The Flickr Frankkellyfreas Image Generatr

“Around the time that this issue appears, science fiction will experience one of its gayest landmark-events, the Broadway opening of Gore Vidal’s urbane and delightful comedy, VISIT TO A SMALL PLANET, starring the incomparable Cyril Ritchard – an event which F&SF celebrates by bringing you the complete original television play which gave birth to the stage version.

“S. F. has been shoddily treated by the dramatic media of stage, screen and TV. On the stage it has, up till this season, been simply ignored – and neglect is, I suppose, a happier fate than being represented by the grotesque parodies which label themselves, ‘science fiction’ in films or in TV-except-by-Vidal.

“Mr. Vidal is no stranger to our field. In addition to a large number of serious novels, an even larger number of teleplays, and a brief venture into the sexy whodunit (as Edgar Box), this incredible young man (barely over 30!) has written the memorable MESSIAH (Dutton 1954), probably science fiction’s most effective extrapolation of religious cultism. VISIT was, he reports, his most successful television play. . . and by far the hardest to sell. Its tone of witty iconoclasm, of ‘poking fun at so much that was gloriously sacred’—a tone so taken for granted by all s. f. readers – was poison to the advertising agencies. Obviously even its popularity did not influence the Madison Avenue mind; it has had no successors. Perhaps the prestige of Broadway may bring about some enlightenment. . . and meanwhile you can enjoy at least this one charming satiric adventure, here presented for the first time in any magazine.” [Editor’s Note]

"A Visit to a Small Planet" was quite popular during its run from February 7, 1957 through January 11, 1958, at the Booth Theatre in New York City. The New York Herald-Tribune even described it as "gloriously funny" with "an almost endless barrage of freshly-minted quips to keep the merriment rolling". Audiences really enjoyed the lighthearted and whimsical nature of the play in which an alien comes from another planet to do a bit of sightseeing and to see or start a war. He thinks he has arrived in time to see the Civil War, which he expects will be jolly, but he has misjudged his landing and gets here in 1957. [Source: ConcordTheatricals.com]

[Note: “Visit to a Small Planet” was also the basis for a 1960 Paramount Picture starring Jerry Lewis]

"If scientific truths are true for everyone, will we therefore be able to communicate with all scientifically literate cultures using science?"

“To translate writings, you need a key to the code – and if the last writer of Martian died forty thousand years before the first writer of Earth was born . . . how could the Martian be translated?” [Prologue]

“An expedition from Earth to Mars discovers a deserted city, the remains of an advanced civilization that died out 50,000 years before. The human scientists recover books and documents left behind, and are puzzled by their contents. Earnest young archeologist Martha Dane deciphers a few words, but the real breakthrough comes when the team explores what appears to have been a university in which the last few civilized Martians made their last stand. Inside, they find a "Rosetta Stone": the periodic table of the elements. The story builds tension from the skepticism of the rest of the team, mostly male, as well as from Dr. Dane's competitive, spotlight-seeking teammate, Tony Lattimer.” – Wikipedia

"Brake" is a thought-provoking science fiction short story set in the year 2270. The narrative unfolds within the Psychotechnic League universe, a future history series by Anderson. The story captures a critical moment in a post-apocalyptic world, where the civilization that rose from the ashes of the Third World War in 1958 is on the brink of collapse. Society is riven by internal strife, with factions vying for control and threatening to plunge humanity back into a dark age of ignorance and tyranny.

The plot centers around Captain Banning, the protagonist aboard a spaceship on route to Jupiter's moons. The tensions and conflicts on Earth are mirrored in the microcosm of the spaceship, reflecting the broader societal crisis. The story delves into themes of technological advancement versus humanistic values, the role of science in society, and the political and social ramifications of a civilization at a crossroads. The narrative highlights the dangers of extreme ideologies and the resulting dictatorial power struggles. Captain Banning embodies the legacy of Étienne Fourre, a character who symbolizes the effort to rebuild and preserve civilization, in stark contrast to the destructive forces at work.

The themes in “Brake” not only reflect the era in which Anderson wrote but also resonate with timeless questions about the role of science in society, the impact of political upheaval, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

[Sources: Bing Copilot and Wikipedia]

“Some people just can’t be taught, no matter what method you use. Even the Education Tape machine failed on some abnormal individuals . . .” [Prologue]

"Profession" delves into the nature of education and individuality in a future society. In the sixty-sixth century, Earth has adopted a centralized education system where children are "taped" with knowledge directly into their brains through a computer interface. This process determines each person's professional specialty based on an analysis of their brain, leaving no room for personal choice. The most successful individuals compete in professional "Olympics," aiming to be chosen by advanced Outworlds, as remaining on Earth signifies failure.

