Category: Vintage Magazine

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Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine December 1958 Cover by EMSH

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Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine December 1958 Algis Budrys, Isaac Asimov

EMSH cover

Please utilize the pictures to determine the exact condition of the item. 

Very Good condition.

Square, nice spine. Bright, colorful front cover. Clean, no writing or staining. Slight edge chipping, tiny edge tears, see close-up pictures. Page tanning. Overall a very nice collectible shipped bagged and boarded.

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 The May 1958 issue of Imaginative Tales offers a captivating blend of speculative fiction, featuring stories that transport readers to otherworldly realms. Here’s a glimpse into the contents of this imaginative magazine:

  1. “The Eye and the Lightning” by Algis Budrys:
    • A novelette that promises intrigue and mystery.
    • Budrys weaves a tale where science and the unknown collide, leaving readers questioning reality.
  2. “Catching Up with Newton” by Isaac Asimov:
    • An essay from Asimov’s Essays: F&SF series.
    • Asimov, the prolific science fiction writer, delves into the life and legacy of the iconic physicist Sir Isaac Newton.
  3. “The Pink Caterpillar” by Anthony Boucher:
    • A short story that blends fantasy and whimsy.
    • Boucher’s narrative introduces readers to a peculiar caterpillar with unexpected powers.
  4. “Timequake” by Miriam Allen deFord:
    • A short story exploring temporal anomalies.
    • DeFord takes us on a journey where time itself becomes unruly and unpredictable.
  5. “Little Old Miss Macbeth” by Fritz Leiber:
    • A tale that combines humor and the supernatural.
    • Leiber’s quirky characters navigate a world where magic and mischief intersect.
  6. “Honeysuckle Cottage” by P. G. Wodehouse:
    • A delightful novelette featuring Mr. Mulliner.
    • Wodehouse’s signature wit shines as he transports readers to a charming English countryside cottage.
  7. “Wish Upon a Star” by Judith Merril:
    • A short story that invites readers to ponder wishes and their consequences.
    • Merril explores the complexities of desire against a cosmic backdrop.
  8. “Dream Girl” by Ron Goulart:
    • A whimsical short story set in the realm of dreams.
    • Goulart’s protagonist encounters a mysterious dream girl who defies reality.
  9. “Somebody’s Clothes – Somebody’s Life” by Cornell Woolrich:
    • A mysterious and evocative short story.
    • Woolrich weaves a web of intrigue around a seemingly ordinary garment.
  10. “Far from Home” by Walter Tevis:
    • A poignant short story that explores themes of distance and longing.
    • Tevis captures the ache of being far away from familiar places and faces.

Additionally, the issue includes recommended reading and reviews by Anthony Boucher, providing literary guidance for curious readers123.

So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in tales of wonder, grab a copy of this issue and let your imagination soar! 📚✨

COVER BY EMSH:

  • Emshwiller’s illustrations graced the covers and interiors of numerous science fiction paperbacks and magazines. Notably, he contributed to publications like Galaxy Science Fiction and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction.
  • His diverse techniques defied a typical style, making each Emsh cover a unique visual experience.
  • Ed Emshwiller left an enduring legacy, bridging the worlds of imagination and technology. His illustrations continue to inspire generations of science fiction enthusiasts, while his films remain a testament to his visionary creativity. 🎨🚀

So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey through fantastical realms and scientific wonders, this issue awaits your exploration! 📚✨

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Fantastic Universe Science Fiction Magazine October 1956 

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Fantastic Universe Science Fiction Magazine October 1956  Clarke, Bloch,  Asimov.

All-Star issue: Arthur C. Clark, Robert Bloch, Isaac Asimov, William Tenn, Henry Slesar, Jack Vance.

Please utilize the pictures to determine the exact condition of the item. 

Good condition. Bright, colorful front cover with excellent gloss. Clean, no writing or staining. Various small issues, please see all the closeups. Tight binding, no loose pages.

Shipped Bagged and boarded.

