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The story was first published in the April 1952 issue of “Thrilling Wonder Stories.”

Synopsis on the back cover:

“From a past master of science fiction comes this jet-paced account of the adventures of Federal Agent George Helmfleet Jones. Combining sleuthing genius with the scientific advances of an advanced age, Jones tackles a series of sinister crimes – crimes made more sinister still because the perpetrators also combine genius with astonishing scientific discoveries.

“In the beginning, Jones is assigned to locate an illegal production source of perizone, the closely controlled new drug that cures every type of blood disease. His trail leads him to an upstate New York research institute where an odd collection of experts is engaged in secret experiments under the strictest security measures. But security in Jones’ time is not the security known to the 1950’s – recent laws have kept the government from probing into individual affairs under threat of prosecution. This is hampering enough to an investigator on an important case, but then Jones runs into a half dollar that is perfect in every way – except that everything on it is reversed; an immensely valuable stolen statue – which can’t be stolen because it’s still on display; and the identical twin of a beautiful scientist – who doesn’t have a sister!

“These all but incredible mysteries bring Jones to a master coup that just can’t happen and yet does: three million dollars have been sent in a sealed rocket from New York to San Francisco; there is no pilot on the unmanned ship, which does not stop anywhere in transit – but when the hold is open, the money has unaccountably vanished! Jones, discovering a startling connection between the two impossible cases, puts his own life in double jeopardy – he has to close in on a killer who can be in two places at the same time!”

[Note: This story is available for reading in the Internet Archive:
archive.org/details/Thrilling_Wonder_Stories_v40n01_1952-... ]

According to science, the descent of man is the result of an evolutionary process on earth alone. According to science fiction, mankind is often the product of alien intervention.

Science and science fiction both offer fascinating perspectives on human origins, but credibility lies with science. Evolutionary biology, genetics, and anthropology provide extensive evidence that Homo sapiens evolved through natural selection over millions of years, with fossil records and DNA analysis linking us to primates and other life forms on earth.

Science fiction, on the other hand, thrives on imaginative speculation. While the idea of alien intervention in human development makes for compelling storytelling, there's no empirical evidence supporting it. However, some sci-fi concepts, like panspermia—the hypothesis that life may have originated elsewhere and traveled to Earth via cosmic debris—are occasionally debated in scientific circles.

Ultimately, science is based on observation, experimentation, and peer-reviewed evidence, while science fiction explores possibilities beyond our current knowledge. Both have their place. The idea of extraterrestrial influence certainly makes for an intriguing discussion.

The dramatic alien landscape hardly seems to warrant a title about dugout canoes. The misspelling in the contents page—"Lastest" instead of "Latest"—suggests that it could simply be a typo, but the title itself raises questions.

"The Latest in Dugout Canoes" may have been a playful or ironic title chosen during the editorial process and mistakenly kept through publication. Sci-fi magazines of that era sometimes had a tongue-in-cheek approach to their illustrations, pairing them with whimsical, even nonsensical titles. Perhaps it was an inside joke that slipped through. Or, it may have been a working title given before a proper one was decided, but for some reason, the change never happened.

Regardless, the striking artwork is far removed from anything to do with canoeing. Hunter was known for crafting futuristic environments that felt both alien and strangely familiar, blending realism with the surreal. Sometimes magazine artists were given loose direction to evoke a certain mood, rather than portray a specific scene from a story. The sense of isolation and grandeur in this painting suggests he was envisioning a truly alien frontier.

Hunter’s otherworldly landscape with jagged rocks and a vast desert showcases his knack for imagining the extraordinary. Aliens have arrived in a saucer and they may not like what they see. One of them is pointing to some kind of mining or manufacturing colony belching smoke into this pristine environment. The colony is dominated by a 1950s-style spaceship from Earth. Who would have thought?

“Had Northwest Smith, the famous outlaw of the spaceways been able to foresee the future, he would not have shielded the frightened, scarlet-clad girl from the wild mob pursuing her through the narrow streets of Lakkdarol, Earth’s last colony on Mars. ‘Shambleau! Shambleau!’ the crowd cried with loathing and disgust, but Smith drove them off with his blaster and took the exhausted girl to his quarters. There was no hair upon her face – neither brows nor lashes, but what lay hidden beneath the tight scarlet turban bound around her head?

