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MAY 1978 BONUS ISSUE!! NUMBER 25 REVIEW

$1 ‘ 50 Interviews: GEORGE SCITHERS - URSULA K. LE GUIN FLYING SAUCERS & THE STYMIE FACTOR By Ray Palmer

LARRY NIVEN - JACK CHALKER - - PHILIP JOSE FARMER -

ONE IMMORTAL MAN ! . 2 .

:: I- E • “E=,-iEN FABIAN - ONE IMMORTAL MAN SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW Formerly THE ALIEN CRITIC 97211 TjjOUGHTS BY THE EDITOR A May, 1978—Vol. 7, No. RICHARD E. GEIS, editor & publisher INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE SCITHERS WHOLE NUMBER 25 CONDUCTED BY . .11

282-0381 PHONE: (503) PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS—THREE VIEWS. . .14 JAN., MARCH, MAY, JULY, SEPT., NOV. JACK CHALKER GEORGE WARREN RICHARD E. GEIS SINGLE COPY $1.50

REVIEWS SMALL PRESS NOTES by the editor.. 19 CLOSE ENCOUNTERS 14 THE TANGENT FACTOR .31 THE ALTER-EGO VIEWPOINT WYRD #7 19 '79 31 BY RICHARD E. GEIS & ALTER 27 THE CRASH OF THE DIVERSIFIER ....19 THINGS TO COME 31 WINDHAVEN #3, #4 19 INTERVIEW WITH POUL ANDERSON THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SF AND FAN- CONDUCTED BY ELTON T. ELLIOTT. .. .32 COVER-UP LOWDOWN 20 TASY, VOL. 2 ZIPPY STORIES .....20 THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF OCCULTISM & PARAPSYCHOLOGY REPORTS FROM ALTERNATE 666 GREAT DIGGS... 20 BY RICHARD E. GEIS.. 42 BLOOD ...20 SHAMPOO. TAXI DRIVER...... SPECULATIVE POETRY REVIEW i;2 20

OTHER . VOICES book reviews by DIGEST A3 .20 LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR , STEVE BROWN, ROBERT THE BILLION DOLLAR HOBO. FRAZIER, LEE WEINSTEIN, PAUL WEIRDBOOK #12. .20 MCGUIRE III, MARK MANSELL... 52 NYCTALOPS #13 20 DREAMS...... THE GOTHIC HORROR AND OTHER OPHIUCHI HOTLINE. !. THE VIVSECTOR .20 ASCENTS OF WONDER BY DARRELL SCHWEITZER 56 THE TWO OF THEM 27 STAR SONGS OF AN OLD PRIMATE FLYING SAUCERS & THE STYMIE FACTOR THE JONAH KIT 28 THE DREAM DETECTIVE BY RAY PALMER 60 SEADEMONS ....28 BATTLE CIRCLE ZANDRA...... 28 DARKNESS WEAVES INTERVIEW WITH URSULA K. LE GUIN CONDUCTED BY MARK P. HASELKORN. .72 IN MAYAN SPLENDOR 29 19 A FAR SUNSET 29 THE RETURN OF SKULL FACE

THE WEB OF THE CHOZEN 29 THE DEVIL IN A FOREST SPROCKET TO ME! ! SF, FANTASY & HORROR FILM NEWS GRAVEN IMAGES 30 BY BILL WARREN...... 75 THE ILLUSTRATED .... 30 OUR FRIENDS FROM FROLIX 8 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE ARTIST 30 YELLOW ONE IMMORTAL MAN part one THE KING IN A SCIENCE FICTION LAW AND THE WRITER 30 PAST MASTER BY RICHARD E. GEIS .....78 ALIEN FLESH

A WINTER WISH AND OTHER POEMS. . .59 I HEAR VOICES. . . record reviews ISSN: 0036-8377 BY THE EDITOR 92 CAEDMON SF RECORDINGS .92

THE HUfra HOTLINE THE ALIEN CRITIC SF NEWS BY ELTON T. ELLIOTT 93 SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW Available in microform from: OXFORD MICROFORM PUBLICATIONS LTD Wheatsheaf Yard, Blue Boar Street Oxford 0X1 4EY

Science Fiction Review is published at 1525 NE Ainsworth, Portland, OR 97211 NO ADVERTISING WILL BE ACCEPTED Copyright Q 1978 by Richard Second Class Postage Paid E. Geis. All rights are hereby at Portland, OR 97208 assigned to the contributors. ————6 )

LETTERS

PETER WESTON... 4, 25 SUBSCRIPTIONS • Next Issue..... KLAUS BOSCHEN .4 AN INTERVIEW WITH LARRY NIVEN For One and Two Years AN SF EDITOR...... 5 AN INTERVIEW WITH GORDON R. At Six-Issues-Per-Year Schedule PHILLIP L. KENT 5 DICKSON : $7.50 One Year GEORGE WARREN . .5,7, 94 "FEE-DOM ROAD" BY RICHARD HENRY KLUMP (GUESS WHO!) $15.00 Two Years DARRELL SCHWEITZER 6, 9 " LEVEL" A COLUMN BY RON LAMBERT ...... 9 CANADA*: US$8.00 One Year JOHN BRUNNER US$16.00 Two Years WM. J. DENHOLM III 10 ONE IMMORTAL MAN PART TWO *Canadians may pay with personal MARTY LEVINE.... 10 cheques in the chequing acct. num- "THE VI VI SECTOR" BY DARRELL ber on their cheques is printed in 16 SCHWEITZER computer numerals. (Thus we become HARLAN ELLISON 16 "SPROCKET TO ME" BY BILL slaves to the needs of the Machine. WARREN ARNE EASTMAN ...... 17 UNITED KINGDOM: Send pound equiva - "THE HUMAN HOTLINE" BY ELTON GEORGE PETERSON, JR.. 18 lent of US$8.00 One Year ELLIOTT US$16.00 Two Years JOHN BOARDMAN ...... 18 PLUS FABIAN, GILLILAND, CAN- to agent WM. DAWSON $ SONS LAURIE W. JOHNSON. 18 FIELD, ROTSLER, ETC. ETC.... Cannon House Folkestone, Kent, IAN COVELL...... 18 CT19 5EE or write them for current quote. DALE R . GOWIN ...... 21 INTERIOR ART- CURRENT AND BACK ISSUES OF TAC AND CHET CLINGAN 19, 22 TIM kirk 2, 4, 27, 96 SFR ARE AVAILABLE FROM: FANTAST (MEDWAY) LTD. 22 G ri! rtsvVw*# 39 West Street, DEAN R . LAMBE ...... 23 42, 45, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 52, 53, Wisbech, Cambs., PE.13 2LX ROY TACKETT 23 54, 58, 60, 62, 65, 66, 68, 71, 72, 73, 7d, 93, 94 74 AUSTRALIA: A$8.00 One Year ED MESKYS ...... 24 A$14.00 Two Years harry bell — to agent SPACE AGE BOOKS AVEDON CAROL 24 RANDY MOHR 14, 25 305-307 Swanston St. JAMES MCQUADE 22 55 59 ALEXIS GILLILAND...... 24 Melbourne, 3000 Vic. BILL ROTSLER 23, 41, HARRY ANDRUSCHAK 25 GEORGE FOSTER 26 ALL OTHER FOREIGN: US$8.00 One Year JASON KEEHN 40 ROBERT OLSEN. 25 US$16.00 Two Years > ROBERT WHITAKER 56 All foreign subscriptions must be RON MONTANA 25 64 paid in US$ cheques or money orders 78 LYNNE HOLDOM 26 except to agents. JOHN-HENRI HOLMBERG 38

PHILIP JOSE FARMER. . .' 40 MAKE ALL CHECKS, CHEQUES AND MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO SCIENCE CHARLES PLATT ...... 69 And Beyond.... FICTION REVIEW DAINIS BISENIEKS 69

DAVID TAGGART ...... 70 SAVE A HASSLE AND EXTRA EXPENSE BUZZ DIXON ...... 70 AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN BRUNNER IF YOU MOVE WE NEED YOUR FORMER GRANT CANFIELD 71 ZIPCODE AND YOUR NEW COMPLETE AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MOOR- ADDRESS. 71 COCK DON WOOD. .71 AN INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN FABIAN You'll PEVEf JOHN MILLARD...... 71 INTERVIEW WITH JACK CHALKER* AN old zip GrEtsf L .ELAND SAP I RO 71 AN INTERVIEW WITH TERRY * AMY FALKOWITZ. .74 AN INTERVIEW WITH C.J. CHERRYH** MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY 74 AN INTERVIEW. WITH *

PATRICIA MATHEWS 92 "OCCASIONALLY MENTIONING SCIENCE FICTION" BY DARRELL SCHWEITZER JON HARVEY. 95 STAR WHORES* A NOVEL BY REG ...... 95 *In preparation JIM CORRICK, GAY MILLER 95 **Anticipated

DELAYED CREDIT for the illustra- tion on page 36 of SFR #24 is due Tad Markham. ******************************** .

( ( ONE IMMORTAL MAN is convert- ALIEN THOUGHTS ed into chapters three opening and one last with an outline of intervening action to novel length I'd better get in touch to let and is presently in the hands of you know that the rumour of our a large paperback house. Has been demise is, as they say, somewhat for nine weeks. But it may be exaggerated. that Vik Kunzer is too damned that 'All that's happened is savage, ruthless and sex-obsessed I've great difficulty in get- had to be a commercially viable SF stories of a suitable stand- ting Hero. We shall see. If the par- that I'm very ard, with the result tial is returned I may indeed to late in sending the manuscript serialize the novel in SFR for publisher (who is getting very the the hell of it, and to get him . The cross with me as a result) out of my system.)) intention is to continue with fu- ture books, probably on an annual basis unless something dramatic # LETTER FROM KLAUS BOSCHEN happens. I must say that I'd nev- er realized how many bad SF manu- Jan 2, 1978

scripts were floating around be- 'Re. SFR 23; I approve of the fore I started this job! increase of interviews featured. 'Please put a comment somewhere Interviews interest me the inSFRthatl'm still looking for ma- most as far as the content of fan- terial for #3 and future books, zines are concerned. Robert .Anton paying in the region 2-3<(: per word Wilson's reviews reflect a world- for first British rights only. view that might be labelled cosmic BY THE EDITOR (Still wish you'd sequel "One Im- materialism, making somewhat puzzl- mortal Man.") ' ing his categorization of Martin Gardner as "high priest of the ( (I managed to squeeze in a Materialist Church." Wilson, Leary -7-78 The copy for SFR 24 went notiae from Futura last issue that 1 and Gardner all share the basic as- screaming to the printer yester- the series was still alive, and am sumption of materialism which is day, clawing at its folder, yowl- happy now to present further word. that human consciousness a pro- ing something about going naked My British informant was mistaken. is duct of the neurological processes into a cold world. . . It struck ( (I have had the recurrent of the brain and to a lesser ex- me that I give birth to a new desire to publish an all- fiction tent the other physiological pro- child every three months. zine, BOLD SCIENCE FICTION (or IR- cesses of the human body. This Maybe fortunately, the liter- RESPONSIBLE SCIENCE FICTION TALES) conception of Man has as its anti- ary children of editors and writ- but good sense always prevails as I thesis the spiritualist's view of ers never grow up, never mature, knew I’ll be flooded with bad mss. Man as a non-physical spiritual but exist like photographs, a cap- the moment I announce the magazine. controlling a body via the tured, encapsulated world of obser- No matter how specific I might be mind. Wilson and Gardner are both vation and belief. in slant desired, I'd get ISO, 000 members of the same Church despite And then, another issue, an- slush-pile mss. Not even if I any other differences of viewpoint.' other story, is begun. As now. said 'by invitation only'. So Alter’ s publishing venture is a ( (I think you make a good no-go. # The format of this issue is point. It ' s the old mind-over- going to be a bit different as I ((If I stopped publishing SFR matter faith vs. mind-is-matter. phase down and diminish the pres- I'd be writing sf. But I find it I am with the mind-is-matter be- ence of non-Geis contributors. extremely difficult to manage both lievers, and the 'Science fiction" "Alien Thoughts," for instance, at the same time. I would have to I read that treats mind as immater- experimentally, this issue, will structure-in fiction writing with ial, capable of out-of-body exist- encompass my editor's diary and SFR... run a serial or a novelet in ence and easy transfer to alien include letters. "Prozine Notes," each issue... so that I'd be forced or other human bodies, is very hard "Small Press Notes," "The Archiv- to write say one SFR page column for me to accept. It is supemat- es," "The Alter-Ego Viewpoint," of sf per day to fill a huge gap uralism. and spiritualism and fan- possibly "And Then I read..." and in each issue, in order to make tasy dressed up in sf's clothes. current event commentary ("Reports the fiction and SFR cohabit in my ((I think this trend is pollut- From Alternate Earth #666") will life. Putting in 15-20,000 words ing the precious bodily fluids of appear in separate columns and of my fiction per issue would make the genre, indicates lack of moral departments. It makes for great- SFR a truly one-man-show (with per- fibre, cowardice and. . . . and. . . er variety in layouts and makes haps one interview and letters the lack of discipline !)) for easier special- interest read- only outside presence) . I might ing and finding. try it after I've worked down the large backlog of in-hand and coming interviews and articles. Maybe in 1979. Believe it or not, Alter-Ego # LETTER FROM PETER WESTON has his STAR WHORES (I prefer MURD- ER ON STAR SHIP 469 as a title) - Chuck Garvin of Garvin § 28 December, 1977 1 11-78 novel outlined, and perhaps 1979 Levin, Booksellers, called last 'One or two people have writ- would be a good time to let him night to tell me that Don Day was ten asking what's happened to the do it for SFR publication. in the hospital with very severe ANDROMEDA series, apparently fol- kidney failure. lowing a note in SFR. I thought 4 Old-timers will remember Don's ' . . ) ' ) ' '

excellent , THE FANSCIENT gram at Ft. Steilicom (sp?) , Wash- reason the one with Piers Anthony from the early fifties, and the ington, which uses a therapeutic sticks in the mind: strong, flavor- DAY INDEX of sf stories. community/reality approach (they ful, emotional, an arrrsting self- supposedly have a 90% cure rate portrait by a brilliant man I cert- which is phenomenal for any type ainly wouldn't want to be; it's hard # LETTER FROM AN SF EDITOR of mental health program) enough being me) . I could have used

' Knowing your indirect inter- more REG this time and look forward January 1978 3, est in the field of sex offenders, to 25 if Alter is going to take over 'As it stands, I find two fun- you may be interested in knowing (all power to the BEM soviet!). damental problems with this story that as far as Minnesota is con- 'Your piece on the hype (glad to hear you liked the ( ( the novel partial ONE IMMORTAL cerned, there is no such thing as MAN)) for publication by a female sex offender, and thus flick; I thought you would ) is First it is pornographic by that does net treat them. It is also right on target and reminded me of I mean there is much explicit sex of interest to note that many of something MAD did on the Davy Crock- that does not particularly advance our residents are heavily into ett hype some years ago, offering for the story. Secondly, the hero which tends to rein- sale things like Davy Crockett ath- makes too damn many mistakes to force many of their actions which lete's foot disinfectant and a met- have lived as long as he has. Mak- got them here in the first place al-lathe part called a Davy Crockett ing love with an emissary from the (we have to assume that we, of revolving jaw follower rest, or enemy, foresooth. Also, he has course, have a consensual (cough) whatever. either too many morals, or not e- definition of pornography) , but ( (Alter and I are now co-edit- nough. I think his character the magazines that probably tend ing SFR, in secret. I don’t tell should be explored more completely to do them the most harm are the him what I'm doing, and he doesn’t (so should the society for whose ones like MASTER DETECTIVE and tell me his moves. Yes, #25 ought developement he is largely respon- POLICE GAZETTE and the like that to be an interesting issue )) ' -- sible) . merge sex with violence from our standpoint the latter are 'I could have used more Gilli- ( (So, what is bought and prais- greatly more anti -therapeutic land, too... and will be sorry when ed in England is rejected in the than the former. Be interested the "Cover-Up Lowdown" feature runs U.S.A. And what one editor objects . ' in hearing your views. . ou.t . to another does not...