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The October 1956 issue of Fantastic Universe features an intriguing lineup of speculative fiction. Here are some of the captivating stories you’ll find within its pages:

  1. “The Pacifist” by Arthur C. Clarke: A short story from the Tales from the White Hart series.
  2. “A Way of Life” by Robert Bloch: A novelette that promises adventure and mystery.
  3. “First Law” by Isaac Asimov: Part of Asimov’s robot stories, this short tale delves into the intricacies of artificial intelligence12.

If you’re a fan of science fiction and imaginative storytelling, this issue is sure to transport you to fantastic realms and thought-provoking scenarios. Happy reading! 📚✨

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Fantastic Science Fiction Magazine June 1960

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VG + condition. Hard to find too much wrong with this one. Beautiful cover ink and gloss. Sharp corners and edges. I can’t find any cover creases. A very little bit of spine wear at bottom, see pictures. Nice spine. Staples just beginning to show a little. Pages are tanned, see pictures. Excellent collectible.

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 Let’s explore the contents of the Fantastic Science Fiction Stories magazine from June 1960:

Fantastic Science Fiction Stories – June 1960

  1. Editorial (Fantastic, June 1960)
    • An essay by Norman M. Lobsenz, providing insights and reflections.
  2. Novelette: The Mirror
    • Written by Alan E. Nourse, this novelette explores a world where a mysterious mirror holds secrets beyond imagination.
  3. Short Story: Side Effect
    • A tale by Joseph D. Laven, delving into the consequences of a scientific experiment gone awry.
  4. Essay: Olaf Stapledon: Cosmic Philosopher
    • Part of the Studies in Science Fiction series by Sam Moskowitz, discussing the life and work of the influential science fiction writer Olaf Stapledon.
  5. Short Story: The Fiftieth Year of April
    • Written by Arthur Porges, this story takes readers on a journey through time and memory.
  6. Essay: Coming Next Month (Fantastic, June 1960)
    • A preview of what readers can expect in the next issue.
  7. Short Story: Drive Out of Mind
    • A narrative by Dan Morgan, exploring the boundaries of consciousness and reality.
  8. Short Story: David’s Daddy
    • Written by Rosel George Brown, this tale delves into family dynamics and unexpected connections.
  9. Novelette: No End of Time
    • Written by Phyllis Gotlieb, this novelette takes readers to a distant future where time itself is a commodity.
  10. Cartoon: “When you grow up, I suggest you become an eye doctor.”
    • An illustrated humorous piece by Frosty.

And so, dear reader, within these pages lie the musings of alternate worlds, scientific wonders, and the mysteries that unfold through fiction. 🌌📖

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Galaxy Science Fiction May 1956 Frederick Pohl “SLAVE SHIP”

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 Let’s explore the contents of the Galaxy Science Fiction magazine from May 1956:

Galaxy Science Fiction – May 1956

  1. Editor’s Page: Of Two Minds
    • An essay by H. L. Gold, providing insights and reflections.
  2. Novelette: Volpla
    • Written by Wyman Guin, this novelette takes readers to a world where alien creatures called Volplas challenge human understanding.
  3. Short Story: Name Your Symptom
    • A tale by Jim Harmon, exploring the power of language and its impact on reality.
  4. Science Department – For Your Information: Wanted — Dead or Alive
    • An essay by Willy Ley, discussing the mysteries of space and the search for extraterrestrial life.
  5. Novelette: A Coffin for Jacob
    • Written by Edward W. Ludwig, this story delves into the enigma of a coffin and its secrets.
  6. Short Story: One Across
    • A narrative by Arthur Sellings, unraveling the mysteries of a crossword puzzle.
  7. Galaxy’s 5 Star Shelf (Galaxy, May 1956)
    • An essay by Floyd C. Gale, reviewing notable books and literary works.
  8. Book-Length Serial – Conclusion: Slave Ship…
    • The final installment of a serial by Frederik Pohl, taking readers on a gripping journey through space and intrigue.