“So begins one of the strangest and possibly the most famous of stories by C. L. Moore. When it first appeared ‘Shambleau’ was acclaimed by readers, authors, and editors as the debut of a truly gifted talent in the field of fiction writing. It introduced the very popular character Northwest Smith, hardbitten roamer of the spaceways.

“The publication of Shambleau is an event that readers have been demanding for years.” [From the back cover]

“Shambleau” is a fascinating mix of sci-fi, horror, and mythology. Originally published in the November 1933 issue of Weird Tales, Shambleau was Moore's first professional sale and remains one of her most famous works. Its impact on science fiction was immense. It helped establish Moore as one of the first prominent female writers in the genre, paving the way for future women in science fiction. The story introduced a more psychological and sensual approach to sci-fi horror, influencing later writers who explored themes of alien seduction and existential dread. The story is a retelling of a Greek myth, exploring themes of addiction, desire, and danger.

Galaxy Novel No. 31 is freely available in the Internet Archive:
archive.org/details/Galaxy_Science_Fiction_Novel_31_C._L....

C. L. Moore reads her story “Shambleau” on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqsy_5zdSW8

First published in the U.K in 1935, "Odd John" by philosopher and author Olaf Stapledon has been reprinted many times and is a highly regarded science fiction novel. It introduced the concept of “Homo superior,” a term that has since become a staple in science fiction. The story explores themes of evolution, intelligence, and morality, presenting John Wainwright as a superhuman whose advanced intellect and abilities set him apart from ordinary humans.

At the time of its publication in 1935, the idea of a superior human species was not new. However, Stapledon’s approach was unique in its philosophical depth and its exploration of the ethical implications of such a being’s existence.

John Wainwright is a fascinating and complex character. While his intelligence is extraordinary, his personality is far from conventional. He is often described as vain, amoral, and highly manipulative. His advanced intellect makes him feel detached from ordinary humans, and he does not adhere to conventional morality. Instead, he follows a personal code that is beyond human understanding.

John is also skilled in the art of seduction and manipulation, effortlessly influencing those around him. He views Homo sapiens as inferior, which leads him to act in ways that might seem cold or even ruthless. His relationships with others are often transactional—he uses people for his own purposes rather than forming deep emotional bonds.

Despite these traits, John is not entirely unlikable. His charisma and brilliance make him compelling, and his philosophical musings add depth to his character. However, his detachment and superiority complex prevent him from being truly relatable or sympathetic in a traditional sense. He is neither a traditional hero nor a villain. His character challenges readers to reconsider what it means to be "superior" and whether such beings can truly coexist with humanity.

[Sources: Wikipedia, ScienceFictionClassics.com, and WriteUps.org]

[Note: Modern depictions of superhuman intelligence have evolved significantly since “Odd John.” Today, the concept is often explored through artificial intelligence rather than biological evolution. AI surpassing human intelligence raises ethical and existential questions like those in Stapledon’s novel.]

“Martin Padway was a smart enough young man, with a scientific education, but no universal genius. He had the misfortune to be dropped back suddenly into a former time, and a very alarming time at that – sixth century Rome, when the Goths ruled Italy and civilization in the West was collapsing. To make a living and to try to shore up civilization, Padway undertook to introduce inventions such as gunpowder, clocks and printing. Some worked and some didn’t, and the results were dramatic and often hilarious. Prudently, resolving to steer clear of women, war and politics, Padway soon found himself up to his neck in all three . . .” [Excerpt from the back cover]

The Galaxy Science Fiction Novels series was launched in 1950 by H.L. Gold, the editor of Galaxy Science Fiction magazine. The series featured previously published science fiction stories rather than original works, though some were abridged versions of the originals.

The decision to publish them as stand-alone novels rather than including them in Galaxy magazine was likely driven by format and market considerations. The digest-sized books resembled magazines but allowed readers to enjoy full-length stories without serialization. This approach also helped Galaxy Publishing expand its reach beyond magazine subscribers and into the growing paperback book market. It also introduced new generations of readers to important science fiction works by authors like Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Jack Williamson.

The series ran for 35 issues before being sold to Beacon Books in 1959, which continued publishing them in a mass-market paperback format for another 11 issues. Beacon Books even revised some of the novels to include mild sexual content and changed their titles accordingly. While the series itself wasn’t a game-changer, it contributed to the growth of science fiction as a mainstream literary genre and helped solidify the careers of many influential writers.