((This sort of thing drives ( (Anti-social behavior is an- ( (The "Cover-Up Lowdown’/s were authors crazy. ti-person behavior, and of course all used up in 24. No more left. ( (And so, foresooth, I have in is caused by lack of emotional All gone. ) my infinite egotism and rage-at- controls, lack of early 'taming' 'I don't know what else- Roger being-rejected decided to go a- of the essentially solipsist in- Elwood still has going in sf. He head and serialize ONE IMMORTAL fant mind. So whatever the type does have a comic book for Whitman MAN in SFR, starting this issue. of offending, unwanted behavior, on sf, and he is the packager of You will read the third first of the insufficiently self-disciplin- the "Doc Smith" series Stephen - the novel here and decide for ed buried infant mind has to be in is writing for, uh, is it Jove?' yourselves if the sex is too ex- made to realize its limits and plicit, if the hero is too mis- the existence-as-persons and rights ((No, Pyramid.)) take prone... I will make no of other human bodies. 'Local sf news: Sherwood Oaks changes the version published from (I do not think exposure to Experimental College is offering an in England . . . but I have already pornography causes offensive sex- sf special-effects seminar starring made a minor change at the end of ual behavior. I have never heard Trunbull § Dykstra and the rest. a chapter to allow continuation of of a sex mag editor or publisher Bet it is snowed under by Trekkies the story to novel length. The running amok. Nor have I heard of and Wookies (is there a name for sex level and mistake level remain a sex censor showing or admitting the STAR WARS freak? I hereby sug- the same.)) sex offensive behavior as a result gest Wookie) . of his/her intensive exposure to sex material. ( (Perfect, since Wookies always # LETTER FROM PHILLIP L. KENT ((It is that solipsist infant win. ) who cannot stand frustration or December 19, 1977 'Also: Bradbury's CHRONICLES admission of failure who is behind play is back, this time at hard- 'So who in hell is writing you ’ most 'anti-social behavior and who ticket prices on Wilshire near Fair- from Minnesota Security Hospital? is the real sociopath personality fax the sold-out first run, in a Me, of course, but as a staff mem- But society loves to blame the tiny equity-waiver place, was way ber rather than a resident. As is symptom and the material associated the hell out in Glendale and will stored somewhere in your with the symptom, rather than go on a national tour soon, with bank I am a modern-day equivalent face the cause. . .because the cause Paul Gregory taking over as "pro- of a miracle worker, that is a so impossible cope with and is to ducer" (don't I remember him from psychologist, and, marvelous to admit. )) the Laughton tour of DON JUAN IN say, my job includes evaluation HELL and from JOHN BROWN'S BODY?). and treatment of sex offenders, Will also be a TV miniseries. this the being only state run pro- 'Dean Koontz seems to have mov- gram in Minnesota. LETTER FROM GEORGE WARREN ed to L.A. and joined my Mystery 'The psychological profiles 20 Jan 78 Writers of America chapter but I are such of many of the offenders have yet to meet him. He is sell- 'SFR 24 in and as usual deserv- that we would not lebel them men- ing everything he does in five to ing of many a superlative, although tally ill in the strict sense of six figures now. the word, but mostly anti-social the mix on 23 was a hard, hard act personalities and/or sociopaths to follow, being full of Geis and ((I don’t know how to explain and the like. hard-hitting interviews (for some Dean Koontz’ s success to myself. 'We are modelled after a pro- He has gone from writing bad sf to 5 ) ' , -

"Eh!" mainstream occult and main- and consider giving the old tub a sider that the author gets an al- stream sf. He knows all the commer- new paint job and seeing if it'll most guaranteed anthologisation float again. It's virtually the (and extra money) in the Dale Books cial writing tricks and angles , as THE VISIOH shows, but there is only Occam's Razor explanation reprint series. (These are vir- little in his writing to think about which makes sense of the positively tually reprints of whole issues in and admire except his obvious indecent haste with which the butch paperback, to be sold thru depart- command of the fast-paced Commercial chickies are taking up the discard- ment stores f) other places beyond Style and right choice of material. ed leavings of the no-longer-overt the range of the magazine audience. ( (He was a low-paid teacher in ly-macho male and struggling to So far it's working.) This, I Pennsylvania, he wrote a few ho-hum piece together a coherent feminist think, gives me a good idea of what science-fantasy , wrote a few philosophy out of ideological slop- sort of material is floating around reviews for SEE, an article for SEE, py seconds . these days, now that we're on the and then seemed to make a conscious verge of a boom in the field. ( (Wow. However, and but, I decision to By God Write Money, 'Frankly, I'm worried. The im- For do not think you are aware of exact- and did gust that and became pression I get is that many of the a ly where Jessica is coming from, consumate hack; that extreme- best writers, including the big is, an figuratively as well as literally. ly well-paid- hack. finds of the past decade, are eith- Jessica is a transsexual. Formerly ((I don't intend him er not writing, or not writing very to put down Amos. She may be uniquely qualified like this, admire him, much. Some have gone on to write j but his to speak on male-female relation- cold-blooded novels. A few are not writing decision and ability ships. I hardly think she is envi- to do the deed repels me for nearly as well as they used to. But ous of the penis, since she willing- some reason. I don't envy him the the result bf this is there is not ly had one cut money. I resent that he gets so off. enough publishable short material ( (On the other hand she may be much for what I consider merely to fill existing markets. We've compensating a bit by being a super competent work.)) often discussed what would happen feminist because of feelings of in- if the magazine were to go monthly 'Incidentally, I called the security in her womanhood. without using serials (something we Bradbury play people about review ( (Anybody remember when Myra, don't want to do) and the general comps and was told they already had in MIRA BRECKINRIDGE, trapped a man consensus is that we could not fill enough good reviews. La de da! No in a certain position and gave him the pages if we did. Here we are comps for nobody. a taste with a dildo in the of at the top of the market and we are anus ? That movie was ahead of its 'Jessica Amanda Salmonson: "It lucky to get one submission from a time . is all well and good to demand the ) SFWA member a week. Stories from test, 'turn it around and see if it such minor names as Stephen Leigh

works, ' but in some cases the test stand out as the biggies. Sometimes proves nothing. Men really DO rape LETTER FROM DARRELL SCHWEITZER a week or more goes by and we don't women the most a woman can do is Jan 25, 1978 buy anything , even though maybe blow the fucker away with a twelve- three hundred manuscripts from un- 'Somebody in SFR 24 mentions gauge." Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Will knowns have passed through our that the magazine is so compulsively you read me that one again, there, hands . I understand that ANALOG is readable that it gets read even when sweetie-pie? I thought we had con- in the same situation, and a look it shouldn't. Right now I_ should be signed to the Victorian junkpile to the current (February) FfjSF re- writing the final draft of my Borgo forever the Fate Far, Far Worse veals a shortage of science fiction Press Lovecraft treatise, which is Than Death. And here it is back there too. Only three sf stories, monstroudly overdue (the first time again: murder as a secondrate sub- none of them very good. (The Wel- I ever attempted anything to order stitute for rape. len was good, but only marginally beyond very short lengths I had 'Jesus Christ, Richard. The sf.) Now when Scithers and I dis- no idea how long it would take) finest known argument for the corny agree it's usually because he in- but every time I settle down to it old Penis Envy concept is what hap- tends to buy something I don't the zine slithers across pens to Diesel dolly when the sub- think is good enough. (In a year f) I read more of it. It definitely ject of rape comes up. It doesn't slithers now in the all newsprint matter how good you can do your format, there being nothing stiff John Wayne imitation, swaggering enough to hold it up. When it had and singing bass, if, when the heavy covers it used to walk. . . So chips are down, that bulge in your anyway I must blame you for wrecking basket is four of five hankies and my career. I always end up reading not the authentic schlong. And parts of the issue, then going hell hath no fury like the macho- through to fill in the gaps, until macho-in-the-crotcho feminist who I've read it all. discovers that not even a Steely Dan dildo strapped to her pubis is 'You have touched upon a very go'ing to help her rape a male. Hor- important problem pp. 56-57. As rors! She has to settle for second you know I've been involved with best, and that happens to be fanta- 'S SF MAG for about a sizing about bloody murder and play- year now. The masthead calls me ing dreadfully banal old Freudian and a few others assistant editors. games in which guns deputize for As you also probably know, the ASI- pricks. If we are going to dust MOV'S contract has been so revised off old white-elephant-sale mater- as a result of negotiations with ial like The Penis As Weapon and SFWA that it shouldn't scare any- haul Victorian junque like the Fate body off. (Anthology use now non- Far, Far Worse Than Death out of exclusive.) We pay the highest mothballs, then we have no choice rates in the field when you con- but to visit Penis Envy in drydock 6 ' .

I can only recall three instances ation are vastly different from 'This is the one about how sf in the other direction, only one of mass market stuff. overexpanded c. 1953 and killed off which I felt was really strong.) I its market. (I have heard the ad- ( (Seems like when a writer at- think much of what we print is less vent of television adduced to ex- tracts some attention, writes a doz- than wholly satisfactory, although plain the death of the sf-mag boom, en good stories, has talent, he/she probably better than much of what and that one won't wash either.) is lured by the big money in books appears elsewhere. Better material The truth is that ALL the magazines and stops writing short stories. even for a got in serious trouble this time, isn't to be had, 5-6cf And the established Names are all publish- not just the sf mags which had "ov- word. Even more marginally bent under the weight of book con- Thus erexpanded." LIFE and LOOK and the able material isn't to be had. tracts for the next few years...)) the phenomenon never SATEVEPOST faltered and began to of die, and -- hmm? -- wasn't that a- ceases to astound me. Sure most March 15, 1978 it was just marginal, but where did bout the time COLLIER'S died with he get it? To buy a higher percent- 'The submissions to ASIMOV'S come a circulation of around three mil- age than we do would require lower- in waves. Sometimes they are appall- lion? And ALL the pulps went under ing standards below acceptable lev- ingly few. Sometimes we're almost almost overnight. And the mag busi- full up. Feast famine. I ness has never truly recovered from els . § think 'This vacuum at the top means, more famine will come when we go what happened, and mag fiction was of course, that there is no end to monthly. By the way, we have a com- already beginning to breathe its opportunity for new writers. In panion mag, ASIMOV'S SF ADVENTURE, last our next issues we have seven nev- which is a 8-1/2 x 11 neo-PLANET 'What happened? Read two para- er-before-published authors. (Six STORIES. I know that format has graphs on the middle of the page on stories, one a collaboration.) That been fatal in the past, but this p.31 of "The Publishing of Science beats UNEARTH right there. But how zine is somewhat juvenile and heav- Fiction"in Bretnor's SCIENCE FICTION: many of these new authors can be- ily (25%) illustrated, § designed to TODAY AND TOMORROW, Penguin, 1975. come regulars We think we have survive in the dollar comic niche Ignore Pohl's addendum about TV three or four who can. Some of our on the stands. 1st issue in June weakening the mag ad market; sf best first stories (e.g. the one will have a Stainless Steel Rat nov- mags never had any ads to speak of by Sally Sellers) have never been el by Harrison, a Poul Anderson PLAN- anyhow. What happened was that the followed up. ET reprint, Alan Dean Foster, f) more. benign monopoly of the ANC was de- 'It seems virtually impossible 2nd (November) has a lead novel by stroyed overnight, leaving^mag dis- to find someone who can present a Joe § Jay Haldeman. Each issue one tribution in a state of chaos from future society believably. Alien novel (35-40,000), one novelet, which it has never, ever recovered. worlds are usually about as large shorts. Still most stories bought Almost overnight every major Ameri- and diverse as Wilmington, Delaware, for either mag are by unknowns. 7 can city wound up with its own lit- with or without suburbs. Aliens in current issue, rendering UNEARTH tle petty dictator telling the New themselves seldom differ from humans a bit of a joke. ' York (and other) publishers what in any regard. There is a vast a- they could and could not get into mount of gimmickry but little sin- their city. The Mafia of course moved in heavy and cerity. Characters seldom grow or 1-13-78 Received an address and controls most develop. I'd have to ask someone advertising rate sheet from Dragon- cities, but not on any nationally far more experienced than myself to wood Press who are now, apparently, organized plan. You have to fight find out if this has always been on the verge of resuming publishing your way into Dallas or Denver one the case. But it seems to me the DELAP'S F§SF REVIEW after it was mag at a time. Leo Margulies told sf field was in much better shape tied up in legal difficulties be- me before he died that there was a ten years ago. More major writers cause of disagreements with its period in which Kable News could were writing their best. These previous publisher, . not get one bleeping copy of MIKE days in the short fiction field it Dragonwood promises an exten- SHAYNE into Denver or Salt Lake. seems like every new Varley story sive attempt to promote circula- Right now the Levy Company's Comput- is an Event, and the rest is pretty tion. Lots of luck. er Book Service and Larry Flynt of dull. There are good stories still Depending on your needs, write HUSTLER are fighting like hell to being published, but few outstanding Richard Delap, editor, P.0. Box break this system of local monopol- ones, and a large gray mass of med- 46572, West Hollywood, CA 90046, ies. CBS is doing it by selling iocre material. Most is just bland over the heads of the locals via or and trivial. the chain stores (selling paper- ' I agree with you completely Lydia Marano, publisher, DRAGON- backs to Sears HQ in Chicago rather that the demand will exceed the WOOD PRESS, P.0. Box 46572, West than to each citiy's individual available supply of quality mater- Hollywood, CA 90046. stores) ; this has led to retalia- ial perhaps this has happened tions and will again (ICD/Hearst already and the boom will bust. pulled all Avon Books out of Levy's Some of the more firmly established # LETTER FROM GEORGE WARREN home base area of Chicago, for in- magazines and publishing lines will -- stance) . Now Flynt is doing it Jan. 2, 1978 survive, but the rest will be swept I am not sure just how. He is sell- away. I wouldn't expect AMAZING, 'I really liked the heavy inter- ing over the head of the American FANTASTIC, GALAXY, GALILEO, or the views issue. An excellent addition Restaurant Association, which con- remaining anthologies (especially was the Silverberg prefaces which, trols San Diego, Los Angeles, Or- NEW DIMENSIONS with its lack of a believe it or not, I had thought of ange County, Frisco, and for all I paperback publisher) to survive a suggesting to you for reprint any- know Portland and Seattle; and major bust. VOID is probably too way. In the intro to THE SEED OF somehow he has the muscle to do it. scene far removed from the American EARTH, though, he perpetuates one Who his backer is I do not know but to be involved. It's now turned in- more misconception which ought to it must be somebody with moxie. Any- to a specialty press hardcover an- be corrected somewhere along the how, there are organized challenges thology with a print run of 1500 or line. to the system of little local mon- so. The economics of such an oper- opolies, and when the air clears 7 ' ) ’ ) . — there might be some changes in the ((I'm not as sensitive as you, did, and KILMAN'S LANDING, a truly mag business. I suppose, in re the and superior cliffhanger by William Jud- 'Anyhow, to make a long story apparent man-hate in some sf. If son, who writes like a new Cornell short, sf died because everything I refused to read the fiction of Woolrich. else died. And now we have a na- all the writers with whom I take tion of specialty mags about autos issue... I’d read very little sf. and surfing and photography and My concern is not especially the split beaver, but no general mags content, as the skill. I might at all to speak of. And no fiction decry certain trends in sf, and -- mags at all. Fiction apparently hypocrisies, but from my essential- -- short fiction, anyhow was a hot- ly "alien" Observor role, they be- house flower and could not survive come fascinating sf Event and Phen- l- 25 _ 78 The November GALAXY at the transplant. omena. In short. Good Writing least presented a decent face to weighs more than Wrong Thinking. ' Let me echo everything Marion the public with Wendy Pini's cover read Zimmer Bradley had to say on p.83 I the introduction Ursula illustrating Zelazny's THE COURTS of SFR 23 about "James Tiptree" and wrote for STAR SONGS OF AN OLD i OF CHAOS. PRIMATE, a?id didn't it ob- the Nebula/Hugo awards for "Houston, find But the Dec. /Jan. issue is the jectionable or even Feminist. Houston, Do You Read?" And, by the pits as JJ Pierce, the new editor, So it goes. way, ship MZB a bouquet. It seems ) is forced to resort to amateur art I have been wrong about the lady work due to the extreme reluctance 'BOOKSWEST is all but dead. I and I apologize. And I cannot of professional, skilled artists to got off the boat right after the think of but two things than I'd work for a corporation with such a rats. In a year of reviewing pap- consider more shameful than voting bad reputation for paying contribu- erbacks I must say I had a higher for that story, and one of them is regard for the sf people sent me tors only if forced by legal means writing it and the other is writing than for most of the other categor- (or threat of suit) an adoring feminist preface to the ies, but God almighty, was most of Latest word is that Steve Fabian collection of "Tiptree" in which it it a bum read. There were a few will be back in GALAXY (or on the appeared. Any respect I might have acceptable mysteries (I recommend cover, or both) in the . had for Ursula Le Guin just went Gregory McDonald very highly) and a In the fiction area, GALAXY is utterly out the window, the way it few decent thrillers, but the only into running a Name-writer serial would if I discovered a party- line things I read all year that had any with usually bad shorter fiction by article of hers in the VOELKISCHER promise as "literary" entities were relative or outright unknowns. The BEOBACHTER praising Himmler for be- HAULIN' by Phillip Finch (a very columns and letters are more attrac- ing Aryan. Now that I know where promising book about the long-dis- tive and readable, usually. things stand I can say flatly that tance trucking business) and THE I will never again spend another DISCRETION OF DOMINICK AYRES by # The Del Rey paperback line is nickel on a collection, or magazine, Mathew Vaughn (a kinky thriller set beginning to practice what I thought in which a story be either appears. in Victorian England, worth review- might happen a few issues ago, when Life is far, far too short old bud- I suggested that the sf publishers ing in SFR perhaps) . Of course dy, for Heil Steinem! or whatever. these two were allowed to die on have enough good books to reprint Or for paying some degenerate for genera- the vine by Pocket. On the lighter now to take care of each new the favor of denigrating me because espec- side were a comic romp, SPITBALLS tion of readers. New novels, of my sex (male) or my color (white) ially by new writers will be few AND HOLY WATER by James F. Donohue, , or my nationality (American) or my and far between. which I shouldn't have liked but ethnic background (anglo) or the The Del Rey paperback list for religion of my forefathers (Protes- February has one new sf novel. Jack tantism) or my sexual orientation Chalker's WEB OF THE CHOZEN, and (heterosexual) or the place of my one new fantasy, THE RIDDLE -MASTER birth (the American southeast) or OF HED by Patricia A. McKillip. my place among the sociological The other four releases are statistics (paterfamilias of a reprints : TO RIDE PEGASUS by Anne small family) or my status vis-a- McCaffrey, BETWEEN PLANETS by Rob- vis Yahweh § Co. (goyisch but not ert A. Heinlein, STAR LIGHT by Hal hostile) . Clement, and WHEN THE WORLD SHOOK by H. Rider Haggard. f ( Some readers liked the extra As economic times get tougher interviews others did not. Four , publishers, lists will be cut interviews in one issue tend to be for reprints emphasized. too much, sometimes depending on and , (Although, to be frank, this the length and type. I'm unlikely not happen, because as people to run that many again at one time. may forced to stay home more be- They do make a big splash on the are they afford to drive cover, though, don't they? cause can't the car much and can't afford to go ((Your information on the be- to the movies and restaurants as hind-the-scenes nitty-gritty grim much, they may actually read more , realities of publishing and distri- and buy a pocketbook to while away bution is fascinating and reinforc- the time. . .provided they get bored es my belief that economic/power to tears by standard TV fare. But factors underlie most surfaces in I wouldn't bet on this happening our society and culture. Sometimes TV moguls are spicing up their pro- I fancy myself a social detective as grams with lots more sex and real- I ask the eternal question: WHO istic drama and comedy, and will BENEFITS? when considering current continue this trend to hold their events. audiences . . ! ' ' ' )