 Let’s delve into the intriguing world of Frederik Pohl’s science fiction short story titled “Slave Ship”:

“Slave Ship”

  • Author: Frederik Pohl
  • Publication Date: Serialized in Galaxy Science Fiction in 1956
  • Setting:
    • The scene is a world in the throes of a low-intensity global war, which appears to be an amplified representation of the Vietnam War, in which the U.S. was just beginning to be involved.
    • The plot involves telepathy, speaking to animals, and, in the last few pages, an invasion by extraterrestrials.
  • Nominal Adversaries:
    • Known as “cow-dyes”, a corruption of Caodai, a religion of Vietnamese origin.
  • American Side:
    • Telepaths, who are used in espionage and other covert activities, are falling victim to “the glotch”, a fatal affliction believed to be a Caodai bio-weapon transmitted telepathically.

Reception

  • Galaxy reviewer Floyd C. Gale praised the novel as “an authentically convincing picture of a wartime navy” and “a think-tank tickler.”
  • Anthony Boucher reported that while the novel was “fascinating,” it was also “disappointing.” Pohl’s skill in detailed indirect exposition was Heinleinesque, but the novel was episodic, weakly characterized, and arbitrarily resolved.

And so, dear reader, within these pages lies a tale of war, telepathy, and the clash of ideologies. 🌌📖

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GALAXY SCIENCE FICTION magazine Philip K. Dick – AUTOFAC 1955 

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Let’s explore the contents of the Galaxy Science Fiction magazine from November 1955:

  1. Two-Part Serial – Installment 1: The Ties of Earth
    • Written by James H. Schmitz, this serial takes readers on a journey through interstellar intrigue and the bonds that connect humanity to distant worlds.
  2. With Redfern on Capella XII
    • A novelette by Charles Satterfield, this story unfolds on the enigmatic planet Capella XII, where secrets and discoveries await.
  3. Novelets:
    • Autofac by Philip K. Dick: A tale that delves into automated factories, consumerism, and the blurred line between human and machine.
    • The Semantic War by Bill Clothier: A short story that explores the power of language and its impact on society.
    • Cause of Death by Max Tadlock: A mysterious narrative centered around life and death.
  4. Short Stories:
    • Warrior’s Return by Robert Sheckley: A glimpse into the aftermath of interstellar conflict and the resilience of those who return.
  5. Science Department – For Your Information:
    • An essay by Willy Ley, providing insights into scientific wonders and curiosities.
  6. Features:
    • Editor’s Page by H. L. Gold: Musings and reflections from the editor.
    • Galaxy’s Five Star Shelf by Floyd C. Gale: Reviews and recommendations for science fiction enthusiasts.
  7. Forecast:
    • A glimpse into the future, as seen through the lens of science fiction.

“Autofac”

  • Author: Philip K. Dick
  • Publication Date: November 1955
  • Original Source: Galaxy Science Fiction magazine

Plot Summary

In this dystopian tale, three men wait outside their settlement for an automated delivery truck. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a network of hardened automatic factories, known as “autofacs,” had been established during the Total Global Conflict. These autofacs operate with cybernetic controls that determine what food and consumer goods to manufacture and deliver.

However, human input has been lost, and the men plan to disrupt the system to establish communication and take control. They destroy the delivery, but the truck radios the autofac and unloads an identical replacement. The autofac prevents them from reloading items and even provides a complaints checklist.

Their next strategy involves setting neighboring autofacs in competition with each other for rare resources, creating military conflict between them. Despite their efforts, they discover that the factory is self-replicating, sending out “metal seeds” configured to make miniature autofacs.

Adaptations

  • The story was adapted by Travis Beacham for an episode of the 2017 TV series, Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams, with the same name as the short story.

Legacy

  • “Autofac” is one of the earliest treatments of self-replicating machines in science fiction.
  • It explores themes of automation, consumerism, and the consequences of relying on technology without human oversight.

