Astounding Stories, February, 1931

Here's a breakdown of the exciting science fiction adventures you can expect to find in "Astounding Stories," February 1931:

The Stories and Previews:

• "Werewolves of War" (Parts 1-4) by D. W. Hall: This serialized story, spanning four parts, likely throws humanity into a desperate conflict against a new kind of enemy – werewolves used as war machines. Captain Derek Lance becomes a crucial figure in this fight for survival.
• "The Tentacles from Below" (A Complete Novelette) by Anthony Gilmore: This standalone novelette plunges Commander Keith Wells into a thrilling underwater adventure. He faces off against monstrous "Machine-Fish" in the depths of the ocean, using his wits and technology to survive.
• "The Black Lamp" by Captain S. P. Meek: Dr. Bird and his friend Carnes return in another scientific mystery. They likely face a criminal mastermind utilizing a mysterious "Black Lamp" for nefarious purposes.
• "Phalanxes of Atlans" (Part 1 of 2) by F. V. W. Mason: This serialized novel opens a chapter in the search for lost civilizations. Victor Nelson embarks on an expedition to the Arctic, where legends whisper of the lost city of Atlantis and its descendants.
• "The Pirate Planet" (Conclusion) by Charles Willard Diffin: This concluding chapter brings the spacefaring saga of "The Pirate Planet" to a close. The fate of Earth and its struggle against the Venusian "man-things" is likely decided here.
• "Readers' Corner" by All of Us: This section likely served as a space for reader interaction, featuring letters, discussions, and insights from the "Astounding Stories" community.

Science Fiction Focus: Based on the titles and information available, the February 1931 issue explores classic pulp sci-fi themes:

• Future Warfare and Monstrous Threats: "Werewolves of War" presents a terrifying scenario of werewolves used as weapons, showcasing the potential dangers of scientific advancements gone wrong in warfare.
• Underwater Exploration and Adventures: "The Tentacles from Below" throws a character into a thrilling underwater encounter with monstrous creatures, reflecting the mysteries and dangers lurking beneath the waves.
• Scientific Mysteries and Detection: "The Black Lamp" brings back Dr. Bird, a specialist in solving scientific crimes, suggesting a thrilling mystery involving a mysterious black lamp and its criminal use.
• Lost Civilizations and Expeditions: "Phalanxes of Atlans" opens a serialized story about the search for the lost city of Atlantis and its descendants in the Arctic, highlighting the allure of uncovering forgotten pasts.
• Spacefaring Adventures and Conflict: The concluding chapter of "The Pirate Planet" likely resolves the conflict between Earth and the Venusian "man-things," offering a thrilling conclusion to the space opera.
• Reader Engagement and Community: The "Readers' Corner" fosters a sense of community among fans of "Astounding Stories," allowing for discussion and interaction.

Overall Tone

The February 1931 issue promises a thrilling blend of adventure, suspense, and mystery. It reflects the imaginative spirit of early science fiction, showcasing the potential of science for both exploration and destruction, the search for lost civilizations, and the thrilling dangers lurking in the depths of space and the ocean.