will befall the papacy near the end when a 'historicist ' puts out some 'Overheard in a local book- of the 18th century, and it will specific, about- to-happen predic- store: "Definition of a paranoid seem to be a fatal calamity, yet tions based on Bible quotations. schizophrenic: Somebody who doesn't miraculously the papacy will recov- (Give or take ten years.) -- trust themselves.'" Steve Brown er". He made this prediction 100 ( (If you have facts, why do you years in advance. In 1798, the need faith? But I’m woefully ignor- Perfectly true. Alter and I Pope was taken prisoner by Napol- ant 'historicist' Bible inter- never have trusted each other. of eon's army and died in prison. At pretation. More data, please. Some- the time, many people thought the thing like a historical record of papacy was finished. predictions made ahead of time and confirmed by events. No after-the- 'My belief in the validity of ^LETTER FROM RON LAMBERT fact 'recognitions of prophesy Biblical inspiration* rests primar- allowed. In short, put your facts December, 1977 ily on what I have seen as the rel- where your mouth is. iability of Bible prophecy, inter- ((Obviously, the Devil is in- . 'There is a sinister resurgence preted according to the historicist spiring me to write this.)) of the forces of fundamentalism and school. In fact, if the prophecies dogmatic religion these days, and could be shown to be mistaken, I it is altogether likely that within would no longer have a reasonable a few years the religionists could basis for being a Christian. My 'by his second book, it was clear gain the upper hand again and dom- faith is based on this data. (I do THAT CASTENADA WAS MAKING UP THE as did dur- inate our culture they not believe faith is something you CONVERSATIONS. I T's A HOAX. JOYCE ing the medieval ages. If that have in the absence of facts; I CAROL OATES NOTICED IT IN 1972, happens, then the major pressure we think it is something you do in AND WESTON LABARRE, THE MOST DIS- would feel limiting our mental consequence of facts, you see.) TINGUISHED RESEARCHER IN THE PEYOTE freedom would come from the funda- FIELD, CALLED CASTENADA A CHARLATAN 'This has been a rather exten- mentalists and such (and that prob- WITHOUT MINCING AROUND. CASTENADA sive digression into the subject of ably would mean the creationists, AS A NOVELIST HAS THE RIGHT TO TRY Bible prophecy. But I thought I'd too). But that isn't the case at A LONG NOVEL IN PARTS WITH AN IMAG- level with you so you could see present INARY MEXICAN SHAMAN AS A HERO, WHY where I'm coming from. And I stress NOT? ANTHROPOLOGISTS ARE THE ONES '(Don't misunderstand what I the fact that my concept of faith EMBARRASSED. THE ANTHROPOLOGY DEPT. mean by the previous paragraph- -I is based on facts, and the primary U.C.L.A. GAVE CASTENADA A DOCTOR- am a Christian myself, and I cer- facts for me are the exact fulfil- AT ATE IN 1973 FOR "JOURNEY TO IXTLAN, tainly do not mean to say that re- lments of prophecies in the Bible FAKED OF HIS BOOKS. ligion itself is evil. But when interpreted by the historicist THE MOST people make evil use of religion, school, which I stress again is the Robert Bly, reviewing THE as they did during the Dark Ages, I only system of interpretation that SECOND RING OF POWER, NY think that is a far more dangerous is objective, allowing the Bible to TIMES BOOK REVIEW, Jan. 22, thing than the intellectual domin- interpret itself, and not reading 1978 ion of secularism and agnosticism fanciful interpretations into it, that we are used to.) like all the modern schools of pro- 'According to the historicist phetic interpretation do.

school of prophetic interpretation 'Thus I believe I can defend my (the only one that is not subjec - claim to objectivity, open-minded- 1-26-78 Sometimes it don't pay to tive and the one that was consid- , ness, and scientific rationality go to the post office. ered orthodox by all Christians un- despite my profession of Christian- til only about four hundred years ity. And my tendency to favor crea- CARD FROM DARRELL SCHWEITZER ago) certain prophetic symbols in , tionism is not the product of pre- January 24, 1978 the Bible seem to depict a back- judice or conservative narrow-mind- 'For the love of GOD Montressor! and-forth struggle between false edness, but of intellectual honesty er, I mean Dick. You certainly have religion (the "King of the North") and freedom of thought . and anti-religion (the "King of the a creative way with typos. You South") for dominion over the minds don't just make a standard goof like of people in Earth's leading soci- *'I do not believe in verbal in- "potscrad" for "postcard," no... It eties. For what it may be worth to spiration like the Baptists do. seems you have an infallible sense you, the prophecies indicate that God did not write the Bible, men for dropping or changing a single the King of the North will ultim- did, and while God inspired them, syllable which alters the whole ately overthrow the King of the that inspiration only made them His meaning of a letter. A line writ- South, and humanism, agnosticism, penmen, not his pen.' ten as "I lose patience with the atheism, secularism and all that inarticulate" came out as "I loose will go by the boards, and a con- ((I disagree. There is a media patience with the articulate." This federation of (false) religions will resurgence of fundamentalist dogmat- doubtless has my detractors rolling hold sway. This will set the stage ic hype (it sells NATIONAL ENQUIRERS in the aisles, proclaiming that at for the final battle for men's minds and makes for good scare articles last I had shown my true colors. and act in the conflict be- the last in TIME and NEWSWEEK and etc. ) but 'I'll be in ANDROMEDA #3, by tween good and evil on Earth. noise and exposure doesn't necessar- the way. I'm also glad to see The real 'Sir Isaac Newton, by the way, ily mean a power-base. there will be a major Leiber piece any real adhered to the historicist school power centers won't give there. That means I'll be complete- to Bible of prophetic interpretation, and it control of this country ly overshadowed, of course, but at was on the basis of this system of thumpers least I'll be overshadowed by the interpretation that he correctly best . ((Uh-huh. I'll give some ser- (along with hundreds of other ious attention to Bible prophesy scholars before and after him) pre- ((A talent for crucial typos is rare dicted that "some terrible calamity 9 and should be treasured. . .right? ) . '

13. ft- LETTER FROM WM. J. DENHOLM III "The Return" with John J.McGuire 33. "Down Styphon!" ASTOUNDING, Jan. 1954, 25 pp. ANALOG, Nov. 1965, 45 pp. March 19, 1978 Anthologised in THE SCIENCE-FIC- See 34 TIONAL SHERLOCK HOLMES, Robert 'Regarding the letter from Rob- 34. LORD KALVAN OF OTHERWHEN C. Peterson Editor, The Council ert P. Barger in which he asks for Ace, F-342, 1965, 188 pp. of Four, 1950. Cole says the an article on Piper, I had ambitions anthologised version is revised. 'Piper's stories seem to fall to do such an article at one time, into two series. The Paratime Police inspired by Patrouch on Asimov. I 14. TIME CRIME series and A series finally gave up but I did do a lot ASTOUNDING, FebSMarch, 195o,89pp. that I call the "Fuzzy" stories. of research and my bibliography may 15. "Ominilingual" Some stories belong to neither ser- be of some interest. ASTOUNDING, Feb. 1957, 38 pp. ies. Some stories seem to belong to 'What follows is a list of Pi- Anthologised in PROLOGUE TO ANA- a particular series but there is no per's work in chronological order LOG, John W. Campbell, Editor hard evidence, sometimes it is a mat- with such notes as seem appropriate: Doubleday, 1962. ter of mood or philosophy. Piper seems to have been a very private 1. ''Time and Time Again" 16. LONE STAR PLANET with John J. person since there is almost nothing ASTOUNDING, April 1947, 17 pages. McGuire, , in print about him. Anthologised in A TREASURY OF Reprinted in SCIENCE FICTION, Groff Conklin, March 1957, 63 pp. very slightly expanded version Editor, Crown Publishers, 1948. ((Thanks, Bill , for your re- Ace as A PLANET FOR TEXANS Not included in the Berkley pa- by search. H. Beam Piper (according to perback edition. D-299, 1958. the newly issued Vol 2 of IPI ENCY- CLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE FICTION AID FAN- 17. "The Edge of the Knife" 2. "He Walked Around the Horses" TASY by Donald H. Tuck (Advent, $26., ASTOUNDING, AMAZING, May 1957, 45 pages. April 1948, 18 pp. Complete set $50. ) 'mas boim ir. 1904 Anthologised in WORLD OF WONDER 18. "The Keeper" and died Nov. II, 1964. Bom in Al- Fletcher Pratt, Editor, Twayne VENTURE, July 1957, 21 pages. toona, PA, he was on the engineering Publishers, 1951. the Pennsylvania railroad 19. "Graveyard of Dreams" staff of and lived in the vicinity Willi- 3. "Police Operation" GALAXY, Feb. 1958, 23 pages. of amsport, PA. He committed suicide, ASTOUNDING, July 1948, 28 pp. First part of JUNKYARD PLANET. Anthologised in SPACE POLICE reportedly because of family trob- of Disturbance" Andre Nornton, Editor 20. "Ministry lems. ')) ASTOUNDING, Dec. 1958, 39 pp. World Publishing Co., 1956. Anthologised in SEVEN TRIPS 4. "The Mercenaries" THROUGH TIME AND SPACE, Groff ASTOUNDING, March 1950, 21 Editor. pp. Conlkin, # LETTER FROM MARTY UEVINE Fawcett Gold Medal, P.1924, 1968 5. "Last Enemy" February 11, 1978 ASTOUNDING, August, 1950, 56 pp. 21. "Hunter Patrol" with John J. Mc- Anthologised in THE ASTOUNDING Guire, AMAZING, May 1959, 26 pp 'SFR #24 arrived this week and SCIENCE FICTION ANTHOLOGY I but 22. "Crossroads of Destiny" enjoyed it thoroughly, you John W. Campbell, Editor FANTASTIC UNIVERSE knew that already. Simon 8 Schuster, 1952 Not included in Berkley paper- July 1959, 10 pp. 'My ulterior motive for this back editions. 23. "The Answer" loc is to announce that the Univer- FANTASTIC UNIVERSE, Dec. '59,8pp. sity of Michigan's literary maga- 6. "Flight from Tomorrow" zine, THE MICHIGAN QUARTERLY REVIEW FUTURE, Sept-Oct., 1950, 14 pp. 24. "Oomphel in the Sky" is preparing an issue about "The ANALOG, Nov. 7. "Operation R.S.V.P." 1960, 39 pp. Moon Landing and its Aftermath: AMAZING, Jan. 1951, 7 pp. 25. FOUR-DAY PLANET A decade's Retrospective on Space Consciousness". The deadline is Anthologised in WORLD OF WONDER G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1961, 211 pp. (see 2) November 1, 1978, and they're look- 26. "Nuadsonce" ing for essays, fiction, graphic 8. "Temple Trouble" ANALOG, Jan. 1962, 39 pp. works, memoirs, interviews, etc. on 12. ASTOUNDING, April 1951, 29 pp. 27. "A Slave is A Slave" this theme. The address is: 9. "Day of the Moron" ANALOG, April 1962, 59 pp. 'THE MICHIGAN QUARTERLY REVIEW ASTOUNDING, Sept. 1951, 28 pp. 28. LITTLE FUZZY 3032 Rackham Bldg University of Michigan 10. "Genesis" Avon, F-118, 1962, 154 pp. FUTURE, Sept. 1951 Ann Arbor, MI 48109' 29. SPACE Anthologised in SHADOW OF TO- VIKING 1962 MORROW, Frederick Pohl, Editor ANALOG, NovSDec Permabooks (Doubleday) P236, JanSFeb 1963, 178 pp. Reprinted by Ace, F-225,1963. 24 pp.

11. ULLR UPRISING 30. JUNKYARD PLANET THE PETRIFIED PLANET, Twayne G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1963 Publishers, 1952, 122 pp. Reprinted by Ace as THE COSMIC Reprinted in an abridged version COMPUTER, F-274, 1964, 186 pp. in SPACE SCIENCE FICTION, Feb. 31. THE OTHER HUMAN RACE and March issues, 1953. Avon, G1220, 1964, 186 pp. 32. "Gunpowder God" NULL-ABC with John J. McGuire ANALOG, Nov. 1964, 20 pp. ASTOUNDING, Feb^March issues, See 34 1953, 85 pp. Reprinted by Ace as CRISIS IN 2140, D-227, 1957 10 ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 . j - AN INTERVIEW WITH GEORGE SCITHERS Conducted By DARRELL SCHWEITZER

NOW THE'RgS A CLASS ACT A 5EL-F- OBSTRUCT INq- f?E-

r TEcTfON 'SLIP f SFR: How's ISAAC ASIMOV'S SF MAGA- SCITHERS: In a broad sense, I m ZINE doing? competing for beer money- -Poul And- erson's phrase- -and I want to get the money that the potential reader Well. well. SCITHERS: Very We could otherwise spend for a beer. have been selling around 60,000 I am trying to get this beer copies per issue on the newstands. money from the audience and in turn I We're following what I am told is a must entertain the audience. Now, very typical pattern for a new mag- life happens to be full of pointless azine, with the second issue sel- futility, and many young people in ling less than the first, and the their teens and early twenties sud- third issue being rebound. We can't denly come to grips with this, sud- say right now whether the third is- denly come to realize that life is sue has sold better than the first. terribly futile. Most of them out- If it is not better, it is not much worse grow it, you understand. But most of the audience already knows there is a lot of futility and they Why do you think this maga- don't SFR : story and the meaningful tragedy want to be reminded of a situation zine is succeeding when so many outsell, outpull the futile® ending where a lot of effort is wasted in . others haven't? with a futile character and futile real life- -fixing the washing mach- setting in all genres of fiction. ine and then it breaks for a reason A couple of things. Is- SCITHERS: totally unrelated to the effort, aac's name is a very good initial How much should the writer spending thousands of dollars to SFR: draw. The publisher is well enough design the content and structure of fix up the car and having it run staffed to be able to follow the his story with the purpose of sel- into. This is the kind of thing circulation, which means really fol- ling? In this case, suppose the they don't want to be reminded of, lowing the conplicated figures that author is sincerely a nihilist? and to escape into an enjoyable come from the distributor, make the reading world one has to put away necessary recommendations to change Well, if he's sincerely some of the grimy realities and SCITHERS: the distribution patterns, follow a nihilist, then fine. He could be take a look at how things might be, up with the distributor. The pub- a republican too, but when one is how they should be. There's a str- lisher has enough financial solidity writing for money, one has to write ong difference between pointless to be able to assure me an adequate for money. futility and tragedy, and even a budget for buying artwork, and ab- good tragedy is something I will ove all for buying stories and pay- Which does mean tailoring the buy only sparingly. It's not all SFR: ing for them on time, on acceptance. contents to what will sell? fun and games, but the overall feel of the magazine has to be relieved SFR: How much of the success has SCITHERS: It'S a combination. To strain, relieved gloom. A few to do with giving the audience the a large extent one must tailor one's pieces of solid tragedy embedded in kind of science fiction they want, content to what will sell. To a all the fun and games are all the as opposed to the kind the unsucces- lesser extent one finds the market stronger for that. sful magazines have been giving A pointless fu- where one’s natural inclinations tility can drag down them? a whole maga- seem to match the market. zine.