And so, dear reader, within these pages lies a cautionary tale—a glimpse into a future where automated systems may outlive their creators. 🌌🤖

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Galaxy Science Fiction THE STARS MY DESTINATION – Alfred Bester

Galaxy Science Fiction October 1956 The Stars My Destination - Alfred Bester - Picture 1 of 12

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 Let’s explore the intriguing contents of the Galaxy Science Fiction magazine from October 1956:

Galaxy Science Fiction: October 1956

All Original Stories

  1. Book-Length Serial – Installment 1: The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
    • A sprawling saga that unfolds across the cosmos, where revenge and transformation collide.
  2. Novelet: Jackpot by Clifford D. Simak
    • A tale of unexpected fortune, where luck and consequences intertwine.
  3. Short Stories:
    • Man of Distinction by Michael Shaara
      • A character study of an enigmatic figure with secrets to unravel.
    • Problem George by Alan E. Nourse
      • A glimpse into the life of a man plagued by peculiar challenges.
    • All the Way by Richard Wilson
      • A journey with no turning back, where choices lead to irrevocable paths.

Science Department

  • For Your Information by Willy Ley
    • A glimpse into scientific wonders and curiosities.

Features

  • Editor’s Page by H. L. Gold
    • Insights and musings from the editor.
  • Galaxy’s Five Star Shelf
    • Reviews and recommendations by literary connoisseurs.

Illustrating: The Stars My Destination

The cover art by EMSH captures the essence of The Stars My Destination, promising adventure, intrigue, and cosmic revelations.

And so, dear reader, within these pages lie tales that defy time, space, and imagination. What other wonders await? Only the turn of a page will reveal the answers.

The End.

I hope you enjoyed this journey through the speculative realms of 1956. 🚀📖

The Starbound Odyssey

Part I: The Forgotten Beacon

In the distant reaches of the cosmos, where constellations whispered secrets, stood the Starbound Lighthouse. Its ancient spire pierced the void, its light a beacon for lost souls. But this was no ordinary lighthouse—it spanned galaxies, its purpose veiled in cosmic mystery.

Captain Elara Vance piloted the starship Aurora Dawn. Her crew—Navigator Renn, Engineer Kael, and Communications Officer Zara—were bound by more than duty. They carried the weight of forgotten memories, fragments of a past erased by cosmic storms.

Part II: The Celestial Melody

As the Aurora Dawn approached the lighthouse, its light pulsed—a celestial melody that resonated within their souls. Elara remembered her grandmother’s tales—the lighthouse as a bridge between worlds, a guide for wanderers seeking redemption.

“The light reveals,” her grandmother had said, “but it also consumes.”

Part III: The Lost Navigator

Renn, haunted by star maps etched in his mind, deciphered the lighthouse’s code. It spoke of a lost navigator—a cosmic cartographer who vanished eons ago. His final entry: “The stars my destination.”

Part IV: The Cosmic Nexus

As the Aurora Dawn entered the lighthouse’s halo, reality wavered. They stepped onto a crystalline platform—the Nexus—a crossroads of time and space. Here, the forgotten navigator awaited.

“Elara,” he whispered, his eyes galaxies. “You carry the map. The stars—they sing. Follow their melody.”

Epilogue: The Infinite Journey

Elara touched the star map etched on her wrist. The lighthouse’s light surged, and the crew dissolved into stardust. They became constellations, their ship a comet trailing across the cosmic canvas.

And so, they embarked—an infinite odyssey. The stars their destination, the lighthouse their guide. They danced with nebulae, whispered to quasars, and charted the celestial symphony.

“Remember,” the forgotten navigator’s voice echoed, “the light reveals, but it also consumes.”

And Elara knew—their journey was both salvation and sacrifice.

And there, dear reader, ends the tale of the Starbound Odyssey, where cosmic mysteries beckon and destinies intertwine among the stars. 🌌✨

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GALAXY SCIENCE FICTION magazine January 1956 Christmas Cover Vol. 11, No. 3

Galaxy Science Fiction: January 1956

Very Good condition. Bright white covers and spine. Clean, no writing. Pages are supple. Very slight wear to top spine edge, see closeup, staples starting to show on covers. Slight page loss to front cover under the “x” in Galaxy, see closeup. Sharp corners and edges.

