Famous Fantastic Mysteries/Volume 12/Number 3/The Readers' Viewpoint
THE READERS'
VIEWPOINT
ABOUT OCTOBER ISSUE
Dear Editor:
Ah, at last! "The Woman Who Couldn't Die" is even better at this third reading than when I read it first a few years ago. It is too bad that Mr. Stringer wrote no more fantasies, as he certainly shows a remarkable flair for unusual people, places and events in this novel. That "Preface in Hordoland" sets the predominant mood of the novel, which carries through to a tremendous climax.
"The Weigher of Souls," even more than "The War with the Moon" or "The Thought-Reading Machine," proves André Maurois' adeptness at fantasy. At first I thought that "The Weigher of Souls" would he merely another story of a sadly frequent type, like Stilson's "Liberty or Death?" which you republished in F.N.; however, as the story progressed, it took on a quality of delicate weirdness (that's the only expression 1 can think of to express the idea) that had a strange effect on me. I'm glad that Maurois ended the story on a note of appropriate tragedy to complement the general mood of the narrative.
Peter Cartur's short-short was one of those minor gems that one finds every once in a while— a complete and coherent plot expressed simply, yet with sufficient impact to make its impression a more than fleeting one. The derivation of the title is a bit obscure, but it fits the idea of the story perfectly. "Not sun by day, nor moon by night."
De Soto, yet? Where are Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler? The fiery claw in the corner of the cover is very good— no facetiousness intended— but the rest of the painting is not only inaccurate but poorly done. Where, oh where, is Lawrence? It's about time for another masterpiece like the covers for "Ship of Ishtar," "Valley of Silent Men" or "Morning Star." We fen have almost ceased to hope for a Finlay cover to equal the ones for "The Star Rover" and "Devil's Spoon." Why not surprise us?
The poetry section is back, praise Allah! Keep it now that you've got it, please? You could alternate between original verse and reprints. Such great poems as R. E. Howard's "The Dream and the Shadow," "The Ghost Kings" and "The Singer in the Mist" do not deserve to be neglected as they almost of necessity have been by the newer fans. "In Planders' Wood' is one of the best poems you have printed so far.
Aha, I am reminded: Del Close of Manhattan, Kansas, and I are putting out a small poetry fanzine called Cataclysm, and we could use contributions and subscriptions (@ 50c for 6 issues).
"Brood of the Witch-Queen" for next issue, I see. Wonderful! That has long been my favorite of Rohmer's books, and seeing it again will be a pleasure. Arthur S. Ward (Sax Rohmer) has a phenomenal knowledge of the Mysterious East and its ways— and he has written a reference book on sorcery, so the basis of this novel is founded on actual fact and accepted myth. The myth part being the sorcery; one would fervently hope that such things as the Orchid of Death and the Fire Elemental could not actually be!
I have a few items for sale or trade. Will send lists if you send stamped envelope.
561 W. Western Ave.,
Muskegon, Mich.
CONCERNING MAUROIS
I am taking this means of congratulating the editor and Famous Fantastic Mysteries upon having secured printing rights for "The Weigher of Souls" by André Maurois.
Fantasy is a very specialized field in creative writing and 1 am sure that even the most avid Merritt, Haggard, or Lovecraft fan will admit that the works of those fantasy giants are not known in many literary circles. This is not the case with Maurois. His "Ariel," a fictional biography of the life of Shelley, has been widely read and acclaimed and his "Man's Fate" is considered one of the classics of modern literature. He is at present the top writer for Charles De Gaulle's French political front. His works are required reading in many college English courses. It is obvious that this man Maurois is no fly-by-night author who will slip into oblivion once his writings have ceased. "The Weigher of Souls" lived up to Maurois' reputation. It was cleverly conceived and brilliantly written and, in my opinion, far outshone your lead novel.
As long as you can print stories by authors of Maurois' caliber, you can rest assured that F.F.M. will continue to lead the fantasy field.
414 E. 2nd St.,
Russell, Kans.
LIKED CARTUR'S STORY
Just a few lines from a faithful follower. Of all the stf. and fant. mags on the market, and there are many, yours stands out among them as a king among beggars.
The lead novel for October was a superb piece of writing. I couldn't put the book down until I was through. I even missed two of my favorite programs on the radio!
The "Weigher of Souls" was a little too talky for me, although it wasn't bad reading.
The short "Nor Moon By Night" was the best short I think I have read. Usually I frown on fillers but this had what it takes. I did not care for the cover.