[Sources: Wikipedia, Goodreads.com, and Amazon.com]

[Note: The cover illustrations for the Galaxy Novels were striking, unique and original to the series. This was a deliberate choice to give the books a distinct identity separate from Galaxy Science Fiction magazine. The digest-sized format and bold, imaginative artwork made them stand out on shelves, appealing to both dedicated sci-fi readers and casual buyers.]

Translated from the French by the Honorable Lady Whitehead. (Original title: “The Giant Cat”]

“Aoun, son of Urus, was tall and strong and delighted in the hunt. His courage was legion and his strength formidable, but he had a strange weakness that the other Oulhamr tribesmen did not understand – he could feel pity. His companion was Zouhr, last of the Men-without-shoulders, whose subtle, dreamy intelligence was also unique among men.

“They set out, these two, to discover new and fertile hunting grounds for the horde, in the unknown land beyond the mountains. Here they would encounter the fierce sabertooth, the giant lion, the crocodile, the huge python, and wild mammoth. But most dangerous of all, these two would have to face alone the strange primitive hordes of the forest – the half-men who ate the flesh of other men.” [Introduction to the Ace edition]

“This novel on its appearance at once hit the public fancy in France and ran through forty editions.

“In the fabulous time of the Mammoth and the Great Lion of the Caves, some twenty thousand, or perhaps some hundred thousand years ago, races of men, today extinct, lived upon the earth.

“Monsieur Rosny, basing his vivid narrative upon all the findings of science, has found a way to reconstruct imaginatively, in the form of a novel of the passions and combats of this primitive age, the life of these prehistoric times.

“As with much of Kipling’s work this book will cast its spell alike upon young and old.” [Introduction to the 1924 first American edition]

“J. H. Rosny was the pen-name of Joseph Henri Honoré Boëx who, throughout his long life (1856-1940), was one of France’s most prolific writers. Since he originally collaborated with his younger brother, under the joint signature of J. H. Rosny, he was generally referred to as J. H. Rosny ainé (the elder) after he began writing on his own in 1909.

“Having his roots in the Nineteenth Century’s revolutionary scientific theories – Darwinism, etc. – his works of fiction and non-fiction show his fascination with science, including astronomy, anthropology, zoology, and sociology. He wrote distinguished science fiction as well, and was renowned in France for his novels of the Cro-Magnon era, of which ‘The Giant Cat’ (Le Félin Géant) is one of the best.” [From the author’s bio in the Ace edition]

The “New York Times” said it was. . . “One of the most exciting books of fiction that has appeared in some time. It is easy to see why this story has gone through forty editions in France. It is a thriller in the best sense of the word.”

From the back cover:

WAS HE MERELY INHUMAN – OR TRULY SUPER-HUMAN?

“The Thousand-Year-Planners had it all neatly figured out. So many decades to set up their strongholds, so many centuries for the dying Galactic Empire to collapse, so many more years for it to be replaced by a new and better universal democracy. They thought they had the future all set.

“And then came the man known as The Mule – a mutant genius, a cosmic Napoleon who upset all their calculations, outwitted all their fine maneuvers, and was hellbent to set up a new and tougher despotism on the still smoldering planets of the old.

“The fate of humanity’s next 30,000 years hung in the balance when the men and women of the Foundation faced THE MAN WHO UPSET THE UNIVERSE.”

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“The Man Who Upset the Universe” is a variant of “Foundation and Empire” (1952), the second novel in Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. The Foundation series is hailed as one of the most influential works in science fiction. Spanning seven books published between 1951 and 1993, the series explores the concept of psychohistory, a fictional science that combines mathematics, sociology, and history to predict the future of large populations. The story follows mathematician Hari Seldon, who foresees the fall of the Galactic Empire and establishes the Foundation to preserve knowledge and minimize the period of chaos.

The series is significant because it introduced grand ideas about civilization, determinism, and the cyclical nature of history. It has inspired countless authors, filmmakers, and even real-world discussions about predictive analytics and artificial intelligence.

Apple TV+ took creative liberties with Asimov’s work in adapting his novels. While it draws from the original Foundation trilogy, it also incorporates elements from later books and expands character arcs that were less developed in the novels. The adaptation introduces new perspectives and modern storytelling techniques, making it more accessible to contemporary audiences while maintaining the essence of Asimov's vision. Nevertheless, the Apple TV series didn’t sit well with every fan.