That's a damn good ques- SFR: Do you think there's a wide SCITHERS: Some other types of fiction tion... The kind of science fiction SFR: enough range in science fiction for turn a candid admission of the seamy that I think will sell, that Isaac all of this, or does it have to be side of life into a selling point. thinks will sell, happens to be the cheerful to sell? I don't mean true confessions, but kind of science fiction that both the so-called "mainstream". How is of us seem to enjoy. This means SCITHERS: Again, I buy more cheer- science fiction sufficiently differ- something of an avoidance of futil- ful stories than tragedies. I don't ent that it sells by denying the ity type stories. This means a buy the pointless futility, and I everyday facts of life rather than weakness for a very short but pun- suspect in general the readers don't exploring them? ending or one-shot funny ending like it. I think of all fiction story. I would say it's partly a the cheerful will probably outsell- Your premise is wrong. matter of simple luck that some of SCITHERS: in numbers of stories sold- -the SATURDAY EVENING POST consistently my tastes seem to match what the tragedies. However, an unrelieved outsold the doom and gloom type of audience out there likes. Notice diet of cheerful stories gets awful fiction magazines. It eventually I'm carefully not saying why others boring. Now, restate the question collapsed for reasons other than fail, because I don't know . because I think there's part of it the fact it had a large circulation. I missed. I think that overall the cheerful SFR: Would you explain what you mean by a futility story? 11 SFR: If your magazine starts in- sisting stories, and the purpose of the story and enter- on cheerful SCITHERS: Other people have de- everybody else does it, won't this fined it better than I. As far as taining the reader thereby? Is it limit the science fiction field to what it should be, it should be an likely to influence anyone? something less than the full range exploration of many, possibly all, of possible expression? plausible futures. Not all possible SCITHERS: Well, obviously to the futures because the scopex is broad- extent that I snatch people's beer keep not listening. money. To that extent the incidence SCITHERS : You er than that. All plausible fut- I say that I will buy more cheerful ures, all believable futures, and of alcoholism is cut down. To the than tragedy, but I cannot live en- to soto extent plausible, scientif- extent that science fiction per- tirely on the cheerful stories, nor ically-effected presents or pasts suades people to enter into the can the reader. I would suspect as well. sciences, hard and soft, to the ex- that a well-run magazine would tend tent that it shows people of the I really nature of science and research, to to do the same thing. SFR: Isn't it more a case of be- feel that the pointless futility lievable than plausible? For ex- this extent it serves a very defin- story has little market anywhere . ample, THE TIME MACHINE- is not the ite social benefit. There may be editors who want to slightest bit plausible, but while throw one in now and then, but this we're reading it it's believable. SFR: Would you buy a technophobic type of story, which I've got a bit story? I think, suf- of a block against, is SCITHERS: We'll have to dig into ficiently uncommercial that it's the dictionary of synonyms. I was SCITHERS: If it were believable, not really worthwhile for the writers using plausible in the sense of made and fun, probably. to spend much time with them. believable for the moment. SFR: Somewhat off the subject, what is your background in science fic- SFR: You may be right. I've not- SFR: Where do you stand on scient- iced that the "literary" mainstream, ific fudging in a story? tion? as opposed to category "best sel- preoccupation Since 1959 I have edited lers" has had a vast SCITHERS: If the fudge is necessary SCITHERS: with what you would call the futil- for the story to work, and if it's and published an amateur magazine ity story. At the same time the deftly done, sure. A scientific (AMRA) which has run now 67 issues, market for the "literaiy" short fudge which is unnecessary- -uh-uh. and I have sold three short stories story has virtually disappeared. Do Let's do our science right. Let's to the science fiction magazines, you think this is direct cause and limit ourselves to one impossible and I have done a little bit of effect? thing, and concentrate on making other professional writing. that one impossible thing believ- I the SCITHERS: don't know field able. But fudging on peripheral SFR: What's your educational back- well enough to hazard a guess. From matters is pretty much the sign of ground? what I have said, it would sound a lazy writer. that way, but again, I don't know Four years at the United that field well enough to hazard a SCITHERS: What do you mean by the impos- States Military Academy four years guess. SFR: , sible thing? The Apollo 11 landing at Leland Sanford University in var- was impossible in 1962, but they ious courses, in el- SFR: While we're on the subject, graduate mostly was fore- what are the other restrictions could have said then it ectrical engineering. years. How far for the magazine, in the way of ap- seeable within ten proach or subject matter? are you going in the range of im- SFR: What is your literary back- possible? ground? What do you read? SCITHERS: Okay, a story which is meant to be read by an adolescent SCITHERS: Oh, all kinds of things SCITHERS: Nowadays, a lot of very male one-handed, while the other hand are inpossible, and they're defin- bad science fiction. Prior to that, is busy elsewhere- -in other words itely grist for science fiction. in fiction, primarily science fic- a story in which sex is introduced In 1961 you could write a story tion, and in scientific work try- case for a solely for arousal, is a kind of which made a convincing ing to keep abreast of such maga- landing on the moon in 1962. After story that I don't want to buy, and zines as SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. for that matter there are higher all, it was a matter of engineering not paying markets for that kind of detail and engineering advance, Do you think it is important scientific * story elsewhere. A story which is whole new avenues of S a science fiction writer to be to make completely and solidly fantasy, no, thought that were required well read in other forms of fiction because the particular market I'm the landing on the moon possible. and in classics, by which I mean working with seems to like science But the question of inpossibility everything from Homer onward? fiction and some of the borderline is not that important. For the wonder areas of science fiction, but for central lie, for the central SCITHERS: Is important? Not reasons that have never been clear of a story, the degree of impossi- very. Should they? Yes. to me, the kind of audience I'm go- bility is no particular barrier. one inpos- ing for is simply not interested in The key is whether that Cpf(. At what point does science pure fantasy. Stories which have no sible thing can be made believable fiction become inbred because ev- Impossibilities science fiction content at all, of for the duration. erybody derives everything from course, are basically stories I'm on peripheral matters are simply previous science fiction stories? the his- not interested in. And in all these matters for reference to handbooks things, in my definition of fantasy, tory books, the scientific SCITHERS' Well, when the ideas are in my definition of no science fic- and the like. reruns o£ old science fiction stor- tion,. it's pretty much a subjective ies. Okay, since my own background decision on my part. SFR: D° you think science fiction is not strong in literary matters, serves any function beyond making but rather in scientific, therefore something inpossible believable for I tend to concentrate more on the SFR: What do you think science fiction should be? 12 idea content than the literary con- . tent, except in the amateur's "I You mean you hope that more SFR: Between the time the new wri- SFR: like what I see. I like the way he ters you have discovered start to people will submit as they learn puts together words". So I would become well-known and then after the the magazine is going to be around be more sensitive to inbred ideas well-known ones have graduated to for a while? than inbred styles. Inbred style novels, what do you do for major of course is something to be avoid- names to put on the cover? SCITHERS: Not only more people sub- ed, but I don't have the background mit as they learn the magazine is to be as aware of it as I possibly The new ones become major going to be around for a while, but SCITHERS : should. names with exposure. It's that more people who are at the status simple. of almost but not quite being SFR: Are you pleased with the qual- bought, graduate with that abrupt ity of material that is being sub- shift to professional quality that SFR: Can they do it fast enough? mitted to you? I note there are only four names on seems to happen to a lot of people, the cover of the fourth issue. the hope that a lot of people we're I' m pleased with the encouraging now but who are not SCITHERS : best of it, and unhappy that the quite making it will shift up to SCITHERS: There may be four names best of it is such a small percent- on the cover, but there are some- solid professional status. age of the overall flow. thing like twelve or thirteen on the table of contents. I'm trying to SFR: Do you think the work of the SFR: Does this mean that there are unclutter the cover, frankly. editor with the writer can be res- more markets than there are good ponsible for this change? stories to fill them? SFR: It seems to me that the field is presently in a kind of invisible SCITHERS: It helps. It helps a SCITHERS: Sometimes I am afraid crisis, because the markets are ex- lot. There are many writers who this is so. However, I think the panding and not enough good stuff simply cannot be helped. There are supply of stories can be expanded is being written. Much of what is many writers who are going to get to match the markets. being published, while minimally good enough to buy almost without acceptable, is not outstanding. respect to what good or bad advice SFR; Isn't there a problem that Would you agree? an editor may give them. everybody is writing novels, not short stories? encourage SCITHERS: Is it currently in a SFR: What do you do to crisis? Well, it's a little bit new writers? SCITHERS: Well, the 15-year-old who silly of me to say, because I've sent me a story six months ago and looked at what is coming in the SCITHERS: I think the magazine made his first sale isn't up to mailbox for a little bit over a gives more individual comment, al- writing novels at this point. Sure, year, and people who have been look- though it is usually on the order of there are a lot of the old names who ing at it for ten or fifteen years one to five sentences on a card. are busy writing novels. There are can more easily say if it is cur- We give more individual comment than a lot of new writers who haven't got rently in a crisis. On the basis any of the other science fiction that far, and while they're getting of one year's look, and a changing magazines. Some of the comment, to the point of noticing that nov- frequency of publication during that unfortunately, is pretty blunt, but els are a profitable way to make a time, I can't say whether this is a some of the stories we get need to living, maybe they'll learn their temporary situation, whether this have their writers shaken up in way and provide us with some enter- is something of a statistical fluc- order that those writers can ever taining short stories along the way. tuation, or whether there is a improve I suspect that the magazine field shortage of manuscripts which is a is always going to be one of fairly serious and increasing thing. I SFR: Wouldn't you agree on general high turnover, of people who get don't have the time data to say. principle that anybody who can't into it, write out a few ideas, and take a shake is never going to make then find other things in life to SFR: Should your publisher decide it anyhow? do, or people who get into it, write to make the magazine a monthly, short stories, gradually work up would you be able to fill the pages? SCITHERS: I suspect that's the to the more profitable novels- -a case. number of possibilities. SCITHERS: This week, no. Three months from now, I hope so. SFR: Thank you, Mr. Scithers. ************************************

'STUDENTS DEMANDING AN END TO FAIL- ING GRADES IN HIGH SCHOOL ATTACKED POLICEMEN, PUT UP STREET BARICADES AND SET BUSSES ABLAZE SATURDAY IN ROME, AUTHORITIES SAID. THEY SAID 30 STUDENTS WERE ARRESTED, BUT NO

INJURIES WERE REPORTED. ' RESPONDING TO A CALL BY A MARXIST GROUP, 'THE SECONDARY-SCHOOL STUDENTS DEMANDED THAT TEACHERS, TO AVOID DISCRIMINA- TION AGAINST CHILDREN OF POORLY EDU- CATED FAMILIES, STOP GIVING GRADES LOWER THAN 6 ON THE SCHLOASTIC 10- POINT SCALE. SIX IS THE MINIMUM REQUIRED FOR PASSING.' --Associated Press 13 Feb 26, 1978 . .

as such, a very funny classical mus- CLOSE ENCOUNTERS-— ic joke, much moreso than the poly- tonal reorchestration of "When You Wish Upon A Star" which is obviously THREE a Spielberg invention. The overall VIEWS ness there that shouldn't be for score, though, is William's sincere that kind of money), just that the tribute to the late master, Bernard effects are neither grandiose as Herrmann, and Herrmann echoes, along you might expect nor as grandiose with BH's greatest idol, Ives, as he might have made them. The abound. "living cloud" effect, for example, Oh, yes what about the film? CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF A SPIELBERG KIND one of the best in the film, is ac- —

complished using a video-tape dub Well. . . Depends on how you look and a chroma-key; it has been done at it. From the viewpoint of the By Jack L. Chalker on tight television budgets. And spectator, knowing nothing about Jack Chalker' s novels: MIDNIGHT AT instead of getting a lot of aliens the film in advance except that it's touching a lot of humans a la the story, en- THE WELL OF , THE IDENTITY MAT- , a flying saucer it's very script and novelization, we get one tertaining, has a lot of very funny RIX (to be published) , DANCERS IN THE AFTERGLOW (to be published) alien mistily for a few seconds, lines nicely times (example: the two the same one in clear stop-motion farmers observing the absurdist vis- for about eleven seconds, and a lot ion of three Indiana State patrol I've discovered a valuable of murky shadows. cars chasing a UFO down a road and fringe benefit to being a profes- remarking, "They may be able to fly It would also have been nice if sional science fiction writer: if a rings around the moon but we're Trumbull had been a little more big-push, big budget SF film is to years ahead of them on the free- careful with his scale; he blows be premiered, you get in free. Al- ways."), and, if the Dreyfuss char- the film's best visual effect the though CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD — acter is extremely overdone, we can coming-in of the mother ship— by KIND didn't get the major city pre- forgive it. It is too episodic and having it in three different scales mieres of a STAR WARS (no free disjointed for 1001 concentration in three consecutive scenes. Even champagne), I still saw it the night (you rarely see people leaving for so, we owe the special effects man before it opened, and my feelings popcorn in the midst of STAR WARS one big debt of gratitude for the about it are mixed. but you can leave for such- - 'and mother- ship, in that the script and many do at slow points in CLOSE First of all, anyone expecting novelization do not make anything — ENCOUNTERS and not miss a thing) but to see another STAR WARS will be more of it than as a huge mother- it's good, and the last 30 minutes disappointed. Even though Doug ship. Trumbull spent almost $13 million are riveting. The whole thing is on his special effects, it only The fact is, Trumbull visually extremely well directed; Spielberg proves that Trumbull is going to gives you a nice understated inter- knows his business, as anyone who's have some fat Swiss bank accounts polation of the alien lifestyle. ever seen DUEL can attest. while John Dykstra will go to the The mother ship isn't a ship, it's he kidnapping of Barry is a artistic poorhouse. This is not to an orbiting and star- roving city, a genuinely effective scene, as is say that the special effects are free city in flight a la Blish. Dreyfuss 's Close Encounter where for the film This is their home, and it's ob- poor or inadequate Spielberg has the viewers for break- sloppi- vious. This is simply not a plan- (although there's a little wom- et-bound civilization. The "flying fast, but you really wish that saucers" as such are quite obvious- an would smack that kid. The prob- ly one-man scouts, which accounts lem with the Dreyfuss character is perm- for their small size in UFO reports. that he's a nut beforehand; a anent adolescent, and, as such, when The John Williams score is sur- he goes even battier nobody can i- prisingly unobtrusive; except for dentify with him, and most of the the alien communication scene, you viewers , who knew what he went are simply not aware of it. I say through and why, still would have 'surprisingly' not just because voted to lock him up by the time he Williams is a brilliant scorer and starts digging up the garden (and I the best successor to Bernard Herr- wonder how much Budweiser paid for mann we have, but because the score, that complete beer commercial?) on its own (Arista AL-9500, sound- nicely track, the composer conducting) is The humor is good and an extremely fine one, a much better understated; I loved their moving unified piece of creative music than in the whole international contact that marvelous parody of classical team in Piggly Wiggly and Baskin the like. The scores, STAR WARS. Anyone with a Robbins trucks, and the really good hi-fi system (the saucer pacing, however, is uneven; Dreyfuss are much plays a mean bass) will sit up and scenes without ones take notice, and any who appreciate more interesting than the for good music will be impressed. This featuring him until his run Devil's Tower. man is really good ; I shall have to seek out his pure classical compos- From Spielberg's point of view, itions. However, the score is not I judge the film a flop- --although without its STAR WARS echoes, in- he, being too close to it, probably cluding "The Conversation" between wouldn't realize it. He said re- humans and mother- ship, which is peatedly that the primary theme of a theme and variations on Charles CLOSE ENCOUNTERS is how the govern- Ives' THE UNANSWERED QUESTION and, ment can control you, manipulate . - . you, and do any damned thing it ness (including me) about potential plants through the kitchen window wants with you. This theme is cer- suc- properties , but when you have a and building that replica of the tainly a serious one, and it i£ in cessful western loads of big west- Devil's Tower in the living room! the film, but it is so weakened by erns can be made in months. Ditto (Why not the garage, the backyard?) the events as to be buried. It's mysteries, spies, etc. But an SF #Why were those lost WWII Navy even debatable in the end, since, film is its special effects, and planes set down in Mexico, and the when the First Contact comes, it is those take time. Films rushed into