Well, I guess that's all for now, but you'll be hearing from me again soon. The stories I would like to see in prim are: "Maker of Shadows" by Jack Mann and anything by Rohmer as most of his work is hard to get.
26601 South Western,
Apt. 341,
Lomita, Calif.
COBLENTZ POEM PRAISED
Orchids to Stanton A. Coblentz for his wonderful poem featured in the April 1950 issue.
"After the Atom" is terrifying in all aspects. Gruesome isn't it?
A world blazing with unbearable heat through the day, and frigid with absolute zero at night.
I wondered, as I read, if this could really happen; then I read the daily papers. If we keep up the pace we are traveling it most definitely can happen.
Let's hope we will stop before it is too late, and use this tremendous, almost sacred power for beneficial reasons.
For the cure of sickness and for the betterment of future humanity.
28 Churchill Crescent,
Georgetown, Ontario,
Canada.
DUPLICATE MAGS AVAILABLE
I have a number of duplicate copies of F.F.M., including the first issue, and am interested in trading for copies of other magazines or will sell them at reasonable rates. I also have several hundred dupes of other science fiction and fantasy mags. Most of the dates are from 1939 to the present.
277 Howland Ave.,
River Edge, N.J.
RARE BOOK OFFER
Congratulations on the care you are exercising in the selection of stories for F.F.M. As a British reader I am particularly proud to see that quite a percentage of the stories come from these shores. I like, too, the free and easy comradeship of the letter columns. Few editors allow their readers to advertise their spare books and magazines or let them argue their likes and dislikes as you do. My own criticisms are few. From a collector's point of view, however, one defect has been noticeable from the magazine's earliest days. Most folks have their favorite stories and, myself, like many another collector, 1 occasionally extract a story and bind it in a more permanent form. It is heartbreaking therefore to find sometimes that another favourite story starts immediately behind the last page of the extracted yarn. As, over here, F.F.M.s are at a premium, too often this means that the second story must be lost, as purchasing another F.F.M. is an impossibility. Some collectors might suggest binding the two stories together to save losing one. To the enthusiastic omnibus collector, putting another author in centre of the collected stories of (say) Kuttner, Merritt or Lovecraft would be sacrilege. My suggestion, therefore, is that in all of your magazines, the reverse of the final page of each story should have either "readers' letters" thereon, or something of minor importance such as a page of poetry, an advert, etc.
May I, in conclusion, mention that I have a large number of spare books for exchange or sale at reasonable prices, including quite a number of the stories you have printed in recent years (Haggard, S, Fowler Wright, E. F. Benson, Robt. W. Chambers, Jack Mann, etc.) and would welcome enquiries.
255 Burges Road,
East Ham,
London, E. 6,
England.
STRINGER YARN VERY GOOD
It seems like F.F.M. and I have a similar taste. When it has a story, I like it and when I have a story, it prints it. Sorry if I speak of it as though it were human. It's only because at times it seems that way. I guess it's more like a push button machine. We ask for a certain story and presto there it is.
Last time 1 wrote I asked for a Haggard yarn and I got it. I asked for the recreation of Astonishing and got A. Merritt's Fantasy (well maybe I had to help in pushing those two buttons).
I wish I had help in pushing a few more buttons:
(1) A. Merritt is a good author, maybe not the best, but a good storyteller. Now how about reviving the old Astonishing? Ye gads, am I the only one that wants it? Look at the list of gems its past record produced: "The Halfling," "After the Plague," "It Happened Tomorrow," etc. Think how the future issues could look: Bradbury's Martian chronicles, Leigh Brackett stories about the planets, etc.
(2)—Let's see Stringer's "Wolf Woman," and some stories by Kline, Taine, and Williamson.
Can't go on telling you what to do without saying what I think of what you did. Stringer's "The Woman Who Couldn't Die" is a slightly outdated (1928) story, especially the blood transfusion apparatus, but there wasn't one fault in the story. Very good, very similar to Merritt's "People of the Pit." Except the people of Stringer's pit were human. I grade it with a great big double A. I've already suggested 'printing Stringer's other fantasy "The Wolf Woman." Might as well print them both so the fans can enjoy them and ask:
"Did Stringer write any more fantasies?"
No! No more fantasies, only two.