Shipped bagged and boarded as shown in last picture.

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All Original Stories, No Reprints

  1. Brightside Crossing by Alan E. Nourse
    • A journey across the boundaries of space and time, where the unexpected awaits.
  2. The Gravity Business by James E. Gunn
    • A tale of cosmic commerce, where gravity is both currency and commodity.
  3. The Dwindling Years by Lester del Rey
    • A glimpse into a future where time unravels, leaving humanity with dwindling moments.
  4. Junior by Robert Abernathy
    • A story that defies age and explores the essence of being.
  5. The Body by Robert Sheckley
    • A mysterious encounter with an otherworldly form.
  6. The Snare by Richard R. Smith
    • A web of intrigue, where choices lead to unexpected consequences.

Science Department

  • For Your Information by Willy Ley
    • A glimpse into scientific wonders and curiosities.
  • Two-Part Serial – Conclusion: The Ties of Earth by James H. Schmitz
    • A thrilling conclusion to an interstellar saga.

Features

  • Editor’s Page by H. L. Gold
    • Insights and musings from the editor.
  • Forecast by Floyd C. Gale
    • A glimpse into the literary weather of the science fiction world.

Galaxy’s Five-Star Shelf

  • Reviews and recommendations by literary connoisseurs.

Offering Season’s Greetings

To our readers, we extend warm wishes for the season.

And so, dear reader, within the pages of this vintage magazine lie tales that defy time and space. What other wonders await? Only the turn of a page will reveal the answers.

The End.

I hope you enjoyed this journey through the speculative realms of 1956. 🚀📖




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Fantastic Universe Science Fiction Magazine September 1957 Volume 8 No. 3

  • Conan the Victorious by Bjorn Nybergand L. Sprague deCamp (Early Conan novella comprising part of the later book The Return of Conan)
  • The Helpful Robots by Robert J. Shea
  • I Like Martian Music by Charles E. Fritch
  • Shapes in the Sky by Civilian Saucer Intelligence (UFO news, sightings article)
    • Stopover by William Gerken
    • The Unrare Earths by Isaac Asimov (Asimov Non-Fiction)
    • The Shining Cow by Alex James
    • It’s a Small Solar System by Allan Howard
    • Happy Ending by Mack Reynolds and Fredric Brown
    • Second Sight by Basil Wells
Fantastic Universe September 1957
Fantastic Universe September 1957
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Fantastic Universe Science Fiction Magazine July 1957 Volume 8 No. 1

CONTENTS:

  • The Seal of the Damned by August Derleth (A short Cthulhu Mythos story which was later called “The Seal of R’lyeh”)
  • The Native Soil by Alan E. Nourse (A novella which was later published as a stand alone book)
  • The Machine by Robert Sheckley
  • A Candle for Katie by Lila Borison
  • Shapes in the Sky by Civilian Saucer Intelligence
  • Book of Goots by John Healy
  • Backward Turn Backward…. by Dorothy J. Edgerly
  • Landing for Midge by Lee Coney
  • Voyage Beyond the Night by John Victor Peterson
  • Song of Death by C. Bird (An early work of Harlan Ellison)
  • The Fuzzies by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach Fiddleron
  • Titan by Manly Wade Wellman

Alan E. Nourse was an American science fiction writer who was active from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. His novella The Native Soil, briefly works a medical concept into a story of interplanetary exploration of Venus. It was originally published in the July 1957 issue of Fantastic Universe magazine.

“After much speculation as to what sort of world might exist beneath the thick clouds of Venus, the first Earth expedition to reach the planet discovers that its terrain rather disappointingly consists almost entirely of gooey mud. Nevertheless, a pharmaceutical company finds a valuable resource buried within the mud and sets about trying to extract it.”

Fantastic Universe July 1957 Volume 8 No. 1
Fantastic Universe July 1957 Volume 8 No. 1

Also included in this issue is a story written by Harlon Ellison (writing as C. Bird) “Song of Death”

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