DISCUSSIONS
In this department we shall discuss every month topics of interest to readers. The editors invite correspondence on all subjects directly or indirectly related to the stories appearing in this magazine.
A Most Amusing Letter, Not Really Scolding
Editor, Amazing Stories:
I staggered drunkenly and leaned up against the magazine store window for support. No, I wasn't sufferng from hallucinations or disillusions—there it was, the June issue of Amazing. I immediately rushed in and purchased it. The reason for my surprise was the date—only March 27. I believe this establishes a record of some sort—imagine it, March 27, almost a week ahead of time. I wish Amazing would arrive at the newsstands early every issue.
The stories as usual were all excellent, outstanding or what have you. As for the star story in this issue I choose "The Isle of Juvenescence." Although the idea isn't exactly original, Olsen's method of exchanging brains is. Switching brains by means of the fourth dimension—that is original.
Closely following comes "Luvium Under the Sand." Any reader who complains about the lack of action and human interest in the magazine after reading this tale should be disintegrated or haunted by some dimensional monstrosities.
"When the Meteor Struck" was an interesting short, but I have a complaint to make against this yarn. Excerpted from page 77, line 4. "Of major planets, this system has eight in addition to numerous satellites—" I credit Mr. Burt with more intelligence than he displays in this story. In fact I'm sure he unintentionally made this obvious mistake. Possibly it is the printer's fault—but someone is to blame. A juvenile reader who doesn't have any knowledge of solar system, would be under the impression, after reading this tale, that there are only eight planets. I am sure it was an unintentional mistake.
"The Sword of Akalah"—usual stuff. Bad peoples will not believe what poor hero tells them, thus sending him to the "bug house." The excellent writing made up for the hackneyed plot however. Deserves and needs a sequel.
Is my face red? Among the letters in this months discussions is one from Willis Conover, Jr., who protests against readers using the term "mag." In the same issue is a letter from yours truly using the aforementioned term.
Taking the cover into consideration; the scene and colors—very good. Who says Morey isn't improving? His inside illustration for "The Sword of Akalah" was a masterpiece. It was drawn perfectly to the smallest detail.
I ask you Dr. Sloane, how would you feel if the printer made a mistake and wrote B. O'Connor Slane Ph. D. editor? Well, that is exactly how Wm. Lemkin feels, for in glaring type on the cover is the words "Beyond the Stratosphere" by William Lemke, Ph. D. There is also a trivial mistake in the spelling of A. R. McKenzie's name.
I hope you do not take these criticisms as those of an ill-natured crank, for they are not meant to be so. After all if no one ever pointed out your mistakes, the magazine would never improve.
In closing, I express the desire to see more of Keller's narratives among the pages of Amazing Stories.
Yours sincerely,
Robert A. Madge,
333 E. Belgrade St.,
Philadelphia, Penna.
(The editor is not sure whether Pluto is a really major planet. It is very probable that more planets will be discovered in time. As far as we are concerned, the term "mag" for Amazing Stories is more than allowable—we like it, and shall hope to see it often. You have noticed the term "Our Magazine" used by writers of letters. This too we like. Thanks for your criticisms.—Editor.)
A Nice Gossipy Letter, Principally About
the June Issue
Editor, Amazing Stories:
As a starter about the June issue, I'll take the cover, this cover is better than the April cover, and I thought the April cover was a sight for sore eyes, if Morey keeps this up, he'll be getting somewhere. However, there was one thing I did not like about the illustration, that was the buildings, why, oh why does Morey have the same buildings on almost every one of his