Anything else? Yes, I need 17 back issues of F.F.M. including the "Darkness and Dawn" trilogy issues, and "Palos of the Dog Star Pack," the first four F.N.s, the second and the third issues of Astonishing and many, many more (119 in all).
Thanks for two of the best magazines ever sold.
4324 St. Johns Ave.,
Dayton 6, Ohio.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Please, would you announce in your magazine the opening of the Galaxy Science Fiction Society? Members under 18. If interested, write Dennis Lynch, 2834 Carlaris Rd., San Marino 9, Calif.
MUST SELL OUT
I'm afraid I've an awful lot of nerve asking you again to publish another letter of mine, especially when I've not gotten the last two issues of your mag, but you see, I went to Denver, Col. (by thumb) to see if I could get work there, and at the same time to improve my health. But I was unsuccessful on both counts. And after hocking my wristwatch and jacket, and receiving a few bucks from some true friends, I returned home (via thumb) and now I've decided to try my dad-blamed darnedest to sell all of my magazines— for from loc'each up to 50c, including postage.
I sure hate to do this, but I've got to get some money— and there are times when one must sacrifice his possessions in order to keep alive.
Rm #3—45 Lawn St.,
Rochester 7,
N. Y.
P. S. I'm selling these mags out of necessity— not business. Anyone wanting a complete list of the mags enclose a penny postcard or a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
STRINGER STORY FINE
"The Woman Who Couldn't Die" was, in my opinion, the most enthralling lead novel you have had since "The Valley of Silent Men" some bonths back. It held one literally and actually captivated by the strange fiery power of its narrative.
Since you're giving us Lovecraft, why not concentrate on his more obscure pieces like "The Horror at Redhook," "Dagon" and "The Strange High-house in the Mist"? Many less fortunate than I, who possess these classics, would be eternally indebted to you for the pleasure of reading them.
I'd like to mention I have the following to swap for Weird Tales before '37; half-a-dozen Uncanny, 3 issues of Ghost Stories (1928), some large Amazings, 16 mystery-terror mags from 1935–36 mostly Dime and Thrilling, "Sian", "Maza of The Moon", "Ghosts, Ghouls and Gallows", "Books of Charles Fort", "Fox Woman", "Black Wheel" (both New Collectors Gp. edition) and about thirty other clothbound books including 6 by Sax Rohmer. Have an Aug. 1928, and a Feb. 1927 Weird Tales, both of which I'd like to trade for 2 other pre-1930 issues. Will send complete descriptions of all books and mags in detailed listing to anyone interested. Included for trade are 24 Munsey F.F.M.'s and F.N.'s.
300 W. 67th St.,
New York 23, N. Y.
FOREVER OURS
It's been some time since I've been among those present in our letter section in F.F.M. and let me say I have missed being here. I had been getting my copies at the local drugstore. And then they quit selling our mag. (I don't know why). And right away I feel myself getting out of touch with the world of Fantasy. So, after missing a few issues, I finally sent in my subscription. And found myself back in the swim, with the October issue. The cover was good. But I feel it could have been a wee bit better. Although it did have that classic touch (yes, I said classic) that I associate with' F.F.M. The stories I rated as follows; "The Weigher of Souls"—excellent; "Nor Moon by Night"—very good; "The Woman Who Couldn't Die"—just fair. The novel didn't hang together too well. But it was good in places. But perhaps it may be no more than my prejudice against yarns in the first person.
At any rate the issue on the whole was up to par. And head and shoulders above any other mag of this type on the market. So don't worry about ever losing this reader. As long as F.F.M. is published. I'll be here on this end—enjoying it.
I have quite a few stf. and like mags for sale or swap.
Would appreciate any and all letters. So drop me a line.
So long until the next issue—
R.F.D. #3,
Peebles, Ohio.
ORCHIDS?
Orchids to your wonderful magazines. They are the best in the field—
Could we please have some more of Rohmer in future issues? Your "Brood of the Witch-Queen" was a belated but happy choice to make. Thanks for making fantasy novel-collecting such a happy task.
A fan—
6252 82nd St.
Elmhurst, L. I.,
New York.
OFFERS HELP
I have been reading F.F.M. and its companion magazine F.N. since their inception and have wholeheartedly recommended them to my friends and acquaintances as the best publications in their field.
