BEVERLY HILLS, CA.- Heritage Auctions has announced that it will hold a special catalog auction this Sept. 12, 2011, in Beverly Hills, from the estate of pioneering collector, publisher, historian, and scholar Jerry Weist, who passed away on Jan. 7 of this year.

The science-fiction and fantasy themed artwork, rare first-edition books, movie posters, fanzines, pulp magazines, comic books, and a great many rare personal items – which Weist lovingly collected over more than 40 years with a keen eye, deep passion and dedication – represents one of the most important offerings of its kind ever at public auction.

Included are masterpieces by Frank Frazetta, J. Allen St. John, Frank R. Paul, Wally Wood, Virgil Finlay, Alex Schomburg, Chesley Bonestell, Richard Powers, Frank Kelly Freas, and many more of the most important paintings by the top artists ever to work in the field.

The massive book selection is also incredibly deep: first editions, rarities, and inscribed copies by every major author, including H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, Robert A. Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K Dick, and complete runs from nearly every publisher – all in absolutely stunning high-grade condition.

“Over the course of the decades that he was an active collector, Weist had been in close contact with artists, writers and their estates as well as every major collector and important figure in the field, including Forrest J. Ackerman and Sam Moskowitz,” said Todd Hignite, Consignment Director for Illustration and Comic Art at Heritage, “and he was always upgrading and seeking out rarer items. As a result, virtually every desirable science-fiction title from the 20th century is represented by an incredible copy.”

This selection of art and books is rounded out by high-grade pulp magazines, comic books, 1950s science-fiction movie posters, extremely early fanzines, and many unique items that only Weist could have uncovered.

“Jerry was just an incredible collector,” said Hignite. “He constantly sought out the best examples in terms of quality, importance, and personal resonance, based on his encyclopedic knowledge and boundless enthusiasm for the history of so many areas of popular culture. His passion was all-encompassing and he wanted the examples that collectors dream about, so not only are the books in virtually flawless condition, a huge percentage have one-of-a-kind inscriptions, drawings, and signatures.”

“We are extremely honored to be entrusted with such an amazing collection,” said Jim Halperin, Co-Chairman of Heritage. “This is a hugely important event for us, not only because of the quality and importance of offerings contained, but also as an opportunity to pay tribute to a great and beloved figure in the field, and, I might add, a wonderful friend.”

The auction will be held at Heritage’s Beverly Hills offices on Sept. 12, in conjunction with the company’s Rare Books auction, Sept. 13-14.