in the magazine often. If Verrill, Wells, Nathenson and Hamilton would also write, the magazine would be perfect.
I like all the stories, though some seem to be copies, and others lack science.
Here is for a long life for Astounding Stories!—Frank Yetter, 369 Railroad Ave., Fallon, Nevada.
"Charm All Its Own"
Dear Editor:
Let me congratulate you. I have just read "The Planet of Dread," by R. F. Starzl, in your August issue of Astounding Stories.
Real science, you know, is pretty rigidly limited, but super-science of the kind you seem to run has a freshness and charm all its own.
I came upon your magazine quite by accident, and from now on no doubt will look for it as I stand before the racks of magazines, trying to decide upon something to read—Anton J. Sartori, 1330 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, Calif.
Inra Could Exist
Dear Editor:
You will have to excuse this old telegraph office typewriter. It is all I have to express my appreciation to you for the tremendously interesting magazine you put out. I have only read the last three issues, but those are enough to convince me that Astounding Stories fills a long-felt want. I read all the others too, but from now on I'm going to look over their offerings at the stand before I buy. They have to go some to come up to the standard set by you, especially in the August copy.
That story, "The Planet of Dread," was the most weird, exciting, thrilling, satisfying—in short, the most "astounding" story I have ever read. Nothing has seemed so real since I first read Wells' stories. I liked the characters. Poor Gunga. I could just see him, trying to sacrifice the man he obviously worshipped to stop that horrible noise. The picture of Gunga on the cover was just exactly what I would expect the Martian to look like. You have a good artist. I liked Mark Forepaugh, too. He didn't lose his nerve for one minute—not Mark. Who says civilization is going down, when the future holds men like that?
Next to "The Planet of Dread" I liked "The Lord of Space." That was a vivid and well-drawn story, too. Those two, I think, were the outstanding stories for August. But I must not forget "Murder Madness," the serial; it was thrilling and convincing. That's the only kick I have: so many stories sound thin. I don't believe them when I read them. I also want to mention "The Forgotten Planet" and "From An Amber Block." Good, exciting, and you can believe them without too much strain.
Oh, by the way, the author of "The Planet of Dread" made a mistake when he chose a mythical planet for his terrific adventures. Why not Venus or Mercury? If they have water the conditions on them would be similar to what he described for Inra. There ain't no such planet. But why expect perfection! I'm satisfied.
I wish you success. That's a late wish. You're a success already.—Tom P. Fitzgerald, Newcastle, Nebraska.
Thus Ended the Quest
Dear Editor:
This is my first letter to your magazine, and right away I'm asking for a pair of sequels. One of these is to "The Moon Master," by Charles W. Diffin. These sad endings depress me greatly, but if I looked at the ending first to see whether or not it was sad it would ruin the story; and besides sad endings usually have good stories in front of them. The other sequel I want is to "From The Ocean's Depths," by Sewell P. Wright, and its sequel "Into The Ocean's Depths."
In looking over my back copies of the magazine I find that I have not disliked a single story. Thus endeth my quest for a brickbat.
Are you going to put out a quarterly? Both the other Science Fiction magazines that I get do so, and I observe that it gives opportunity for a story of full novel length all in one piece. Not that I object to serials, but I like once in a while to sit down to a long story without having to dig out three or four magazines. However, please continue the long serials, for what is life without the element of suspense?—Hugh M. Gilmore, 920 N. Vista St., Hollywood, Cal.
"The Readers' Corner"
All Readers are extended a sincere and cordial invitation to "come over in 'The Readers' Corner'" and join in our monthly discussion of stories, authors, scientific principles and possibilities—everything that's of common interest in connection with our Astounding Stories.
Although from time to time the Editor may make a comment or so, this is a department primarily for Readers, and we want you to make full use of it. Likes, dislikes, criticisms, explanations, roses, brickbats, suggestions—everything's welcome here; so "come over in 'The Readers' Corner'" and discuss it with all of us!
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