Naturally many of your newer readers, having read the many wonderful stories in your current issues, will want to add to their enjoyment and their collections by acquiring the back number magazines containing those classics of fantasy and science -fiction which they may have missed because of their tardy introduction to the genre. In order to assist such newcomers in their search for back issues of their favorite magazines or copies of particular stories in book or magazine form, I would like to put my collection of some 80 books and magazines at the service of all interested readers who send a list of their wants and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for a list of the magazines, books, etc. I have available for barter or purchase.
Thanking you for this opportunity to aid my fellow fans of fantasy and science-fiction, I am
1440 S. Pulaski Road,
LIKES POETRY
In my opinion "The Woman Who Couldn't Die" is a fairly good fantasy, but certainly nothing to rave about. Perhaps that opinion is brought about through a fault of my own rather than through any weakness in the style of writing or plotting of Mr. Stringer, though. Anyway, I just didn't get the connection between Thera and Olga. I take it that one was supposed to be an incarnation of the spirit of the other, or something. The whole thing is very vague and left me with a feeling of extreme dissatisfaction. I will ask a friend about the problem, though. He ought to know. He's read the story three times and crusaded long and arduously for its reprint in F.F.M. I'm sure he can clear up the fantastic mystery (pun) for me.
Speaking of the short stories, I just couldn't force myself to plow through the long-winded style of André Maurois in his story, "Weigher Of Souls." The story was probably good, but it couldn't have been worth the effort I would have spent in trying to find it among those hundreds of superfluous words.
The other short story was a different matter, however. The style was direct and clear cut, the plot was rather unusual and simple, and, best of all, the ending was superb. If it weren't for the length of the later, I'd try to rate it better than "The Woman Who Couldn't Die."
Thanks for the poetry. I want to see a special poetry section too.
With the request that you print a Taine story—any Taine story—I shall leave you. Be back again next issue though.
315 Dawson Su,
Wilmington, N. C.
MAUROIS YARN GOOD
For all the build-up it got (and didn't deserve) "The Woman Who Couldn't Die" was a let-down.. The handling of the wild, wind-tossed life of the Vikings, the berserker harrying of the coasts around Denmark 1, Scotland, etc., was poorly reproduced by Arthur Stringer. All seemed so lifeless and dull; even the setting, the very first sentence, and I quote "The fiord air was windless and humid". . was unlike the typical abode of a dragon ship.
One would expect Karl Knuttson to be as interesting as Sigurd Blödoxe, at least. The latter character was interesting, but Knuttson was reviled all along. What was Stronger trying to do? He seems to have been confused. Even he was not sure of just what Parese resembled. Parese is described as a "gaunt Corsican" early in the story. Later, he is described as short and Isquat, or words to that effect.
Whole story was pointless. No one profited from the trip; and the far north holds little for a white man. Gold is all that ever lured anyone so far north, and it is not likely to happen again. It does continually offer hardships. But even in story, Stringer denies us the one luxury really worthwhile that the north ever offered Man, and that for an awful price . . . gold!
"The Weigher of Souls" is better. Maurois could have made it shorter and eliminated so many anti-climaxes. But a good yarn, all in all. Lawrence cheated in drawing the ultraviolet lamp. The mercury arc tube is much too dim, the reflector likewise, and the room is practically dark. As I know them, a sunlamp is very bright. Thus, the "soul substance" would be invisible, unless the disk with the aperture in the center were moved up flush with the lamp to exclude all but the beam of radiation through the aperture. It further seems that after a lot of deliberation and doubt on the part of Dr. James, (as to just what he was doing), questioning if it were soul-substance or anything else, that they took a rather sudden departure from well founded doubt and simply decided that it was "soul-substance." Many of the topics brought into this story were true. The "Odicforce" was not just a product of the imagination of André Maurois. Baron Karl von Reichenbach really existed. Dr. Joseph Jastrow, in his book "Wish and Wisdom" devotes six pages to Reichenbach's ideas (which were a delusion); and to a Frenchman's theory about "N-Rays." I recommend this book to all readers as enjoyable.
"Nor Moon by Night" was fair. Passably fair. I gathered that the executed inmates were actually precipitated into purgatory. For the stay at the point of "materialization" was limited. One day's delay was too late . . for what? One must move away from the point of entrance to the top of the valley, or miss something better, it seems. Seems unfair. Sort of a punishment for those who ignore the old idea of purgatory in figuring the chances of life after death. You land there but you don't know it.
1107 Lyon, Carthage, Mo.
Address comments to the Letter Editor, Famous Fantastic Mysteries, All-Fiction Field, Inc., 205 E, 42nd St., New York 17, New York.