[Sources: Mashable.com, and ScreenRant.com]

“Envoy to a world of science-wizardry”

From the back cover:

“Near Canopus there is a small red sun, around which eleven planets revolve. One of these is Llarn, a world which resembles Earth in some ways, but in others is exotically different. There were men and women there, fallen empires, forgotten cities, and roving barbarians striving to rise. And there were the dreaded remnants of a hideous atomic disaster eons past – things that once were men with powers that bordered on the evilly miraculous.

“Alan Morgan came to Llarn at the behest of one of these warped man-monsters to act as his envoy on a world-shaking mission. But Alan was no puppet. . . and the story of his extraordinary adventures on that world of swordplay and wonders is a constantly exciting novel.”

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The sequel, “Thief of Llarn,” quickly followed in 1966. Both novels are classic examples of “sword & planet” fiction, a subgenre that blends swashbuckling adventure with science fiction elements. “Warrior of Llarn” borrows heavily from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “A Princess of Mars,” but Fox’s storytelling and world-building are praised for their engaging action and fewer contrived coincidences. “Thief of Llarn” has received mixed reviews, with some readers enjoying its fast-paced adventure, while others found it slightly less compelling than its predecessor. Both books are fun, pulpy reads that fit well within the tradition of classic sword & sorcery with a sci-fi twist.

[Source: Goodreads.com]

Marketing strategies have evolved, yet the allure of luck and love remains timeless. Intriguing ads from the mid-20th century could often be found in pulp magazines or digest-sized publications like Curtis Warren’s. They were part of a broader trend of marketing exotic or mystical items to appeal to people’s curiosity and belief in luck or supernatural influences.

“Working on the theory that an electronic current variation is set up by thought processes within the human brain, Alex Larsen and his fellow scientists developed a system of telepathic cerebral communication. Amplification of the minute currents through a series of transistors produced a frequency beam which it was found could be channeled to synchronized receptor units worn by other persons. The variations were then reconverted and so made acceptable as a pattern of coherent thought impulses. Nothing, it seemed, could be more valuable. Here was a soundless means of communication without complex or bulky equipment.

“But there was the matter of a mysterious thought voice that interrupted the experiment . . . It was through that voice that an accidental lateral shift of minds occurred. Almost before they realized it Larsen’s helpers found themselves in one of the strangest situations imaginable. They bridged the time-space gap between parallel planes of existence, aiding a race of slaves against their Masters, a group of evil, abnormally developed beings half brain, half robot in form. How they joined forces, did battle, and finally won makes an enthralling story, set as it is against the jungle background of the human mind.” – Arn Romilus

[Note: Those final sentences sound strangely familiar, like the premise of the movie “The Matrix.” Also, the tentacled machine on the book cover looks amazingly like the "sentinels" or "squids" in the movie. It's possible that these themes and visuals were part of the broader science fiction zeitgeist, influencing creators over decades. Or it may be just a striking coincidence that highlights the cyclical nature of ideas in speculative fiction.]

Contents: “Prison Planet” by Roger Carne (Sydney J. Bounds); “Martian Apemen” by W. E. Clarkson (Sydney J. Bounds); “Menace from the Atom” by W. E. Clarkson (Sydney J. Bounds); “The Mechans of Muah” (Norman Lazenby); and “Treasure in Space” (Uncredited).

Predates the “Badger Books” imprint, which was launched in May, 1954 and became one of the publisher’s longest running series.

[Source: “John Spencer & Co. Illustrated Bibliography” by Shane P. D. Agnew. Volume 1: Comics, Science Fiction and Supernatural (2020)]

Contents: “Spawn of the Void” by Edward Stokes (John F. Watt); “Terror from the Skies” by Hamilton Downe (John F. Watt); “Space Trader” (R. Brothwell); “The Problem Ship” by David Campbell (Leonard G. Fish); and “Beast Men of Mars” by M. B. Stone.

Predates the “Badger Books” imprint, which was launched in May, 1954 and became one of the publisher’s longest running series.

[Source: “John Spencer & Co. Illustrated Bibliography” by Shane P. D. Agnew. Volume 1: Comics, Science Fiction and Supernatural (2020)]

Contents: “The Fire Goddess” by D. J. Mencet (John F. Watt); “Death Ships” by Frank C. Kneller (John F. Watt); “One Million Years Ago” by Hamilton Donne (John F. Watt); “Plasma Men Bring Death” (Norman Lazenby); and “Vultures of the Void” by Clifford Wallace (Sydney J. Bounds).