• pilots kept till later release? glaringly obvious that the people on production now will be 1979 and Why kidnap the little boy at all? the scene are the best qualified 1980 getting close to release. A people to be on the scene at that lot of bad stuff will be done (SPACE #Why did the mother ship appear point, and that if the whakos and PROBE from Disney, for example, will to be as big or bigger than the common folk who tried to get there be visually stunning but doesn't Devil's Tower [a mountain!] in one had all made it, they'd have made even have a science advisor, and shot, and then appear so relatively an unholy mess of things. The bears about as much relationship to small as it settled down on the aliens want representative random reality and high-school physics as base? people — great from their point of Wonderland does to World War II). #If that incredibly intense el- view. We, however, are better serv- Fortunately we have DAMNATION ALLEY ectro-magnetic force caused by the ed by a trained corps of scientists around to prove that you have to do small scout UFOs could make every astronauts. Throwing Dreyfus s in at it right or you'll go broke. the end is a sop to the aliend and electrical appliance and toy in a a mark of respect for his ability Dykstra, for one, will take one house turn on and go bananas, why to make it through all those obsta- look at what Trumbull collected for didn't it have an effect on the cles. And the aliens obviously CLOSE ENCOUNTERS and the price of a body/brains of humans? Wouldn't wanted the team and governments to class production will go through it have caused convulsions, at least be the ones they meet first— the the roof. The banks in Switzerland headaches ? will be pleased, and they will not code key and recognition symbols #Frankly, the aliens (the one invest the money in big-budget SF had to be properly done before the shown in detail) didn't Look like films .... mother-ship would come in at all. they were capable of the technology Some criticism has been made of represented by the mother ship. The the film in that the army allowed alien shown looked like a skinny the thing to take place peaceably, version of Pilsbury's dougn-boy in let it come in and leave. This may THE GEORGE WARREN VIEW: the TV commercials. disappoint anti-military folks, but CLOSE ENCOUNTERS is a thin, 12/22/77 'We went to see CLOSE EN- it's not necessarily so. The fact weak movie. Its internal inconsis- COUNTERS WITH THE THIRD RATE today. is, the Baltimore- Washington area tencies and goofs are too great to I give Columbia Pix no more than a is the government; about six million ignore. It is a statement of opti- few months at the present rate. If people are around here, and roughly mism and hope and all the goody- the firm is counting on this tired one-third are government employees, goody wishes of mankind, but it piece of lukewarm '50s SATEVEPOST . That bureaucrats , etc sort of sucks. The hype and the hope have sci-fi (I use the term advisedly) criticism isn't heard here — they made it a brief hit. But I think to bail out the firm or even make did it just the way the bureaucracy word-of-mouth will thin audierces back its nut I do hope nobody is would act. and the movie will not do as well standing on one leg waiting for this as initially thought. And even on a practical level, to happen. So-so acting, slow pace the military is facing a possible and sloppy editing, plus real B- #Another puzzlement: how come threat of unknown forces but with movie direction and really LOUSY those red- suited volunteers were vastly superior technology. Con- writing: a "Twilight Zone" reject ready to go with the aliens? How sidering how technologically super- if ever I saw one. The only saving was it known they were wanted, would ior the aliens are, and how impos- grace was the pretty neo- Frank- Paul be accepted? sible they've been to catch in the spaceship and the very Hannes Bok The movie is worth seeing. It last 30 years, they would lick aliens, and they weren't around pays off enough. But it is only a their chops at the potential of get- early enough to save the flick. Im- fair movie, an "interesting" movie, ting into all that technology and agine: a 29-year-old gets to wreck and probably a misconceived movie give peace a chance first. Whether the studio this time; shirtsleeves *********************************** or not they would have the same view to shirtsleeves in 3 generations...' if the aliens had decided to land in Siberia is something else again. Or didn't it also land in Siberia? SO TUP Sfluc5K If the U.S. government can pull off tcAPTAIN A5KEP WHAT TH£ a Wyoming meet in secrecy, then how 7>ATE WAS/ A N't Wrigm / ToCo much easier elsewhere? It makes no HIM/ H& sAiP: You uE r difference. The potential gains outweigh the risks REG COItENT: At first I liked CLOSE Should you see it? Yes, I ENCOUNTERS a lot. But then niggling think so. You'll be entertained little puzzlements emerged. While even as you carp. Will you see it you're viewing the film it moves more than once, like STAR WARS? Al- along fast enough, and the acting most certainly not. Will the com- is good enough, and the tension is mercial success of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS high enough, that critical judge- comming on the heels of the commer- ments are submerged. cial wallop of STAR WARS generate But then— the next day more SF films? Probably not too #The idiocy of throwing all many. Columbia, for example, ap- that dirt and those bricks and proached a lot of folks in the busi- 15 ' ' .

'Ellison can be childish and de- ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED FROM P. 10 § LETTER FROM JOHN SHIRLEY fensive, and I've had some asinine Early February scraps with him (being at times

'Ordinarily I avoid political childish and defensive myself) . But in this he's right we've got to -6-78 Significant news in the "In- issues. I hate politics and poli- — 2 Too dustrial Briefs" section of BUSINESS ticians and governments and rules "walk the walk." many of us are all talk and no action. WEEK of Feb‘. 13, 1978: generally. Johnny Rotten and I both 'A typewriter that can turn out want "to be anarchy." a printed page by substituting voice 'But there are some questions ( (ERA, of course , is a socio- input for the keyboard is a goal of that seem to transcend politics and cultural-political-economic affair, researchers around the world. Sci- go right to the guts. (The guts and promises to radically re-struc- entists at the Applied Research In- being above the anus.) If there is ture woman's role in our society. stitute at the University of Hok- such a thing as a priori truth in A lot of older women don’t want to kaido in Japan now claim that they morality, then the equal rights is- have to cope with those changes, have... built a typewriter that stor- sue resounds with that truth, reson- are content with the status quo, and. es the sounds of each of the fifty- ates somewhere inside up. So I'm oppose ERA. I suspect it is a mat- one Kana letters in the Japanese adamant about civil rights for ter of youth vs. age to a great de- phonetic alphabet. By comparing the minorities; racial minorities, and gree. words spoken into the typewriter gays and religious minorities As basic economic forces in this with the stored patterns, the device (though I wish I could find an ex- country—and other "electronic-age" can come up with a match in less cuse to peresecute the Scientolo- countries—result in greater and than a second and with an average gists; I despise those grasping greater proportions of women work- accuracy of 93%. Surprisingly, the bastards) but it's ironic that ing, inevitable social-culzvral Japanese expect to develop a commer- rights for women were not thorough- pressures will insure the adoption cial version within two years. ly recognized till after we'd begun or passage of an ERA type ameridment balancing the scale for blacks, or law-package. More and more women Naow, if they kin onny kum oop women are not a minority, really, will seek and attain political of- weeth an Amurkun speekin' vershun and you'd have thought our enslave- fice and other power positions for us, hyear. Fuggin macheen'd ment of them would have been the And very swiftly the social facade prolly spell words wrong... lak feet number one issue in the atmosphere will reflect these basic power fer feat, 'n thangs like at. of egalitarian reformism. It's sim- changes. It is an ongoing process. Rotsa ruck! ply time to do something about it, ((As a rule, I am leery ~of peo- and it's time for all of us. You ple who are ruled by their emotions. I don't approve public breast- # The 'Statement of Ethical Posi- accuse Harlan Ellison of buckling of tion by the Worldcon Guest of Honor' under to his "guilt." Damn right! beating Guilt... or public Rate, or (Harlan Ellison) which appeared in Ellison's never pretended that he public Envy, or Pride... Not all SFR last issue, and in LCCUS and acted on reason before feeling; he's emotions are "good" emotions. a few other [printed but always been a human amplifier of ((I don't agree that Harlan is emotions. Guilt is an emotion and ruled by his emotions. He uses his not commented upon] , has brought some reaction. it's justified for all of us. We emotions, as we all often do. reject Guilt social Karl T. Pflock wrote a response ought to feel guilty, at least un- ((I of a and sent a copy to the Iguanacon, til we do something solid about the kind. I've got enough of a personal to me, to LOCUS and to Harlan. injustice we all men have help- kind to work on, thanks. (The between me and Karl's position is that the mem- ed perpetuate. Nature put guilt in- ( difference you/Harlan is in our bers of the worldcon who don't to us for a reason, Geis. So maybe view of sf, perhaps our basic characters; I share the GoH's opinions in re ERA acting on feeling before reason and private entertainment should not have to pay for that is reasonable. And I feel that El- see sf as a incul- part of the convention devoted to lison's right about swinging the medium which can instruct and the promoting ERA. emphasis to support ERA at Worldcon. cate en passant, depending on /artist. a Harlan, in a reply to Karl, writer I am not social 'He's not foolish enough, I as- person, not activist. Not (copies to SFR, LOCUS and Iguanacon) an a sume, to believe that Arizona is go- actionist. I write/ob- belittles the argument and indulges "movement" ing to change its vote to support committed to set in personal attack. serve and am a of ERA simply because a few "Sci-Fi beliefs which I promote in SFR and nuts" (as probably of I presume these letters (plus they think GALAXY, and in some fiction. But I to maybe a short one of mine sent to us) are grousing and refusing do not and will not carry a placard Iguanacon echoing my comments in feed the state's coffers but the and shout in a hall. You do your Con the focus of SFR 24) and others will be printed nevertheless is thing. I'll do mine. You have a more and more attention world-wide, in the Iguanacon Progress Report #3. very narrow view of 'action. ')) The relatively early appearance in and the symbolic support of future- the fan press of Harlan's statement lookers will make some ripples, media-wise. It could make a dif= allows for a kind of judgement on # LETTER FROM HARLAN ELLISON the matter to be made by the member- ference beyond Arizona. After all, January 78 ship which the convention committee it's the Worldc on. 31 may wish to follow. 'And why pretend, Geis, that 'Response to Open Letter from David Pettus in SFR #24 Harlan has not as of now decid- SF cons are above a little issue- ed to respond to my comments, for lobbying now and then. It's been 'Dear Mr. Pettus: done before Anderson and Gunn and publication (or in private) . Howev- The answers to your er, John Shirley has sent a letter others are always using Cons to push questions should be obvious to any- in support of Harlan's position, and NASA, and that's a political issue. one. That these questions keep get- that follows. Harlan did respond to Just ask the Congressional budget ting asked, makes me shake my head David Pettus' letter in SFR 24, and committee. in weariness. And that anyone that response appears after the should confuse these questions and Shirley letter. 16 their answers with the Realities of . ' ' )

Publishing is even more perplexing. ing Iguanacon was an obligation I fit to keep SFR even though LOCUS 'Nonetheless. Here are your took on in confusion about three is stocked. I have no time for this answers years ago. I would have been de- childishness. The last time I ex- '1) If I contend that my writ- lighted had the Phoenix fans found perienced it was when I had to ap- are not sf, why do I accept Hu- someone else subsequently. But ply for special permission to read gos and Nebulas when my stories win since I said I'd do it... I' 11 do it. Neitzsche and Machiavelli in High such awards? Simple. The publish- Apart from the Iguanacon, however, School. That's right! Freddie the ers like to blazon such awards on I have no intention whatsoever of Neech and Nickie the Mack were in a the press releases for my books. attending . future conventions, re- locked cabinet and I had to visit Every time I win an award, I can gional or national, unless I am paid the principal to get a chit to read count on my price for a book going as if they were college speaking en- same. The HS was the HS of Commerce up by predictable and chartable in- gagements. I make part of my living and this was the 50s. crements. It is a commercial con- as a lecturer, and I accept whatever 'I don't need this shit. Now, sideration. I am not the Midnight gigs can be scheduled at my going or in the fifties. I subscribe. Mission. I am not a charitable or- rate. I see no reason to exclude sf These people can go stuff their boy- ganization. I write for myself, but conventions as long as they are ' cott . once having done the writing I de- treated as professional engagements. mand the top dollar for it. Awards 'I do, however, exempt the World ((When the SF Bookstore did are just popularity contest tokens, Fantasy Convention. As a fantasist, stock SFR they regularly sold out and I don't put much stock in them I have every right and inclination But with the exception of the Writ- to associate myself with the genre 100 copies per issue. then ers Guild awards, which are given and its gathering. Others may find they abruptly returned an issue strictly on the basis of merit by a my making of this distinction a last year and when I enquired why said they had sent two notices to jury of my peers in film and tele- spurious one. I do not. I call my- me that their order was cancelled. vision. self a fantasist, and I feel com- 'But further, when fans or pro- fortable with the appellation. Such So they say. I never received any the fessionals choose to select my work is not the case with the words "sci- notice, and I will not believe as meritorious, it would be gauche ence fiction writer." That maga- post office managed to lose both and shitty of me to refuse to accept zines and publishers and tv listings letters. ( (When customers asked why no the compliment. I don't like having and fans continue to call me that SFR, they were told it was because my work categorized as that which is a battle I'll no doubt be fight- it is not, but even when fans and ing forever. there was too much socio-political pros understand this about me, and commentary in the magazine. ((Especially you write sci- they still can get past their genre if ( (When I asked why I was told ence TV labels to laud something I've done, fiction screenplays and sf it was because I was putting too scripts. )) I take it as a genuine appreciation much personal material into the magazine. The shop owners felt the for the work. Thus I accept the 'Nonetheless, I will fight it. magazine didn't pass a purity test awards out of gratitude and a sense And probably win, when I'm a hundred customers. of graciousness. The mythology years old. and were protecting their that surrounds me seems to preclude (Remarkable policy since the maga- any shows of gentlemanliness or 'I hope this answers your ques- zine regularly sold out and the manners on my part, though reporters tions, sir. customers didn't seem to want or such as Mark Mansell in SFR #24 note 'And for God's sake, disabuse need such protection. yourself of that worthless attitude such behavior ... always with a start- ( (The real reason for their re- led tone. The fact of the matter is that you're a nobody. Christ, can't fusing to carry SFR is unknown to fans ever get past their feelings of that I respond to politeness and me. Something I wrote in SFR? ego- inadequacy? friendliness with like reactions; I Probably. respond to smartasses and rudeness ( (However their cancelled order with something quite different. hasn't really hurt me financially Dick Geis can attest to this, if he all that much I sell more copies # LETTER FROM ARNE EASTMEN . bookstores now that I did then, chooses , to February, 1978 and they are out a couple hundred course. As ((Of noted in pre- dollars profit per year, at least. vious issues SFR, Harlan, like of 'The Science Fiction Bookstore So as far as I'm concerned they are most reacts in . . warmth of us, kind. or Science Fiction Bookshop on 14th biting off their nose to spite their with warmth cold with cold, and if Street and 8th Avenue, Manhattan, face, appear to be small-minded you shit on him he'll stuff you, , has or seen not boycotted fools. . . BUT IT IS THEIR BOOKSTORE, head first, • down the toilet, as soon as possible.)) THE SECRET MASTERS OF FANTOM HAVE AN 0PEM|N% ’2) As for attending conventions, FOR A THPutT I haven't been to a WorldCon since Washington several years ago, when I decided I didn't like going to conventions . I was Guest of Honor at a NasFic because I had accepted the honor before my decision, and I try to keep my promises, though Alan Bechtold probably feels that's bull- shit. I have been in attendance at several regional cons in the past five years for personal reasons usually fulfilling obligations to friends who pressed me into service. My Guest of Honorship at the upcom- ' . '

associates great literature and and they have a right to refuse to # LETTER FROM JOHN BOARDMAN sell anything they wish. Just as I great art and great lives only with 30 January, 1978 have the right to print or not print pain, because its opposite is pleas- ure and we are conditioned to be- anything I wish. . . and sometimes ap- 'I've always appreciated SFR, lieve that pleasure breeds nothing pear the fool for it.)) but I don't think I've ever got as but pleasure. We say 'pain teaches' deeply into any issue as I did into but carry such an argument to the #23. That's because I am now in teaches. conclusion that only pain the process of reading aloud every This extends to the tragedy as the # LETTER FROM GEORGE PETERSON, JR, word of it. ultimate artform being so pain- 'The last time Ed Meskys was in February 3, 1978 ful it must hence be the most cor- New York, we were discussing fannish 'By far and away the best thing rect way of depicting humanity who material available on tape for the under stress and in issue #24 was ' "On is at his best blind. He says that ALGOL and LOCUS Being a Bit of a Legend." I would tension (unless it kills him). I are taped but that to the best of really like to express much thanks wonder now if any author exists who his knowledge SFR is not. So I to Mr. Budrys for sharing so much can depict pleasure pure pleasure rather rashly volunteered to tape of himself in such intimacy' and with if need be in a constructive man- it for him and mail it up to New so much unadulterated honesty it ner. Gunn tried it in his THE JOY Hampshire. I have just about every- really hit me right in the box MAKERS but had to obviate the anti- thing done by now except the Brad- where I live. I really felt re- moral point by starting it on a bury and Anthony interviews and a freshed 1 felt here is a man who tragic note and underpinning pure few of the reviews, but it has been is not afraid to tell us about him- joy with incipient destruction and long. SFR is solidly packed full self and who knows how to relate tragedy. • Hedonism must work. of material —most of it interest- who knows how I feel but I can't ex- ing, though I find that a little of ( (Maybe hedonism is the only press. It was simply great. Thanks true, rational philosophy and life- Robert Anton Wilson's conspirator- again and again Algis and thank you style for people and maybe that’s ial and anri-scientific notions goes Dick for including it in this issue. why it is put down so mueh by all a very long way indeed. On another note, the announce- those who stand to lose money/power/ 'Ed and I are putting together ment by Harlan Ellison: I want to status if it were followed by any a network of blind fans, among whom thank you Dick for putting into large number of people? Our world these and other tapes are being ci- words what I would, if I was as to- is built on guilt, envy and shame. culated. (I am reading the APA-Q gether as you are. Iguanacon will Without those emotions driving us, mailings for him as well.) We have be my first worldcon or for that how many Belahfire Eights would be four or five people on it now matter my first anythingcon and I'm sold? How many ahurahes built? there is some doubt because one man desperately looking forward to it. How many politicians elected? is notorious for sending tapes back I had paid to attend Midamericon in very late if at all, and we nay not ( (As you say, great funny books Kansas City but when it rolled a- do not win awards, nor do great fun- include him. If you have any names round I myself without found funds ny men win Oscars except when they and addresses for this list, could to make the trip. This time I'm are very old and near death. you please send them?' going make it for sure and I want to HILL long ((FANNY will last as ( (See the letter from Nave Buck- to go for one reason to have a as the English language, but it will lin in 24. And presume you good time and enjoy myself, not to SFR I never be honored as great litera- the be embroiled in politics demon- know of GALAXY Volunteers pro- ture. strations and confrontations. gram to help the blind sf readers ( ( The road to awards is through and fans. Don't misunderstand me; I like El- treatments of death and power, not lison and some of his works but it ((I wish you well

ohaos , but there are elements in don't's and maybe 's] because the subtitled A Hole in Space" is for who might want to use this editors of the Writer's Digest sale. Slides are available on re- ERA things to rag him, maybe try Publications don't dare mention 'nip- quest. Laurie W. Johnson to provoke him or...)) ple' or 'erection' or like that. P.0. Box 1144 Contemptible, meally-mouthed Gold Beach, OR 97444 # LETTER FROM IAN COVELL hypocrites 1-24-78

