Switching to fantasy and science fiction, we kick things off with a poem by Harry Warner, Jr. An early SF enthusiast, Warner is primarily known for his non-fiction works on the history of the genre, particularly on fandom. His poem “If—1939” (originally published in the fanzine Le Zombie) perfectly encapsulates the fannish enthusiasm of that era. Also featured are fantasies from Adrian Cole and Joseph Payne Brennan, a Golden Age science fiction story by Jay Williams (best known as the co-creator of the kid scientist Danny Dunn), and an engaging SF novel from Frank Belknap Long.
Here’s this issue’s complete lineup:
Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure:
“The Matzo Ball Killer,” by Dave Zeltserman [Michael Bracken Presents short story]
“The Chocolate Cupcake Caper,” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery]
“Going Home,” by S.J. Rozan [Barb Goffman Presents short story]
“The Slantwise Scales of Justice,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [short story]
The Starvel Hollow Tragedy, by Freeman Wills Crofts [novel]
Science Fiction & Fantasy:
“If—1939,” by Harry Warner, Jr. [poem]
“A Girl and Her Doll,” by Adrian Cole [short story]
“The Horror at Chilton Castle,” by Joseph Payne Brennan [short story]
“Beast of Prey,” by Jay Williams [short story]
Woman from Another Planet, by Frank Belknap Long [novel]