The story follows George Platen, who dreams of becoming a Computer Programmer, a highly sought-after profession. However, on his Education Day, George is deemed unfit for any form of Education and is sent to a House for the Feeble Minded. Despite not being under physical restraint, he remains there for a year, indulging in philosophical and intellectual discussions with the staff and a man named Omani, who takes an interest in George's situation.

George's journey takes a turn when he decides to escape and confront Dr. Antonelli, the man who labeled him feeble-minded. His adventure leads him to the Olympics in San Francisco, where he encounters his friend Armand Trevelyan, who has been Taped as a Metallurgist but faces disappointment. George's own fate takes an unexpected twist when a stranger intervenes during a confrontation, revealing new possibilities and challenging the very foundations of society's approach to education and profession. [Sources: Wikipedia, AsimovReviews.net and Bing Copilot]

“On the second day of the third week since the Terran mission had arrived on Leeminorr, Lieutenant Blair Pickering committed an outrageous crime. He entered the temple courtyard, ignored the cries of the priests in attendance, proceeded to sit on the steps, draw a foodpack from his uniform pocket, and eat. When he was finished eating, he crumpled his refuse paper and left it where he sat; then, he returned to his vehicle and rode away. . .

“They stood nearly seven feet in height, magnificent humanoid specimens with powerful-looking shoulders and brawny frames. Five of them, five males, in discordantly-colored clothing of anger, savage reds shot through with raging violets and blacks. Their arms and legs were bare, allowing view of the superb muscles. The Leeminorrans had oiled themselves, applying the rancid animal fat that gave sheen and glow to their sleek metallic-blue skins. . .

“You are Colonel Norden?” asked the foremost of the Leeminorrans. His voice was deep and big; it rattled in the cavern of his chest a moment before booming forth into the little room.

“I am,” Norden said.

“I am Ahruntinok, Guardian of the Truth . . . Lieutenant Pickering has committed blasphemy,” the alien said. “The penalty for that is severe. He must be tried in full court and punished for this, or else the temple’s purification will be made much more difficult. . . And you Earthmen have agreed to abide by the laws of Leeminorr while you remain here. Surely you won’t raise any objection to the trial? "

“We’ve bound ourselves by precedent to abide by local law. If a member of this mission has broken the law, we have to let him be tried by Leeminorran courts. . .”

“The aliens went into the ritual farewell-pattern. It took nearly five minutes before they were through flexing muscles, stooping, and praying. Then they turned and left Norden’s office.” [Excerpts from the story]

And the trial is by combat, with a fight to the death! – for eating lunch on the temple steps. Ooh-rah

On the right is Ed Anglesey seated in his wheel chair and wearing the helmet of the “esprojector,” which allows him to become Joe on the Jovian surface, 112 thousand miles away, seen on the left.

So, our paraplegic protagonist, Ed Anglesey, explores Jupiter through Joe, an artificial body, enjoying the newfound freedom and strength it provides. Over time, he becomes more integrated with the alien identity as he battles predators on Jupiter's surface.

The debate over whether “Call Me Joe” should have been credited in James Cameron’s “Avatar” continues to this day. There are notable similarities between the two works, particularly the concept of a paraplegic protagonist using an artificial body to explore an alien world, and making the connection psychically.

Some critics and fans of Anderson’s work argue that the similarities are significant enough to warrant a credit for Anderson. However, the line between inspiration and plagiarism can be blurry, and there are varying opinions on the matter. Some suggest it could be a coincidence, others believe it’s one influence among many, and some feel it’s a direct borrowing that should be acknowledged. (Count me among the latter).

Sources:
1.Is the Plot of James Cameron’s Avatar Plagiarized? – Screen Rant.
2.Is James Cameron’s Avatar Actually an Uncredited Rewrite of a 1957 Poul Anderson Story? – Slashfilm.com
3.Call Me Joe – Wikipedia
4.Did James Cameron Rip Off Poul Anderson’s Novella? – Gizmodo
5.‘Avatar’ is Hit with Rip-Off Controversy – AceShowbiz.com

“If someone could just work out a definition for the term “human being,” maybe we could decide whether or not Joe really was human, in the end . . .” [Prologue]

“It would be morning in five hours or so. Anglesey had hoped to cast an axhead, his first this evening, but maybe it was better to do the job by daylight . . .

