Transcribe
Translate
Alchemist, v. 1, issue 4, December 1940
Page 24
More information
digital collection
archival collection guide
transcription tips
24 ALCHEMIST love of the fantasy. I can read dozens of modern fiction stories -- yes, thousands -- which are made prosaic. Therefore I object to reading an "astounding" story to find the astounding portions mentioned only as necessary part of the plot, while the ordinary emotions and commonplace reactions of the characters are given detailed elaboration. Evidence of this trend toward psychology-interest might be found in FINAL BLACKOUT, THE ROAD MUST ROLL, IF THIS GOES ON, and COVENTRY. A. E. Van Vogt is developing a psychological slant in SLAN, but in a very entertaining fashion. I do not mean to insinuate that the stories mentioned above are not all entertaining, for they are. I do, however, deplore the retreat from fantasy and the embracing of mere characterization as the primary purpose in the stories. FINAL BLACKOUT barely had any business being found in a scientifiction magazine, in my estimation. It was too logical, too UN-ASTOUNDING, to belong in Astounding. Yet it is by far Hubbard's best work and he deserves a big hand for writing such a searching narrative. The writing quality of the stories in ASTOUNDING has been steadily improving. The thrillingness of the plots, so to speak, being neglected. Even so, Astounding rates right close to the top among the present crop of publications. Every once in a while an exciting situation slips through to remind the old fans of the old days. The illustrations are taking on a dignified ashamedly prosaic appearance, too. They attempt to be natural and give the impression that the artist is aware of the fact that he is illustrating a fan-
Saving...
prev
next
24 ALCHEMIST love of the fantasy. I can read dozens of modern fiction stories -- yes, thousands -- which are made prosaic. Therefore I object to reading an "astounding" story to find the astounding portions mentioned only as necessary part of the plot, while the ordinary emotions and commonplace reactions of the characters are given detailed elaboration. Evidence of this trend toward psychology-interest might be found in FINAL BLACKOUT, THE ROAD MUST ROLL, IF THIS GOES ON, and COVENTRY. A. E. Van Vogt is developing a psychological slant in SLAN, but in a very entertaining fashion. I do not mean to insinuate that the stories mentioned above are not all entertaining, for they are. I do, however, deplore the retreat from fantasy and the embracing of mere characterization as the primary purpose in the stories. FINAL BLACKOUT barely had any business being found in a scientifiction magazine, in my estimation. It was too logical, too UN-ASTOUNDING, to belong in Astounding. Yet it is by far Hubbard's best work and he deserves a big hand for writing such a searching narrative. The writing quality of the stories in ASTOUNDING has been steadily improving. The thrillingness of the plots, so to speak, being neglected. Even so, Astounding rates right close to the top among the present crop of publications. Every once in a while an exciting situation slips through to remind the old fans of the old days. The illustrations are taking on a dignified ashamedly prosaic appearance, too. They attempt to be natural and give the impression that the artist is aware of the fact that he is illustrating a fan-
Hevelin Fanzines
sidebar
