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Shangri-La, July 1941
Page 7
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--------------------------------------------------------------------- SHANGRI-LA PAGE 7 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Virgil Finlay, by his exceptionally fine work in wierd illustrations had quickly carved a niche for himself. O the strength of this the ardent Institutionists pleaded, argued, and demanded to have him appear in science fiction. After much pressure (presumably), Campbell let Finlay do a cover. Despite all the excuses Finlay devotees care to make, there is no denying that Virgil fell down badly on the job. His effort was easily the second worst on ASTOUNDING for many years back -- the worst being Frew's effort. You will notice that Finlay hasn't been back since, and I doubt if he ever will be. The newcomers were still arolling however. On UNKNOWN Campbell had experimented with Scott for a while, until Cartier was casually brought in for a few interiors. And when Edd took time out for THE SHADOW and did a cover, I think Campbell knew his prayers had been answered. In this instance, too, the Institutionists remained quiet. It seems that they are only extremely active when they request the alterations or make the changes. For instance, Hannes Bok was "discovered" and a rave notice went out which gave the "I's" spotted favor for weeks. The foregoing should suffice for a rough summary of events up to the present, excluding, in the main, interior artists. How to evaluate the changes and the work produced. After the trial and error period on ASTOUNDING, it is evident that Campbell knew what he was doing to retain Rogers. The first cover for "Gray Lensman" brought forth due praise, and the recent run of increasingly good covers which culminate (to date) in the August 1940 issue, prove without a doubt that Rogers has come to stay. This spaceship cover is by far the finest, most natural contribution to futuristic art work that has yet been done. None of the Institutions yet have ever closely paralelled it with all their years of experience---and they've had some fine efforts at times. Cartier will, I think, prove to be one of the finest "buys" fantasy-literature has yet seen. He is gifted with an insight into
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--------------------------------------------------------------------- SHANGRI-LA PAGE 7 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Virgil Finlay, by his exceptionally fine work in wierd illustrations had quickly carved a niche for himself. O the strength of this the ardent Institutionists pleaded, argued, and demanded to have him appear in science fiction. After much pressure (presumably), Campbell let Finlay do a cover. Despite all the excuses Finlay devotees care to make, there is no denying that Virgil fell down badly on the job. His effort was easily the second worst on ASTOUNDING for many years back -- the worst being Frew's effort. You will notice that Finlay hasn't been back since, and I doubt if he ever will be. The newcomers were still arolling however. On UNKNOWN Campbell had experimented with Scott for a while, until Cartier was casually brought in for a few interiors. And when Edd took time out for THE SHADOW and did a cover, I think Campbell knew his prayers had been answered. In this instance, too, the Institutionists remained quiet. It seems that they are only extremely active when they request the alterations or make the changes. For instance, Hannes Bok was "discovered" and a rave notice went out which gave the "I's" spotted favor for weeks. The foregoing should suffice for a rough summary of events up to the present, excluding, in the main, interior artists. How to evaluate the changes and the work produced. After the trial and error period on ASTOUNDING, it is evident that Campbell knew what he was doing to retain Rogers. The first cover for "Gray Lensman" brought forth due praise, and the recent run of increasingly good covers which culminate (to date) in the August 1940 issue, prove without a doubt that Rogers has come to stay. This spaceship cover is by far the finest, most natural contribution to futuristic art work that has yet been done. None of the Institutions yet have ever closely paralelled it with all their years of experience---and they've had some fine efforts at times. Cartier will, I think, prove to be one of the finest "buys" fantasy-literature has yet seen. He is gifted with an insight into
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