'It strikes me that this society 18 ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 ' : — . ' , A . SMALL PRESS NOTES

# The new WYRD (#7) arrived in a neato booklet, offset format, with an editorial affirmation that WYRD is a place 'where something excel- lent, but probably a bit odd or un- usual, could find its way into print. case of an. editor (Chet Clingan) Ahh, yes, but it all depends on not knowing yet what is really good, the quality of the editor's taste, and what should not be published his judgement, his keen sense of in fiction and in artwork. what's good— and what is shit. Also, he should be more sensitive such typeface of I don't think editor Greg Staf- to things as the ford and "The Council of Co-conspir- his typewriter, layouts, graphics. , ANDREW OFF.UTT, ators" have that necessary judgement He has ambitions of making THE GREG BENFORD, and E. HOFFMAN PRICE. yet. DIVERSIFIER into a much larger cir- I think it will be a good anthology, Observe the first paragraph from culation magazine — on a par, I but my lack of reputation is making Wayne Hooks' story, "The Whole suspect, with SFR, LOCUS, and ALGOL. it hard to obtain a publisher. 1 But to make that status stick he any suggestions you Truth' : Would appreciate must make the magazine appear more might have. Also just received a The crowd ebbed and flowed a- professional, and learning the les- reprint from Ted Tubb.' round Kurshed. His broad shoulders sons takes time- -and usually costs projected above the milling mass. a lot of money. (The obvious advioe is to su- The unwashed stench offended ( his For instance, the text typeface mit the idea and list of contents nostrils, overpowering the he uses is standard pica. It looks to the likeliest hardcover publish- with which he had annointed his amateurish in the reduced, two-col- ers first and then, if necessary, beard that morning. The sun watch- , umn format he is using. [I think work your way down to the quality ed the parched market place. Scorn- part of the success of THE ALIEN small press publishers. If you ing the crowd, Kurshed pushed his CRITIC and SFR is due to the Con- have four thousand dollars, yourself way through the mob, ignoring out- gressional Elite of the Olympia 17- it might pay to publish it" yourself raged cries as he trod upon naked per inch typer I used to use, and After that maybe a Big Name publish- toes. A timid hand plucked at the to the choice of Delegate and Adju- er would pick it up. Or maybe, hav- flowing sleeves of his robe. His tant for text when I got the Selec- ing read your letter here, a pub- patience exhausted, Kurshed turned tric Standard Pica can be used . ] lisher will contact you. Good luck and roared, "Be gone, beggar or I successfully and to great advantage with it. ) ) shall dirty my hands in your death." in semi-pro publishing, but the On the good side, this opening format must be scaled and chosen to fit the printed- appearance dynamics - is vivid, portends action and vio- § Numbers 3 and 4 of WINDHAVEN- - lence, describes place, major char- of that typeface. Matriarchal Fanzine have been pub- acter, and situation. It does make Do I see puzzled frowns and hear lished. Jessica Amanda Salmonson you want to read on. "What difference does it make?" is apparently the editor-in-chief Except it is such a klunky, It makes a LOT of difference, in practice, though Jody Scott, unknowingly BAD piece of prose in and knowing the difference is some- Sherri L. File, and Phyllis Ann Karr other ways times crucial. are listed, too. These issues of THE DIVERSIFIER There is a goal listed on the It takes time for a whole crowd are so-so [not good] much amateur cover of both issues : ' Toward a Fem- to ebb and flow. Has Kurshed been fiction, art and reviews. Better inist and Humanitarian Fantasy and standing there for a long time? contents are promised with new as- Science Fiction. Broad shoulders projecting above sociate editors for departments in Good enough, but how does 'Hum- the crowd is awkward and malaprop; the 1978 issues. anitarian' square with 'Matriarchal' he has no head? Chet asks $1.25 for a copy, and ? Unless it is meant the fanzine Would a washed stench be better? his address: POB 1836, Oroville, CA is matriarchal, but that doesn't Avoid 'with which' at all costs! 95965. mean the editors are envisioning and outraged, not cries. People are. advocating a matriarchal society at Cries of outrage, please. large Oh, yes, that sun watching the # LETTER FROM CHET CLINGAN Being of the patriarch persuasion parched, market place. Too much Undated [February] I find this disturbing. metaphor; don't make objects sent- There are some interesting art- 'THE FANTASY MASTERS is coming ient. icles in these issues, for instance along, but can't seem to find a pub- The rest of WYRD #7 is heavy in "Why Blacks Don't Read Science Fic- heroic poetry and comic art. The lisher. Do you have any sugges- tion" by Charles R. Saunders (#3) tions? I have original fiction by other fiction is bad in other ways. and "Obi-Wan, Meet Jubal — " by $2.50 for this publi- , H. WARNER MUNN, They want Jeanne Gomal (#4). , CARL JACOBI, FRANK cation. Address : The Chaosium, POB Good, strrong editorials and BELKNAP LONG, DAVID DRAKE, MARY 6302, Albany, CA 94706. a good letter section in both is- ELEZABETH COUNSELMAN, JOSEPH PAYNE sues. BRENNAN, AND . Re- Single copy price, $1.95. By prints by ROBERT BLOCH, JOHN JAKES, I'm NOT feeling vicious today, subscription 6 for $6. Published # FRITZ LEIBF.R, MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY, I assure you. But THE DIVERSIFIER by Atalanta Press, Box 5688, Univ. 98105. (Sept, and Nov. 1977) is another 19 Stn. , Seattle, WA ' ! ,

ft RIP OFF PRESS has sent a comic outs, good artwork, and some good WEIRDBOOK #12 is devoted to book full of "Cover-Up Lowdown" poetry. Cost: $1.50. Sword 8 Sorcery and Heroic fiction, panels and two strips of satire I liked the long Lafferty with six pieces of verse scattered of the conspiracy kind. Not bad. items, the Brunner, the Salmon- here and there. The standout item I personally think this latest son and the Dorman. is L. Sprague de Camp's long story, mocking of conspiracy and paranoids Further improvements would be "The Stone of the Witch-Queen." It is proof of the control of even the a contents page and page numbers. has his sure professionalism and a counter-culture media by the Insid- Also, the reviews and editorial touch of ribaldry and bawdiness that ers! What bothers me is that I'm matter should be in at least two I found delightful. not offered a large sum of money, or column format, because following The other fictions are of lesser assured success if I'll follow the a line of type all the way across quality, but are very publishable; "party line" of the Huge Money Est- a wide page is more work than the editor W. Paul Ganley maintains a ablishment. This tells me They know average eye likes to do. high standard. The Steve Fabian I am incorruptible and therefore the SPECULATIVE POETRY REVIEW cover is very effective. only way to silence me is by marking 30 Pleasant St. WEIRDBOOK is $3. from P.O. Box me for death! But I'll fox them! Nantucket Island, MA 02554 35, Amherst Branch, Buffalo, NY I 'll 'kill myself before I'll let 14226. them murder me! But first I have to NYCTALOPS #13 is devoted more write 56 issues of SFR suicide note. There is now an August Derleth ft to the horror/macabre sub-genre of Rip Off also sent a review copy Society, and it has issued a News- fantasy. $2. from Silver Scarab of ZIPPY STORIES which features a letter. Membership fee of $1. Press, 500 Wellesley S.E., Albuquer- moron named Pinhead'. Eh! also covers cost of the Newsletter que NM 87106. Edited by Harry 0. Also, a copy of GREAT DIGGS- -The for one year. Send to Richard H. Morris, Jr. Basically Lovecraftian, Year 1977 in Cartoons. By R. Fawcett, 61 Teecomwas Dr., Uncas- of this issue has interesting articles Diggs. He is a Liberal, do-gooder, ville, CT 06382. about Lovecraft, Ramsey Campbell, ecologically- oriented kneerjerk type and an interview with . and draws good. The artwork is better in NYCTALOPS COVER-UP LOWDOWN costs $1.05 than in the other magazines reviewed ZIPPY STORIES costs $1.25 ft The fantasy-macabre fan magazines in this section; more moody photos GREAT DIGGS cost $1.30 are usually more expensive and more and montages. . .better drawings. all from Rip Off Press, POB 14158, lavish and better printed than sf San Francisco, CA 94114. fan magazines. WHISPERS, PHANTASY ************************************ DIGEST, FANTASY CROSSROADS, WEIRD- BOOK, and NYCTALOPS, for instance. 'to the plain man of today, as MOST FANATICAL LIBERAL OR SO- BLOOD by Harms Heinz Ewers, is PHANTASY DIGEST has approximate- TO THE ft GOVERNMENT APPEARS -RIMARILY three short stories of a gory mein. ly the same "look" to it inside, CIALIST, DEVICE FOR COMPENSATING HIS WEAK- Written apparently early in this with a mixture of good fiction and AS A MACHINE FOR PROTECTING HIM century, these tales rub our noses articles. Especially the Newsnotes NESS, A COULD NOT MAKE SE- in the red underside of mankind's section. PHANTASY DIGEST #3 is $4, IN RIGHTS THAT HE ARM, EVEN THE nature. The rubbing isn't too in the booklet format, 68 pages. CURE WITH HIS OWN HOLDS THE SAME VIEW OF IT: ITS terrible, by today's standards of Probablt the most professional TORY ESSENTIAL FUNCTION, TO HIM, IS TO frankness and realism, but it is item in this issue is "The Blade of PROPERTY AGAINST THE easy to see why these stories were Serazene" by Andrew J. Offutt, which SAFEGUARD HIS THOSE WHO, IF banned early on. nevertheless reads like a subtle par- LASCIVIOUS DESIRES OF THEY WERE NOT POLICED, WOULD BE Briefly, one story is about ody of the Sword § Sorcery style. TEMPTED TO GRAB IT, GOVERNMENT voodoo, one about a cock fight in From: Box 326, Aberdeen, MD 21001. WASHINGTON, NOT REAS- which men take the places of the SAID GEORGE "iS FANTASY CROSSROADS #12, from IS NOT ELOQUENCE IT IS cocks, and the third a very ON, IT — Stygian Isle Press, Box 12428, Shaw- FORCE," BAD GOVERNMENT IS THAT short item--a mood piece — in nee Mission, KS 66212. $3.50 single WHICH IS WEAK, IRRESOLUTE AND LACK- which a fair white virgin does copy, U.S.A ($4. overseas.) Edited IN CONSTABULARY ENTERPRISE; WHEN something horrible to a pidgeon ING by Jonathan Bacon. 48 pages, lett- DEFINED ONE HAS ALSO DE- before a high-priced audience. ONE HAS IT, er-size. FINED BAD BISHOP, CAVALRY CAPTAIN Well-written and disturbing, A Sword 8 Sorcery oriented, with OR POLICEMAN. GOOD GOVERNMENT IS because Ewers makes you think about some good, some indifferent artwork. DELIVERS THE CITIZEN FROM the very thin veneer of civilization THAT WHICH Also true of articles and fiction. THE RISK OF BEING DONE OUT OF HIS that protects us from. . .ourselves. The major drawback in my view LIFE AND PROPERTY TOO ARBITRARILY $5. from: Valcour and Kruegar is the seven- inch wide columns of AND VIOLENTLY ONE THAT RELIEVES POB 2429 reduced type. 18-22 word-wide col- HIM SUFFICIENTLY FROM THE BARBARIC San Diego, CA 92101 umns and dis- are deadly to track, BUSINESS OF GUARDING THEM TO ENABLE courage reading. Two columns ten HIM TO ENGAGE IN GENTLER, MORE DIG- words give an wide are better, and NIFIED AND MORE AGREEABLE UNDERTAK- text. [Three impression of quality INGS, TO HIS OWN CONTENT AND PROFIT, ft Bob Frazier, editor and pub- columned pages are sign of a more a AND THE ADVANTAGE, IT MAY BE, OF THE lisher of SPECULATIVE POETRY RE- commercialized approach, the ease COMMONWEALTH. VIEW, sent along a copy of #2 and of reading given more weight than 'UNFORTUNATELY, THIS FUNCTION IS enclosed a small note: the "appearance" of literary mater- PERFORMED ONLY IMPERFECTLY BY ANY OF

ial . Zinger 'Your scathing review of ] THE FORMS OF GOVERNMENT NOW VISIBLE By way, Easley SPReview#l was instrumental the Jonathan; the IN CHRISTENDOM, AND DR. JOHNSON WAS bacover or the Conklin centerspread in bettering the quality, I PERHAPS JUSTIFIED IN DISMISSING THEM far hope, here for #2. would have made a better cover ALL AS BUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE than the amateurish Clifford Bird SAME FRAUD,' Glad my comments helped. #2 is^ Conan . vastly improved. Now in the — H.L. Menken 8-1/2 x 11 format, with good lay- 20 *********************************** . . . . ' '