“He sighed, stretched, and lay down to sleep.

“Somewhat more than one hundred and twelve thousand miles away, Edward Anglesey took off his helmet.

“He looked around, blinking. After the Jovian surface, it was always a little unreal to find himself here again, in the clean quiet orderliness of the control room.

“It was Joe who lived down there and filled his lungs with hydrogen and helium . . . Nevertheless, his body felt worn and beaten. Tension, no doubt – psychosomatics, after all, for a good many hours now he had, in a sense, been Joe and Joe had been working hard . . .

“Inside his mind, he could feel the contact with Joe fading. If he once lost it entirely, he wasn’t sure he could regain it . . .

“Slowly, then, the man in the electric wheel chair, rolled out of the room, into the hall.” [Excerpts from the story]

So, the paraplegic protagonist, Ed Anglesey, explores Jupiter through Joe, an artificial body, enjoying the newfound freedom and strength it provides. Over time, he becomes more integrated with the alien identity as he battles predators on Jupiter's surface.

The debate over whether “Call Me Joe” should have been credited in James Cameron’s “Avatar” continues to this day. There are notable similarities between the two works, particularly the concept of a paraplegic protagonist using an artificial body to explore an alien world, and making the connection to the artificial body psychically.

Some critics and fans of Anderson’s work argue that the similarities are significant enough to warrant a credit for Anderson. However, the line between inspiration and plagiarism can be blurry, and there are varying opinions on the matter. Some suggest it could be a coincidence, others believe it’s one influence among many, and some feel it’s a direct borrowing that should be acknowledged. (Count me among the latter).

Sources:
1.Is the Plot of James Cameron’s Avatar Plagiarized? – Screen Rant.
2.Is James Cameron’s Avatar Actually an Uncredited Rewrite of a 1957 Poul Anderson Story – Slashfilm.com
3.Call Me Joe – Wikipedia
4.Did James Cameron Rip Off Poul Anderson’s Novella – Gizmodo
5.‘Avatar’ is Hit with Rip-Off Controversy – AceShowbiz.com

Blueprints based on a space cruiser soaring past a row of rainbow-colored stars, painted by Frank Kelly Freas for the 1958 Ace Doubles cover of "Six Worlds Yonder," a collection of six short stories by Eric Frank Russell. I don't know if the ship is supposed to represent any of the ships in the stories (from the "mile-long battleship" Thunderer to the "tramp-ship Henderson" with its wheezy antigravs to (maybe) the ship of the friendly Altairans who discover the true "master race" of Earth ... ) Or maybe it's just something Freas thought looked cool. I see a mashup of a twin-engine plane and a sleek yacht.

“Have Space Suit – Will Travel” was first published in hardcover by Scribner’s in 1958. It is a timeless gem that combines adventure, space exploration, and coming-of-age themes. Although initially aimed at a juvenile audience, its storytelling and thought-provoking ideas make it a compelling read for adults as well.

The story follows the journey of Clifford "Kip" Russell, a high school senior with a passion for space travel. When he wins a contest and receives a genuine space suit, he embarks on an unexpected adventure. Kip finds himself kidnapped by extraterrestrial beings and taken to the Moon, where he encounters a galactic conflict and meets the enigmatic 11-year-old girl named Peewee, a young genius, and an alien being known as the Mother Thing. Together, they must navigate the challenges of space, face interstellar threats, and unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Kip’s growth from an ordinary teenager to a resourceful space traveler is well-crafted and Heinlein’s vivid descriptions of space travel, alien worlds, and technological wonders immerse readers in a thrilling adventure. [Sources: Goodreads.com and Wikipedia]

DAW Books / Taschenbuch-Reihe
- James H. Schmitz / The Lion Game
Cover: Frank Kelly Freas
DAW Books / USA 1973
Reprint / Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?43103

Future Science Fiction / Magazin-Reihe
- Thomas N. Scortia / Cat O' Nine Tales
- Robert Silverberg / A Season for Remorse
- Theodore L. Thomas / Mars Trial
- Isaac Asimov / Tale of the Pioneer
Cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: Robert A. W. Lowndes
Columbia Publications / USA 1957
Reprint / Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?58411
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Freas

