Best wishes for success in your new endeavor. — F. C. Cowherd, Room 303, L. & N. Railroad, Louisville, Ky.
Attention, Joiners!
Dear Editor:
I have just finished one of the stories in your magazine, and could not resist the temptation to write and tell you how , much I enjoyed it. The stories are great and are just the thing to give one rest and recreation. At the same time they fire imagination and are not trashy love stories.
The main purpose of this letter is to revive an bid idea and see if I can put it through. I propose to organize a correspondence society for readers interested in science. We would use Astounding Stories as our official medium. Each member would receive a list of members' names and addresses, a quantity of official stationery for inter-correspondence, and a certificate of membership suitable for framing.
The object would be the discussion of scientific topics and the latest advances. I would suggest an annual fee of $2.50 to cover the cost of printing stationery, certificates, application forma, copy of the constitution, lists of members and official pins. All those interested in the formation of such a society are earnestly "requested to write me, giving suggestions as to a suitable name, etc. They will receive full information, and a sample of the certificate of membership and an application form.
I trust you will publish this letter at your earliest convenience.—M. R. Bercovitch, B. Sc., 4643 St. Urbain Street, Montreal, Canada.
Sound Criticism
Dear Editor:
You ask for readers to write you regarding types of, stories desired. Well, I am an electrical engineer and of course like my yarns to have a touch of science in them. Also I like my authors to make an original contribution to whatever theory of science they develop fictionally. This Ray Cummings doesn't do in his very interesting story, "Phantoms of Reality," His beginning is palpably borrowed from Francis Flagg's story, "The Blue Dimension," which appeared in a Science Fiction magazine in 1927. Flagg developed the theory of vibrations, revibration, etc., and contributed something new to speculative science. Cummings merely seizes this point and dives into a series of improbable adventures.
Now I am not quarrelling with their improbability; I like my stories improbable, but am asking for something more original than the old rehash of kings and queens, intrigues, and returning princes, etc. Again, Cummings seems to lack enough scientific acumen to make his other world different than this. Even a superficial thinker will readily see that the terrain of the other world would not faithfully follow our own in Its salient features. However, forgive me for knocking—the story wasn't so bad, and Cummings doubtless can do better than this—or has.
"The Beetle Horde"—so far—is a gem, and holds the interest. Furthermore, its science is splendid. I am looking forward to its conclusion. "The Cave of Horror" is a damn good yarn, well written, interest sustained; but I didn't care for "The Stolen Mind." The truth is that that particular story didn't hang together very well. It left one up in the air, as it were, and far from satisfied me. Too, the science involved, to say the least of it, was not very sound or plausibly put In reading the story I felt that the author was one who should be encouraged to write more —nothing wrong with his imagination or ability to fling words—but that he should be gently coerced into writing with better continuity and intelligence. "Compensation" didn't click—too loose—not compact enough. Splendid idea ruined by hasty writing. Another author needing a gentle hint But "Tanks" was another sure-fire hit with me. Held me to last word. The story sounded real.
So far the stories in your first issue. You see, on the whole, I liked all of them. Still, I also like variety. Can't you give us some of the Francis Flagg type of fiction? H. Hyatt Verril is another of my favorites, also Dr. Keller and Clara Harris. I have read mighty good tales by those authors. I believe that you could do worse than to run an occasional H. G. Wells story, and if you gave us "The First Men in the Moon" serially, I for one would be delighted. I have tried in vain to get that story and never have. Well, I guess I have said enough. Best wishes for the New Year. May Astounding Stories grow and prosper—and its Editor.—C. Harry Jaeger, 2900 Jordan Road, Oakland, California.
Likes Interplanetary Stories
Dear Editor:
Having read the first issue of Astounding Stories, I am about to pronounce a sentence on it It is guilty of being "Astounding" to the Nth degree!
I enjoyed all of the stories immensely and will be anxiously awaiting the neat issue. Now as for some suggestions which I think would improve the magazine.
I.Try and have an interplanetary story in each issue.
II.Publish a number of interesting letters concerning Astounding Stories in each issue.
III.Have several illustrations in long stories.
I think this would improve the magazine, although it is perfect just the way it is. Hoping Astounding Stories has a long and successful life!—Forrest Ackerraan, 530 Staples Avenue, San Francisco, Cal.
Watch the Coming Issues, Miss Miller!
Dear Editor:
Saw your new magazine at a newsstand and bought it at once. I like the following