PRACTICE Man has the right to rest as ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED FROM P. 13 'In MAGICK IN THEORY AND (Dover Edition, 1976, $4), Crowley he will. defines Magick as "...the Science Man has the right to love as and Art of causing change to occur he will, when, where and with in conformity with Will". While it whom he will. ^LETTER FROM DALE R, GOWIN may be legitimately claimed that the Man has the right to die when and how he will. March 15, 1978 Supreme Change of the is an internal or psychological one, Man has the right to kill those 'Do what thou wilt shall be the yet it is obvious that a Magician who would thwart these rights. his Will as well in whole of the Law. must implement Love is the law, love under the cold, hard world wherein we all will . ' I would like to respond briefly must grind our bread. if I may, to a review of an Arthur Machen pamphlet by Darrell Schweit- 'Far from being merely the con- ((I have a little trouble with zer that appeared in your last is- coctions of idle imagination, the that 'Man has the right to kill ’ sue, (#24, page 49) Magick of the Order of the Golden those who would thwart these rights plunged into areas that modern law. Would 'inhibit' be okay? Or 'Mr. Schweitzer mentions that physics and transpersonal psychology 'prevent ’ ? "... Machen was a member of the fam- are only beginning to suspect the ((I will be happy to believe in ous Dawn Order of the Golden along existence of. Luckily for the cur- Magick. Please forward for publica- with Aleister Crowley and such peo- ious, the entire history and curric- tion tfie spell, incantation or chant ple...", and in the same paragraph ulum of this enigmatic Order is now required to insure editorial accept- he states that "since magical sys- a matter of public record since the ance of offered material. (But for tems are concoted solely from the publication of Israel Regardie's Ghu ' s sake , send me also for my use imaginations of the magicians, ex- mammoth work, AN ACCOUNT OF THE the counter- spell, incantation or perience of the real world won't do TEACHINGS, RITES AND CEREMONIES OF chant! ) ) ) you any good" in understanding Mach- THE ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DAWN (Llew- en 's prose. esoteric ellyn Publications, POB 3383, St. ************************************ Paul, Minnesota, 55165). For those 'While it is undeniable that > 'Concerned about the boy's future, seriously interested in learning there exists a relationship between his father, Lockwood Kipling, wrote more, the Ordo Templi Orientis pub- Magick and imagination, Mr. Schweit- the headmaster: "I must confess zer's statement is inaccurate and lishes a newsletter that will be of from what I have seen of Ruddy it misleading as stands. "Magick", interest (POB 2303, Berkeley, Cali- it is the moral side I dread a break- in the sense that the term was used fornia, 94702) down on. I don't think he has the by the Golden Dawn and is used by 'But to portray the real vital stuff to resist temptation. Journ- the Orders that succeeded it, is connection between Magick and the alism seems to be especially invent- fundamentally based upon the "ex- "experience of the real world", al- ed for such desultory souls.'" perience of the real world". If we low me to quote briefly from the define the term "real" such that it writings of Aleister Crowley (THE includes only the objective, phenom- LAW IS FOR ALL, Llewellyn, P. 321): 'Kipling was possessed by "deep mel- enal world which is composed of mat- ancholy and self-distrust." He was 'Do what thou wilt shall be erial elements and is perceptible prey to insomnia and sporadic ex- the whole of the Law. to the five senses, then one might haustion and an unshakable sense say There is no god but man. that the "real world" is the (which most of us try to forget laboratory of the Magician. Man has the right to live by most of the time) that life is his own law. 'Aleister brief, perilous, and very likely Crowley's encyclopaedic Man has the right to live in periodical, without meaning.' THE EQUINOX, carried the way that he wills to do. this motto on every title page: Man has the right to dress as "The methods of science; the aims he wills to do. of religion". (THE EQUINOX was Man has right the to dwell 'In Kipling's India there was where some of the formerly secret where he wills to dwell. no need of neurosis to see that what teachings and rituals of the Golden Man has the right to move as passed for society is precariously Dawn were first openly published) he will on of the perched on the brink of dissolution. The serious Magician is not inter- Earth. To survive, it was clear, one must ested in faith or unsupported be- Man has the right to eat what lief; s/he is concerned only with conduct oneself like the inhabitants he will, of some tiny, threatened hill sta- empirically verifiable results ob- Man has the to right drink tion in the Punjab. No room for tained from direct experience. what he will "Faith must be slain by certainty, artistic self-preoccupation, or Man has the right to think as and chastity by ecstasy", writes self-indulgence. What mattered was he will, the everlasting effort to make Crowley in THE BOOK OF THOTH (Weiser, Man has the right to write as things work, and a useful conspir- N.Y.). Magick (spelled with a "K" he will. and pronounced with a long "a" to acy to honor and encourage those Man has the right to speak as who did That was Kipling's view distinguish it from sleight-of-hand so. he will. rare- trickery and primitive superstition) f India and of human life. He Man has the right to mold as cowardice, chi- combines the rigorous skepticism ly glossed over the he will. canery, and sheer bestiality of the and exactitude of Science with the Man has the right to paint as creative genius of Art and Mysticism world, colonial and otherwise, but he will. he persistently tried to see in resulting in specific formulas that Man has the right to carve as certain human enterprises the like- produce definite results. The val- he will. idity ness of a noble aspiration. of this statement can be ver- Man has the right to work as ified by anyone who will take the he will. time and- energy to investigate some Timothy Foote of the literature which is now wide- HARPER'S, March, 1978 ly available for the first time. 21 *********************** ****** ****** : , . ) ' , . ' !

'I've seen people like Mr. Trtek # LETTER FROM ROBERT BLOCH come and go, they shoot their mouth Feb. 2, 1978 off and profess their great know- 'Congratulations. Judging from ledge of everything, and in the end issue you've heeded my they fade away with no one ever re- 2-11-78 Klaus Boschen, an SFR the current writ- membering them. Judging by his let- reader in New York, sends on occas- plea to print more of your own ter, I'd say he's between sixteen ion items from newspapers and such ing and/or opinions in SFR. And to you've thus im- and twenty years old. that he thinks might interest me. my way of thinking There are several readers who gift proved it greatly. Your comments ( (Ah, yes, by their syntax ye me thusly. on the Bakke case seem particularly trenchant to me, and your extrapola- shall know them.)) Klaus sent along the Jan. 22, we'll 1978 column, "Paperback Talk" by tions appear logical. Now on Ray Walters, from the NEW YORK TIM- have to wait and see who flashes you ES BOOK REVIEW. them and what kind of feedback Ray comments that with the great get. I, for one, am disgusted with in sales of the pb STAR WARS and CLOSE the whole quota-system approach our overpopulated society; it's a ENCOUNTERS (and hardcover editions I a™ always astonished/ copout for everyone in authority who 2-13-78 of , THE HOUSE OF appalled/amused at authors who put wants to avoid coming to grips with MERLYN and GNOMES) dancing in their down fan reviewers for having miss- any problem on a realistic (i.e., in- heads, 'almost every paperback house ed the point of novels. They con- dividual) basis. Similarly, it's is planning to expand its list of sf demn fan reviewers as incompetent, 1 an excuse for nerds to claim their and fantasy in 1978. Last year 131 immature, unread... "rights" (i.e., unearned privileges of all book titles published in the I always wonder who the hell and freebies) and a handy political U.S.A. fell into the sf-fy category. these authors are writing for? weapon. The only valid quota-sys- Fan reviewers are almost all Also detailed is the coming of tem is embodied in Stuegeon's Law:

' heavy readers of sf, almost all in graphic novels ' : ' large format following its precept, I recommend the upper percentiles of intelli- paperbacks that depend upon pictur- we get rid of 90% of everything ! es as much as words to tell their gence . stories.' Both Ballantine and Pock- ( (Right on! It IS understood Whereas the average reader of sf et Books have some of these schedul- isn 't it, that you and me do the is someone who likes sf but who ed beginning in March, and these selecting? ) doesn't make a steady diet of the books will be 'teeming genre. If a cover or title intri- with strange creatures, horoes and gues them, or if a favorite author villains, high adventure and eroti- # LETTER FROM C.C, CLINGAN., EDITOR, has a new book out — they'll buy the paperback, maybe a dozen times cism— grown-up descendants of the THE DIVERS I FI ER . a year But they don't analyze comic books . . ' The books are Early February THE FIRST KINGDOM by Jack Katz the novel as they read it. They letter for quote, (Pocket/Wallaby, $3.95) 'This is a don't have (usually) a conrand of from "one of those editors of a old and new to NEVERWHERE by semi-pro magazine who does a slip- use as critical tools, or a ground- (Ballantine, $8.95) shod job". ing in Critical Analysis... These sound like very expensive 'I'm sure Mr. Trtek could do a Who are these dissatisfied au- large-size adult big- little books. better job if he only had the hun- thors writing for? With more and more of our young pop- dreds of dollars a year (out of his For English professors? ulations functionally illiterate, own pocket) to pay for publishing a For the one reader in a thousand eight or there may be a future for these hy- semi-pro magazine. Or the or so who is_ intellectually equipp- typing, brids. But since the TV- talk gen- more hours a day to spend ed to perceive underlying themes reading manuscripts and answering eration (that part of it, I mean) and subtle interrelationships? which finds reading a no-win situa- everyone with a personal note — lay-i Fan- fucking- tastic tion maybe doesn't earn enough to ing out, pasting up, writing let- I would like to say to these stories to be il- afford these $4 and $9 books, this ters, sending out writers: Hey, if an intelligent, experiment may be a loser. lustrated, and the hundred other heavy reader of sf doesn't get your Literate people will be ashamed little things that go with being a message, or understand your lithe bi- to be seen with one of these 'graph- "good editor", and publishing a literary effects, you're not making that ic novels '...so except as a curios- monthly (or any frequency for yourself clear enough. And you're ity, who will buy them regularly? matter) magazine. likely playing a pretentious game of I that he has TV is getting sexier every year, 'However, doubt Misunderstood Artist. to write and soon we may see a sex-appeal what it takes, it's easier In which case, bub (or bubess), fantasy series on TV for adults. letters to other magazines telling the fault lies in you, not in your Stay tuned. people what they're doing wrong. readers 'If he had one tenth of the tal- Of course it is possible to ent that any of the three people he write on more than one level— ac- mentioned Charles Saunders, Dar- tion/adventure for the less sophist- rell Schweitzer or Karl Wagner he icated, and subtle effects and mes- could consider himself lucky. sages for Those Who Can Dig It. Where does he get off calling these But- -ah— almost always the com- people names. All three have sold plaining author has short- sheeted to pro magazines, can he make the the first, larger audience (some- same statement? I'll lay odds he times contemptuously) in order to

can ' t make brownie points with the second, 'He says he was charitable by infinitely smaller readership. describing Charles Saunders as a bo- What these authors don't ever zo. I think you were charitable in seem to realize is that ’if they man- your remarks to him. age to tell a super-wowser of a sto- ) )

xy on the first level, the intellec- of the sex no-no on covers as oppos- 'There are, says Gish, no trans- tual audience will, all by themselv- ed to the OK of violence. Violent, itional forms between a theoretical es, discover/see/find/create all graphic death is acceptable on a ape-like ancestor for man and man kinds of themes and symbols and ar- magazine cover. Loving, graphic himself (or herself as the case may sex is not. THAT'S THE WAY IT cane literary meanings in that sto- AND be) . Indeed? Ramapithecus , an ape- ry—which the author was never a- IS! In America. At the present like creature, ranged , Asia ware of when he wrote it! time. )) and Europe as long ago as ten mill- Happens all the time. ion years. His fossil remains have 'Re: your earlier efforts to careers are now be- various places and Professorial grow veggies under artificial sun- been found in ing built on deep analysis of the dated at various times. His jaw and light in your basement 1 have just works of Heinelin, Dick, Farmer, structure make him our earli- discovered that the unplanted tulip tooth Ellison, Vonnegut, Bradbury est known ancestor and I should bulbs in the bottom of my refrigera- Writers can damage themselves point out that studies made during tor have begun to sprout.... is this, seriously if they become self-con- the past year show that the cellular after all these years, the final cr- writing, either when makeup of ol' Rama's teeth is ident- scious while cial proof that doesn't out, or in mid- ical to our own. Homo habilis they're starting go off when you shut the refrigera- . (round him off to three million career tor door? Let's hear from the years ago, give or take a couple of Of course, it's a "special creationists" on that.' seductive, fortnights) is transitional between ego-trippy disease, and there may f (Ghod works in mysterious Rama and Homo Erectus. (I said Er- be no known cure short of lobotomy, ways. ) ectus, Dick, not Erection.) which is worse than the disease. Homo Erectus sounds (Well . . . . . ( (I dunno. there are some writers . Vaguely obscene to me... and unnat- End impassioned of editorial. ural. Does Anita Bryant know about Let's get to some of the letters him?) ) which have come pouring in. 'Erectus is transitional between Habilis and Neanderthalsis and that # LETTER FROM DR. DEAN R. LAMBE one is transitional between Erectus and ourselves. Some of the fossil 9 February 1978 skulls from Palestine (Ah®Mr. Gish,

' Let me add my vote for more think of that.) are definitely tran- Geis, less whatever, in SFR for the sitional between Neanderthal and simple reason of "better a known modern man. So much for the argu- devil" the paranoia of others in ment that there are no transitional SFR is not nearly as understandable. forms. Read Leakey's ORIGINS, ny dear sir. ((This issue should satisfy you. If you want even MORE of me how 'As for birds, I lean heavily delicious! I could simply make SFR towards the idea that the dinosaurs

a one-man personal zine. . .but, no, were hot-blooded and that the birds even J would think 80 pages of Geis today are the remnants of the dino- a hit Much. Still my ego is_ up V6RS&0 saur population. to it, even if my energy-level is- mouM* ((Sic transit gloria rnundi, n’t.) ) tuesday, and always. . . . Someday 'Ian Coveil's interview with Bob we, too, will be altered remnants.)) Shaw was masterful. It doesn't take a psychologist to see that "eyesight 'As for creation... I might give and light" are indeed vital issues it more serious consideration if you for Shaw. Shaw is quite correct in show me which’ creation story deserv- his assumption that most of humani- es more consideration than the rest. ty would rather be deaf than blind-- Shall we discount the Navajo story ign that question to any deaf person of creation in favor of others? What you know. Shaw seems to equally # LETTER FROM ROY TACKETT about the Greek story of creation? protest too much on the subject of I know that you 'I really cannot let the missive The Sumerian? Ah, bitchy women. proper- from Duane T. Gish pass by without will say the Christian (more ly Judeo-Christian) story is the ( (Ian feels dissatisfied with some sort of comment. By Zeus, no. one but, as I am sure you are aware, the interview, even though yours is "Neither creation nor evolution are there are even two of those in Gen- a typical judgement. He has an in- scientific theories," he says. Oh, ' esis . terview with Moorcock, and one with I don't know... using Gish's own Brunner, coming up in future is- criterium that there myst be repeat- ((I have my own Creation story: I say that sues. ) ) able observation would 'In the beginning Ghod created a there has been considerable repeated erection. He looked down at 'Re: your comments on the dull cosmic observation to back up evolution. I it and found it Good. Then He creat- nipples on the cover of #23; what think the fossil records around the cosmic vagina and womb. He are the librarians to think of the ed a world speak quite well for themselv- too. Then He Fabian cover on #24? Apparently found them Good, es when it comes to repeatability. that cosmic pussy and got it it's OK blast off a guy's butt and fucked 'I realize, of course, that Pregnant. nine billion years balls right out there for all the After there is no winning arguments with it gave birth to the universe a world to see, but it's a no-no to creationists. Even if they admit great, concentrated ball of unstable have a gal stick it to us? there is a fossil record they will matter. It exploded, of course, and ((I suggested the cover idea tell you that it was created by god galaxies went every which way. God, simply to test mortal man. to Steve ( though not which area to pissed off, said to hell with it blast) to underline the absurdity 23 and left. He has never been seen . ) ' . . ) . again. The oosmie vagina and womb 'I especially enjoyed the Piers ( (For those readers who came in tried to do right with the universe, Anthony interview. A lot of his late, see Avedon 's letter in SFR 23, but it got to be too much to handle, fiction and interaction makes much and Ed's in SFR 24.)) growing as it was, so the mother of more sense now. I met him twice. . 'By the way, here's some junk I the universe followed Ghod, also when he visited me on his way to pulled out of some recent NIH Cancer never to be seen nor heard of again. Milford a dozen years ago, and when Inst, reports that might amuse you: Our universe is an unfortunate ac- I attended his seminar at Goddard People who don't eat meat are far cident .)) College a year and a half ago. I less prone to heart disease and can- have enjoyed his company and conver- cer than people who do eat meat (so sation very much, and his daughter it won't be that much of a surprise Penny is delightful. # LETTER FROM ED MESKYS if your expectations of someday see- RFD 1, Box 63 1 1 have revived Niekas after a ing "a report showing that the life Center Harbor, NH hiatus of years and published #21 expectancy of heart patients is 03226 8 6 Feb 1978 l.ast February. We sent you a copy better. if they are treated with but have no idea if it ever reached heavy doses of certain vitamins and ' just finished reading the I you. Many of the copies sent out live on a strict diet designed by a Nov. SFR which I found very inter- seem to have been eaten by the p.o., dedicated nutritionist" are met) esting. John Boardman taped it for as we have gotten many complaints And people who smoke begween one and my personal use, which I appreciat- from people who failed to get their ten cigarettes a day, or people who ed very much. I am now engaged in a copies. It is now just about Out of have smoked cigarettes but quit are project to eventually produce sever- Print and we are keeping the few less likely to get lung cancer than al fanzines, or at least excerpts remaining copies for sale at a spec- people who have never smoked at all. therefrom (too early to tell) on ial price. #22 will be out in a I swear I don't make this stuff up.' casette for general circulation a- few months and we will send you mong blind SF readers. Would you ((How about the underground that. NIEKAS is not what it once have any objection to SFR being so knowledge that taking lecithin, lots was, but I hope it can grow back to distributed? Proper acknowledge- of vitamin C, about 1200 units of its former stature some day. ment and credit would be given. vitamin E, a good multivitamin, 'While I cannot read them di- and a 3-complex supplement and a ((I have no objection, and I am rectly I keep a file of ink print mineral supplement, every day (tak- sure none of the contributors to copies of fanzines for reference ing the E and C in three parts dur- SFR have any objection. and for sharing with coeditors and ing the day-night) will protect you ( (The new form sent by the Lib- friends . When N22 does come out I from the consequences of smoking rary of Congress for copyrighting hope you will consider placing me on and eating too much sugars and material (For a Hondramatic Literary your mailing list in exchange for starches. . .up to a point. Smoking Work form TX) has a release sec- it. ' three packs a day for twenty years tion in it (#8) which allows the ( (Alas, I didn't receive NIEKAS is simple suicide, as well as eat- copyright holder to give permission #21. I look forward to #22, and ing to the point of fifty to 100 to the to make expect the zine to once again be a pounds overweight. braille and special recordings of Hugo winner. It used to be THE ( (And of course, there 's no the Work for the exclusive use of zine to get. You- are now on the arguing with that greedy, impatient the blind and physically handicapp- Complimentary list.)). infant in a lot of people who never ed. I okayed this section when I leamea or was never taught disci- copyrighted SFR #24, and will okay pline, by parents, in the crucial it with each issue when I fill out early years. the form. I urge other fanzine pub- ( (And the submerged infants-in- lishers to do the same. # LETTER FROM AVEDON CAROL adults go on to have and raise more 't ( (Of course , the release doesn 4 February 1978 undisciplined people. . . . ) mean the Library of Congress will pick SFR to render in braille or '1 guess Ed Przasnyski wants to know if I spent eight years killing record. ) rats so I could prove I'm qualified 'I am working on this project to save lives. I don't want to play with the librarian for the blind in this crummy elitist game, but I'm a # LETTER FROM ALEXIS GILLILAND New Hampshire and it will probably gynecologic counselor and I'm pretty February 7, 1978 take another seven months to a year well-respected in my field. Even if 'Currently I am working on the for the project to get off the I wasn't, that wouldn't invalidate final version of a fannish theatric- ground anything I wrote (which was obvious- al venture to put on at , ly not the same thing he read, any- 'I found all 4 interviews very ((May 26-29)) a sort of prequel to way) . interesting. Of course some were STAR WARS, it is called STAR WARS' 'What I really don't understand reprinted which gave you less c cn- ROOTS. A non-musical (due to WSFA's is (a) why does he say I make gener- trol, but still I wish the Bradbury present lack of singing talent) it alizations and that I wrote a long interviewer had asked him about the should run just about an hour, with letter as if they were Obscene myth of his being anti-technology Avedon Carol starring as Darth Vad- Things To Do? (b) where does he get I met Bradbury at a Westercon 13 or er. ((Perfect casting?) ) the idea that I think doctors are years -ago and at that time he 'On Duane T. Gish's letter, I 14 supposed to be superhuman (when I'd said he was not against technology offer the following: merely be grateful if they would ad- but only its misuse. In fact, he (1) Radical evolutionary chang- mit they are human?) (c) you mean waxed rhapsodic about some of the es take place in small populations you've never heard of Eyesenek? (d) gadgets Disneyland. under severe environmental stress. at what does Harlan Ellison have to do 'I was amazed at Vance's com- (2) The fossil record is a ran- with it? (e) what does he need a self awareness of every word dom sampling of species. The spe- plete canary for when he puts out so much he To still be thinking a- cies most likely to be represented uses. shit himself?' bout the one split infinitive he are the most numerous; i.e., the ever used is amazing. 24 stable, evolved species. ' . . ]' ( ' ' )