Predates the “Badger Books” imprint, which was launched in May, 1954 and became one of the publisher’s longest running series.

[Source: “John Spencer & Co. Illustrated Bibliography” by Shane P. D. Agnew. Volume 1: Comics, Science Fiction and Supernatural (2020)]

Contents: “Pioneers for Saturn” by Tom W. Wade; “Slaves of Space” by Bruce Fenton (John F. Watt); “Journey into Tomorrow” by Frank C. Kneller (John F. Watt); and “Power Politics” by R. Brothwell.

Predates the “Badger Books” imprint, which was launched in May, 1954 and became one of the publisher’s longest running series.

“The second in a science fiction adventure series starring the beautiful sexologist on an intergalactic mission of love.”

“. . . Yolanda’s encounter with the Rigelian space brutes forms the second installment of this science fiction adventure series which explores the voluptuous delights – and terrors – of intergalactic lust in an unblushing mixture of fantasy and eroticism for the adult reader.” [From the back cover]

What if mankind’s only purpose is to create robots who then evolve into the dominant species on Earth? Many authors have explored the idea of robots or artificial intelligence taking over as the dominant species. Here are a few notable examples:

1.Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) – Known for his “Robot” series. Asimov explored the ethical and societal implications of robots and AI. His famous “Three Laws of Robotics” are central to many of his stories, addressing how robots might interact with humans and each other.

2.Philip K. Dick (1928-1982) – In his novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” (1968), Dick delves into themes of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. The story was later adapted into the film “Blade Runner” (1982).

3.William Gibson (1948-present) – His novel “Neuromancer” (1984) is a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre and explores a world where AI and cybernetic enhancements play a significant role in society.

4.Dan Simmons (1948-present) – In his “Hyperion Cantos” series (1989-1999), Simmons imagines a future where AI and human consciousness coexist and interact in complex ways.

5.David J. Gunkel (1962-present) – In his book “The Machine Question: Critical Perspectives on AI, Robots, and Ethics” (2012), Gunkel examines the moral and ethical considerations of intelligent and autonomous machines, including the idea of robots taking over.

These authors have addressed the question of robots becoming the dominant species in various ways, often exploring the ethical, philosophical, and societal implications.

“The novel tells the story of a math professor who struggles against urges to commit suicide. His life seemed so successful. He was a well-liked college-on-TV lecturer who offered the public a way to improve their meager living standards in the crowded future world of 2200. He has a lovely young wife, which would seem to be a protective factor. Doctors have ruled out depression, and they cannot figure out his problem. Yet in a suicidal attempt he tries to hurl himself from a high balcony. During one TV lecture he cuts his neck on live broadcast, and he takes an overdose of pills. In fact, a mysterious foe is trying to cause the professor to die, and this villain plans to increase the death toll into the millions.” – Wikipedia

A Plague on Ganymede

“When his father’s sudden illness stranded the Wilsons in the tiny human colony on Jupiter’s moon, Bob gave up his plans for college and joined the colonists in their struggle against the brutal environment of Ganymede.

“The challenges, the comradeship he found, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of Jupiter filling the sky – all exhilarated Bob far beyond his expectations. So did his investigation of the major mystery behind the strange globe that was hidden out in the hills and that seemed to be trying to communicate with the colony.

“Before he could find the answer, a plague struck and crippled the colony. Then enraged and fearful colonists accused Bob of being the carrier!” [From the back cover]

Sea Siege – Menace from the Ocean’s Floor
Cover art by Ed Valigursky

“On a bleak little island in the West Indies, Griff Gunston faced many baffling questions. Why were so many small island cruisers adrift and abandoned? Why was the sea disease that Griff’s scientist father was investigating radioactive? Why were the colonies of octopi growing larger and becoming so strangely organized and daring?

“Before the answers could be found, civilization blanked out beyond the isolated island. Atomic attack had left the little group isolated, alone in a world gone silent, in a world about to endure the terrors of atomic fall-out and total devastation.

“But before Griff was to find the answers to the manmade terror, he learned that still another danger had come – the danger from the ocean floor where a new and competing type of intelligence was prepared to seize the world for itself.” [Prologue]

"Often called the Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Andre Norton (1912-2005) wrote novels for more than 70 years. She had a profound influence on the entire genre, having more than 300 published titles read by at least four generations of science fiction and fantasy readers and writers" -- Wikipedia