A Friendly Letter From An English Correspondent. There Should Be No Trouble In Getting Copies of Amazing Stories in England.
Editor, Amazing Stories:
I have been intending to write you for quite a while, but I have kept postponing the date from time to time. I have now finally plucked up sufficient courage to express my opinion upon your magazine. Amazing Stories is not as a few narrow-minded cranks call it "utter nonsense" and "impossible jargon," etc., that is only what they think about it. I wonder what kind of literature they themselves prefer?
From some of the letters which I have read from these people they must prefer "fairy stories."
I myself, think that it is the best book of its kind on the market.
Even although I am only sixteen, I pride myself on the fact that I have a better judgment on science books than many people many years my senior. As regards the book itself. I think it would be better reverted to its former large edition as it would give more space for more of Morey's drawings. Owing to consecutive copies being hard to obtain in England, I think it would be better to cut out serial stories, and short ones substituted.
If this letter is published in "Discussions" I have a request to make for an American correspondent of my own age interested in science.
Every success to your magazine.
(You should have no difficulty in procuring our Magazine regularly. We have an agent in London whose address you will find at the foot of the contents page. You will, we are sure, obtain an American correspondent. Many correspondents have been obtained by our readers through the "Discussions."—Editor.)
This Is the Kind of Letter An Editor, Who Is
Trying To Please As Many Readers As
Possible Likes To Receive.
Editor, Amazing Stories:
Just another letter from an old fan. About two years ago, I was one of those ardent devourers of any and all science fiction. Then, for various reasons, mostly lack of funds, I stopped. Yesterday, I noticed the old, familiar title in a bookstore window, and succumbed. I paid the necessary two bits, and three tax tokens (blast 'em!) and settled down to a good time.
The first thing I read was the editorial. Swell. Nice bits of science. Then "Beyond the Stratosphere" by Lemkin. I'll buy the next issue just to finish that. I also liked the story, "When the Meteor Struck." That kind always makes me think, and when a story does that to me, that’s something! But the greatest surprise to my mind was—but it needs a new paragraph—
The advertisements!!! Boy, here's to you! At last those blooming sex ads are eliminated. You don't know how surprised nor how glad I was to see that. And after all those excuses about how an editor had to take what was given to him. Again I say, hip, hip, hurrah! for old A. S.
Your adding that section on books is a darn good idea. Another feather for your cap, Mr. Editor.
Well, in conclusion, open up your arms, A.S. and welcome back an old friend who'll stick with you now as long as you are on the market.
(We thank you sincerely for your appreciation of Amazing Stories. It is about the only real science fiction magazine on the market. We can assure you that such letters as yours mean a great deal to our staff, who go to much trouble to please a good proportion of their clientele. We are sure that you are a reader of "Discussions." You will realize that the second syllable of that word expresses the nature of some of the letters we receive. We thank you for what you have written.—Editor.)
A Nice Letter of Criticism From An English Reader. We May Be Able To Supply You With Back Issues. There Are Dealers In Such In This City and Elsewhere.
Editor, Amazing Stories:
Although I've been reading science-fiction for about three years, since I was 12 years old, this is the first time I've written to any magazine. In the first place, let me compliment U.S.A. on being so far ahead of us in science-fiction. The only S.-F. (British) we get over here are the books of Wells.
However, I have some brickbats which I hope you'll take reasonably. First, how do you think Morey's weakly-colored covers can compare with the lurid, attractive covers of your competitor? Secondly, you're inside illustrations are monotonous. Why
