The August 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 the adventures that await:
The Authors: This issue features a lineup of established and perhaps up-and-coming sci-fi writers, including R.F. Starzl, Victor Rousseau, Edmond Hamilton, Harl Vincent, Sarka [likely a pseudonym], Murray Leinster, and H. Thompson Rich.
Story Previews: Get ready to be transported to fantastical settings with titles like:
- "The Planet of Dread" by R.F. Starzl: This story likely throws a hapless astronaut, Mark Forepaugh, into a desperate situation on a monster-infested planet called Inra.
- "The Lord of Space" by Victor Rousseau: This title suggests a power struggle on the asteroid Eros, with a potential villain threatening Earth.
- "The Second Satellite" (Novelet) by Edmond Hamilton: This longer story might involve a conflict between Earthlings and monstrous frog-like creatures on a colonized moon, with human slaves involved.
- "Silver Dome" by Harl Vincent: This story takes place in a hidden underground kingdom called Theros, ruled by Queen Phaestra. The "Silver Dome" likely holds a secret of great importance.
- "Earth, The Marauder" (Part Two of Three) by Sarka [likely a pseudonym]: This serialized story continues the epic tale of Earth itself becoming a weapon of war, with the second part focusing on the struggle against moon gnomes.
- "Murder Madness" (Conclusion) by Murray Leinster: This final chapter likely resolves the terrifying situation of a deadly poison turning people's hands into murderous snakes.
- "The Flying City" by H. Thompson Rich: This story introduces a strange, disc-shaped city called Vada, traveling from space with a desperate crew of dwarves seeking resources on Earth.
Science Fiction Focus: Based on the titles, the stories likely explore classic pulp sci-fi themes like:
- Space Exploration and Peril: Expect tales of venturing beyond Earth, encountering monstrous creatures, and facing the challenges of unfamiliar planets or moons.
- Interplanetary Conflict: Stories might involve power struggles between spacefaring civilizations, Earth defending itself from alien threats, or the consequences of colonizing celestial bodies.
- Lost Kingdoms and Hidden Wonders: Prepare for narratives set in underground civilizations, exploring forgotten secrets, or encountering powerful rulers with advanced technology.
- Dangerous Inventions and Mutations: Some stories might feature deadly consequences of scientific advancements, mind-altering poisons, or the perils of encountering monstrous lifeforms in space.
Overall Tone
This August 1930 issue offers a thrilling mix of adventure, suspense, and a sense of wonder. It highlights the imaginative spirit of early sci-fi and explores the potential dangers and triumphs of venturing beyond our planet.