Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930

The Stories:

• "The Wall of Death" by Victor Rousseau: This title hints at a dangerous invention or a force threatening humanity.
• "The Pirate Planet (Part 1 of 4)" by Charles Willard Diffin: This story kicks off a serialized space opera, likely involving adventure and conflict as characters explore Venus, a "Pirate Planet."
• "The Destroyer" by William Merriam Rouse: The details are scarce, but "The Destroyer" suggests a potential villain or a weapon of immense power.
• "The Gray Plague" by Lloyd Arthur Eshbach: This story introduces a frightening disease, the "Gray Plague," and the potential struggle against it.
• "Jetta of the Lowlands" (Part 3 of 3) by Ray Cummings: This concludes a serialized adventure, likely featuring a thrilling resolution for Jetta's story set in a unique, low-lying world.
• "Vagabonds of Space" by Harl Vincent: This title suggests a tale of space drifters or outcasts, facing the unknown dangers and challenges of the vast cosmos.

Science Fiction Focus: Based on the titles, the November 1930 issue explores classic pulp sci-fi themes:

• Interplanetary Adventures and Conflict: "The Pirate Planet" begins a serialized story set on Venus, a "Pirate Planet," suggesting space exploration, adventure, and potential conflict.
• Deadly Diseases and Plagues: "The Gray Plague" introduces a frightening disease, highlighting the fight for survival and a potential cure.
• Destructive Weapons and Technology: "The Destroyer" suggests a story with a powerful weapon or villain threatening humanity, showcasing the potential dangers of scientific advancements.
• Spacefaring Outcasts and Drifters: "Vagabonds of Space" introduces space drifters facing the unknown dangers of the cosmos, emphasizing themes of survival and exploration.
• Conclusion of a Serialized Adventure: "Jetta of the Lowlands" concludes Ray Cummings' story, offering a resolution to the heroine's adventure in a unique low-lying world.

Overall Tone

This November 1930 issue promises a thrilling blend of adventure, suspense, and potential threats. It reflects the imaginative spirit of early science fiction, showcasing humanity's ventures into space, the potential dangers of scientific advancements, and the fight against unseen threats.