The July 1930 issue of "Astounding Stories of Super-Science" features a collection of short stories by various authors, brimming with the imaginative spirit of early science fiction. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
The Authors: This issue isn't attributed to a single author, offering diverse perspectives from writers like Capt. S.P. Meek, Arthur J. Burks, Tom Curry, Harl Vincent, Sewell Peaslee Wright, Charles W. Diffin, Murray Leinster, and Ray Cummings.
Story Previews: Get ready to be transported to fantastical worlds with titles like:
- "Beyond The Heaviside Layer": This story likely takes place in the upper atmosphere, encountering strange creatures or facing the unknown dangers of high altitude. The Heaviside Layer was a theorized barrier in the atmosphere at the time, adding to the mystery.
- "Earth, The Marauder" (Part 1 of 3): This serial promises an epic adventure, with Earth itself becoming a marauding planet on a quest for conquest!
- "From The Amber Block": This title hints at a suspenseful story involving a potentially dangerous or fascinating discovery trapped within amber.
- "The Terror Of Air Level Six": This story delves into the perils of high-altitude exploration, possibly encountering a destructive force or battling harsh conditions.
- "The Forgotten Planet": This title suggests a tale of uncovering the secrets of a lost world, perhaps with a moral message about the consequences of past actions.
- "The Power And The Glory": This story might explore the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement or the pursuit of fame versus genuine contribution.
- "Murder Madness" (Part 3 of 4): This is the penultimate chapter of a serialized story, likely involving a deadly disease or mental manipulation with a desperate search for a cure.
- "Jetta Of The Lowlands" (Conclusion): This is the final chapter of another serialized story, potentially a thrilling adventure set in a unique, low-lying world.
- "Vagabonds Of Space": This story title suggests an encounter with space drifters or outcasts, facing unknown dangers in the vastness of space.
Science Fiction Focus: Based on the titles, the stories likely explore classic pulp sci-fi themes like:
- Space Exploration: Expect tales of venturing beyond Earth, encountering bizarre creatures, and exploring the mysteries of the cosmos.
- Lost Worlds: Stories may involve discovering forgotten civilizations, uncovering the secrets of other planets, or facing the consequences of past actions.
- High-Altitude Adventures: Prepare for narratives set in the perilous upper atmosphere, encountering the unknown or battling the elements.
- Deadly Diseases and Cures: Some stories might feature desperate struggles against deadly contagions or the search for a cure.
- Advanced Technology and Ethics: The issue might explore the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the potential dangers of unchecked ambition.
Overall Tone
This July 1930 issue offers a diverse range of science fiction stories, promising adventure, suspense, and a sense of wonder. It highlights the imaginative spirit of early sci-fi and the boundless potential of scientific exploration.