Rocket Stories / Magazin-Reihe
- James E. Gunn / Killer
art: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: Harry Harrison [as by Wade Kaempfert]
Space Publications, Inc. / USA 1953
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?179529

Rocket Stories / Magazin-Reihe
- George O. Smith / Home Is the Spaceman
art: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: Wade Kaempfert
Space Publications, Inc. / USA 1953
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?179513

Super-Science Fiction / Magazin-Reihe
- Winston K. Marks / One Woman for Venus
- Koller Ernst /The Rim of Eternity
- Lyle G. Boyd and William C. Boyd / Pariah Girl
- Arthur Sellings / Brink of Madness
- Robert Silverberg / Galactic Thrill Kids
- Harlan Ellison / Invulnerable
- Curtis W. Casewit / Bright Flowers of Mars
- Richard Wilson / Hometown
cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: W. W. Scott
Headline Publications Inc. / USA 1957
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?149701
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-Science_Fiction

Super-Science Fiction / Magazin-Reihe
- Russell Thompson / Terror of the Undead Corpses
- James Rosenquest / Creatures of Green Slime
- Robert Silverberg / The Day the Monsters Broke Loose
- Robert Silverberg [Richard F. Watson] / Beasts of Nightmare Horror
- Lloyd Biggle, Jr. / Mating Instinct
- Bill Wesley / The Enormous Diamond
Cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: W. W. Scott
Headline Publications Inc. / USA 1959
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?88190
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-Science_Fiction

Super-Science Fiction / Magazin-Reihe
- Robert Silverberg / The Aliens Were Haters
- Robert Silverberg [Calvin M. Knox] / The Unique and Terrible Compulsion
- J. F. Bone / The Fast-Moving Ones
- Robert Silverberg [Richard F. Watson] / Exiled From Earth
- Harlan Ellison / Creature from Space
- Alan E. Nourse / The Utter Stranger
Cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: W. W. Scott
Headline Publications Inc. / USA 1958
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?88189
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-Science_Fiction

Super-Science Fiction / Magazin-Reihe
- Robert Silverberg [Eric Rodman] / A World Called Sunrise
- Robert Silverberg [Calvin M. Knox] / The Cold-Blooded Ones
- Koller Ernst / Many Mansions in the Sky
- Robert Silverberg [Richard F. Watson] / A Planet All My Own
- Alan E. Nourse / The Gift of Numbers
- Austin Hamel / The Beautiful People
- Curtis W. Casewit / The Martian Wine
Cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: W. W. Scott
Headline Publications Inc. / USA 1958
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?154071
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-Science_Fiction

Super-Science Fiction / MagazinReihe
- Daniel F. Galouye [Daniel L. Galouye] / Hostile Life-Form
- Arthur J. Burks / Little America on the Moon
- Richard Hardwick / Special Aptitude
- Robert Silverberg [Eric Rodman] / Slaves of the Tree
- Robert Silverberg [Calvin M. Knox] / Frontier Planet
- Harlan Ellison / No Planet is Safe
- Theodore R. Cogswell / One to a Customer
cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: W. W. Scott
Headline Publications Inc. / USA 1958
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?153201
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-Science_Fiction

Super-Science Fiction / Magazin-Reihe
- Jack Vance / Worlds of Origin
- Arthur Zirul / Secret Weapon
- Koller Ernst / The Red Singing Sands
- Robert Silverberg / Prison Planet
- Richard R. Smith / The Old Timer
- Robert Silverberg [Calvin M. Knox] / The Happy Sleepers
- Robert F. Young / Time Travel Inc.
Cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: W. W. Scott
Headline Publications Inc. / USA 1958
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?88187
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-Science_Fiction

Super-Science Fiction / Magazin-Reihe
- Isaac Asimov / The Gentle Vultures
- Robert Bloch / Broomstick Ride
- Robert Silverberg [Calvin M. Knox] / The Hunters of Cutwold
- Richard R. Smith / Get Rich Quick
- J. F. Bone / Quarantined Species
- Robert Silverberg / Misfit
- Evelyn E. Smith / The Weegil
Cover: Frank Kelly Freas
Editor: W. W. Scott
Headline Publications Inc. / USA 1957
Reprint: Comic-Club NK 2010
ex libris MTP
www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?88186
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-Science_Fiction