(3] The gaps are statistically # LETTER FROM ROBERT OLSEN Anderson reprints are new to anyone exactly what you would expect. under 25 or so, and probably the Early Feb . , 1978 (4) The DNA codons are the cards reprint rights were acquired [or in God's deck. Evolution is God 'Let me be the first to point used, if purchased way back in the playing solitaire, and Creation. . out that you printed the. same letter 50 's as part of the original con- when it happens is God cheating at from Alexis Gilliland twice in issue tract] for less than the going rate solitaire. 24. I can only assume that one of for a new novel by a new or little- the replies is from you and the oth- known writer. Plus, the Anderson f (But uf you can't trust God, er from Alter; my vote is for you books will likely sell far better who can you trust?)) being the one who feels faintly ri- than a book by a new writer. diculous, since this would be impos- As times get tougher the money sible for Alter. factor will become more important. Wither sf? Nowhere. Sf will ((les, you were the first of a- # LETTER FROM HARRY ANDRUSCHAK possibly end up living off its bout a dozen, so far. One small 6 Feb. 1978 past, like a snake swallowing its goof for Geis is one large "Aha!!" tail. 'On page 75 of SFR #24, in your for fandom. *Grump*)) footnote to the Harlan Statement, you ask what next. Well, having # LETTER FROM RON MONTANA been born in England, I would guess the next hot topic is The Irish Feb. 3rd, 1978 Question at SEACON. (S3 'You mention the possible demise been told, by the Ir- 'We have O O of Manor Books in SFR24. They are those English (when ish, that all alive and well and living at 432 out interesting fanzin- not putting Park Avenue South, New York, NY es) steal irish land, keep them in 10016. I bring it up because God slavery, want to introduce birth knows we need all the publishers we control and abortion into a happy, can get. I signed a contract with Catholic country, and God- loving them for my first sf novel, SIGN OF all that. Wanna make a small bet THE THUNDERBIRD, in August. 77 and on it?' received the advance copies on Jan

( (I'm not sure what you expect 5th, 1978, which I thought was to happen the Guest of Honor be- pretty fast work. The advance is coming a propaganda machine for one $1500, at least for SF by ‘an un- side or the other? An invasion of known. If you last sold them in violent, loud Irish fans, or gust say, ' 65 .... riotous Irish intent on disrupting ( Ron, you misread that note re the Con? A bomb scare?)) MAJOR BOOKS. I print your letter in case others did, too. And to let your sale be known to fandom. Congratulations. Obviously some 2-18-78 I 3111 perhaps misreading new novels by unknowns are being what may be a temporary situation, bouaht and vublished. ) but of the last 11 Ace releases, 2-16-78 The WALL STREET JOURNAL all are reprinted sf (plus ALIEN today reports that alternatives to MEETINGS, a Brad Steiger collection the postal service are beginning to of reported meetings with alien be- § MORE FROM PETER WESTON look very attractive now to compan- ings — non-fiction, for our purpos- 2 February, 1978 ies that distribute phonograph rec- es) . ords, as well as to book publishers. Today I received six reprints ' I note your comments on "One If proposed postal rate increas- of early Ace novels by Poul Ander- Immortal Man" and hasten to assure es take effect in July of 1979, mail son (some from Ace Doubles, I imag- you there's no need for you to spon- costs will have increased 4001 since ine) . [I include the six in the sor your own publications of the se- 1971. total of eleven. quel(s). You'll remember my repeat- The alternative methods of dis- I do not in the least begrudge ed offers to take further chunks of tribution used so far are local Poul the extra money these reprint- what will eventually be a novel, and newspaper deliverers, and local dis- ings represent. But I wonder if in view of my hard work to date I tributing companies created to fill the science fiction establishment's certainly hope you'll give ANDROMEDA the demand by large bulk mailers response to the success of STAR first refusal . How can these locals make money WARS and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS is to be a ((As you'll see in this issue, where the p.o. loses? Ahh, the loc- flood of space-opera reprints of Peter, rather than continue the als employ people at about $5,000 early work by now-well- known sf story from where it left off in per year, while the p.o. is forced writers? the novelet published in ANDROMEDA to pay $17,000+ per employee. And I voice again the specula- 2, I decided to continue it from The Market eventually triumphs. tion that there may be very little an interior point. . .and I don't But the p.o. is predictably go- need for new novels in years ahead, see how that could be used in ing to fight like hell to retain its considering the thousands of titles ANDROMEDA, or accepted by the read- monopoly- -with the fervent support available to choose from with the — ers of the first version. But I'll of the mail unions. exception, of course, of new block- send you advance copies of the SFR (Word is that the postal service busters from the current Biggies and serial, and who knows?)) is now more interested in electron- the current Great New Talents. ic mail transmission, and will per- There may well be a strong ec- 'Speaking of which, I've already haps lease the service/equipment onomic force at work, too: the Poul denied the rumour you printed, ap- from a major electronics company.) 25 parently started by George Hay. Now, . ; ' ) ' ' ' he knows nothing about the ANDROMEDA manuscripts. Occasionally, very anyone else ' s sf in SFR. (Unless series, but isn't it a coincidence occasionally. I'll send a long note you are a top sf professional with that he should start the rumour at a telling the writer what he/she could a story eating your heart out that time when his own PULSAR series is do to improve the story since it no existing professional outlet will about to appear? (Containing at does have possibilities if the writ- touch because of its outrageous ele-

least one of my rejects, says I ter knew a bit more about writing ments) . I DO NOT WANT TO READ A nastily) tightening, foreshadowing, cutting SLUSH PILE OF AMATEUR, SEMI-PRO, of extraneous scene etc. And to OR LOW-GRADE PRO SF!! !!!!!! !!!!!!)) 'My third book has in fact gone think I didn't go to grad school in in, Futura are pleased and very 'LeGuin and Dick's experiences English because I didn't like this keen to make up lost time with the with the Polish Publishing Company sort of thing. That may be two or series. Contents for #3: ((Real name Wydawnictwo Literackie three people in a slush pile that didn't trust your fingers to "Black Glass" (12,000 w.) by originally held 100-125 manuscripts. — spell it right?)) should make any- ; I do try to write something to just one hesitate to have works pubbed "A Time Span to Conjure With" about everybody unless the story is in Communist lands, at least if they by Ian Watson; so bad that it defies description want to be paid or not have their "Silver Paw" by William Wu; or makes me nauseated when I think work butchered. (Er, that should "Connections" by ; about it again four or five a be his/her work published.) ((I "The Cremation" by Christopher ^mailing. him/she as correct usage. I Priest prefer would advise avoiding the offensive "Brother Ape' by David Redd; penis/puss terminology as too avante "Wanderers fj Travellers We Were" garde.)) John Brunner had a run in by Darrell Schweitzer; with an East German publishing com- "Flare Time" by Larry Niven (16- pany because they wanted to make 000 w.) -=© some 'small changes' to purge capit- "Not Absolute" by Tom Allen alist decadence from his work or (Shippey) . something like that. By any name it 'The book is due out in Septemb- is still censorship. er and we have high hopes once again 'As a bookstore clerk, I would of a US edition for the three to say that a writer does better (in pb date, which would please you, would- at least) to label his/her writing n't it? SF than mainstream as SF sells bet- ter unless you happen to be Harold ( (Very muah. ) Robbins. A lot od mainstream writ- 'Please mention that I'm already ing (what gets put there anyway) is reading for #4 and submissions are really Gothics, either of the soppy, romantic type or of the demonic pos- invited; we can now pay 3

"Geis, Russ is deliberately ist fantasies are wrong, why do you vague about the Gang and such. The perpetuate them? Why do you indulge center of the book must be on Irene them?" and her torment in a still- sexist Because, Alter, I am deeply what organization, in a sexist world, in I am on the emotional level that a sexist universe! Sexism is the fuels my fiction-writing urges. I core!" wouldn't write fiction at all if I I understand that. I see what's had to write "nice" "fair" "approv- going down when Irene and Erst fight ed" fiction. There's a strong stub-

hand-to-hand in near-weightlessness born, non- conformist, take-it-or- • as she and the girl and boy near the leave- it streak in me. And as for time of their eascape. Tiring of being such a hairy chauvinist and "Okay, Geis, drop your cock and the match, fearing losing, she simp- sexist I'm not so sure I really grab your socks. We've got review- ly pulls a gun and shoots him. We am, and I'm not so sure instinctual ing to do." never know if he died or not. And forces aren't responsible for the Watch your language. Alter. they were lovers. . .virtually mated. male- dominated cultures and societ- This is a family fanzine. Ernst is throughout the book 99% a ties civilization has brought forth, "But the family is adult, so perfect male— thoughtful, consider- and I am pretty sure that science don't give me any of that reflex ate, loving... But in the end he is and technology and the wealth they Puritanism that lurks beneath the a HATED MAN and get shot. have permitted are responsible for surface of your lobe." "That bugs you, eh, Geis? WimLib; as a surplus -enjoying civil- Half a lobe is better than none, But Russ is only getting even a bit for ization, we can afford /endure the I guess. What reviewing? decades generations changes in family/etc whiclf science "You know! THE TWO OF THEM, the — — of stories in which the woman gets shot or and technology require. That's the new novel by Joanna Russ." Yin/Yang of it. When the basic sacrificed. . .or Oh, yeh. Interesting, thought- self-sacrifices for the man." underlying economic facts of life provoking, a total failure as a nov- I'll betcha men kill for the mass-production society el, but a good vehicle for Russ' more men in sf novels than they change- -so will the culture and continuing hate-on for male-dominat- kill women. But... See? family and interpersonal relation- ed societies. This book forces one to think about what Russ is saying, ships . "Predictable response, Geis. Is and Russ in effect is giving We live in interesting, turbu- that all you can say for it?" fic- tional form to Feminist Dogma. The lent times fueled by the gargantuan I was trying to capsule it for exploitation you. You want more detailed comment problem is the novel suffers for of natural resources being used as a platform for these made possible by science and tech- I can give you this: It is a novel views, nology. When the of unanswered questions. Irene and so blatantly. basics change, "You're saying the superstructure changes to con- Ernst are Earth-present people re- that as a novel the book is a cheater?" form. cruited and trained by 'the gang' Yes. And as it's "I asked a review, Geis, who can transport them to alternate a tract con- you for fused. As a thought-provoking ir- not a damned rehash of your long- or planets . . . Nothing is ritant it succeeds. view." certain ! These two were trained "You don't think Joanna Russ is Okay. My position is that Russ and are on a spy mission to a moslem really as intensely angry and frus- writes well but she is too Driven culture that has fashioned a home trated as her Irene character, do to write good novels... as novels. for itself underground in a planet you?" I was raised during the Great Depres- or moon with an inhospitable sun. No. She'd commit murder or sion and that socio- cultural stew But Irene —with seething hatred commit suicide if she were. She formed me and (with my inborn tal- in her— a feminist in spades — is feels strongly. SIMILARLY, I ents and personal warps and woofs) so pissed off at the woman-warping, hope readers dictates how and what I I dehumanizing, suffocating moslem- will not think me a totally write. amoral sexist, a killer, from a will give myself free reign in fic- ideal society that she disrupts the reading of the first third of tion because I am happiest that way. mission by insisting of taking a ONE IMMORTAL in this So, too, in SFR commentary. I young girl away from her family be- MAN issue of SFR. am I (and not sorry if the result cause her family will probably eith- Joanna) live in the real offends world; we some people. I refuse er squash the girl's talent and spir- write in fantasy worlds, guilt. At the and we can let ids far as same time each day I read more, ex- it or drive her insane. our go as we want perience more, think more- -and Irene identifies intensely with in fantasy. That's what fiction is for for writers ‘and change subtly. We all do. My opin- the girl. This causes heavy con- — readers. I readers ions will no doubt change through flicts in Irene- --she remembers her believe have a right to coherent, rational fanta- the years... But, ah, which way? own 1940- ish upbringing in Earth- sies, with few ends pos- "Get off the goddamned soapbox! present society and she ends up as loose as — sible. Get back in bed. Grab your cock--" apparently shooting Ernst because he She thinks my fantasies are Mind if I take my socks off might be planning to help the Gang Wrong... and I think hers Warped. first? revamp her personality or worse. We're I She escapes with the girl and with both right, suspect. a little footloose boy who was on "Geis, Geis, Geis. . .if you sus- pect Male Chauvinist Pig Sex- the spaceliner during their trip your back to base .... 27 " " . " ,

"I'm glad you finally finished strong points. But it's a tragedy, reading another book, Geis. I was and that business of alternate real- getting bored." ities. ..." You? Bored? With all the ex- Let's let the readers make up citing memories of my sown oats and their own minds "All right, Geis, since you wild times to sort through and enjoy "Right-on, Geis. Any copout in know Bill Rotsler to say hello to in retrospect? a storm." and chat with, what did you think "Huh! You flatter yourself. of his new Doubleday sf novel, All I find are missed opportunities, ZANDRA ($6.95)?" dumb, clumsy sexual episodes, fear, You love putting me on the spot, anguish, dread, half-assed acts of don't you, Alter? kindness, revenge and love, to say "Sure do. I think your squirms nothing of the weird— are a delight to observe. Go ahead, That'll be enough. Alter. The "Geis ! Get your face out of Geis. Squirm for me." readers will get the idea I haven't that fanzine and join me over here Ha ha. ZANDRA is a highly com- led a glamorous, wicked, unconven- I need you to carp and set me up mercial sf novel of the 'snatched tional life. while I review." to another world' variety. In "You were always too shy and this instance a jetload of Ameri- timid. Still are...excpet in print. I'm busy Alter. Go read anoth- cans is 'snatched' by a ruling There is a great deal of Walter Mit- er book. race from perhaps another, alter- ty in you." "All you're, doing is skimming, nate universe. They want the metal You want to review this book, or for of your name looking mentions and sell the people as slaves. Their not? or SFR." ancient machines only focus on what "Sure. It's THE JONAH KIT by And finding damn few of either. we know and love as the Devil's Ian Watson, a writer whose reputa- They The faneds are ignoring me! Triangle near Bermuda. tion preceded him the author of me anymore! — don't love "I adore the hero's name: Mace THE EMBEDDING. I expected a good SFR "You're too good, Geis. Wilde. And the heroine's name is read and I got one- -sort of. shrink from is so suprerior they good old Eve Clayton." class, "He has Geis. He can recognizing it. Is that what you Do not mock, Alter. Mace lives write a good scene and can make wanted hear? that what you to Is up to his name and by guile intel- characters real rasty-nice and ,_ — want them to say in print?" ligence and superior fighting abil- with pimples who say real things. honest, I Well... yes, to be ity (enhanced by the lighter grav- But he has in this book, anyway — guess it is. ity of this metal-poor planet), a lousy opinion of mankind and "You ask and expect too much. — manages to become the lover to a the ways of the world. assist me." Now come over here and soon- to- rule Princess and manages First the Russians manage to im- But got one book you've only to reunite with Eve Claton, who print mind of dying Lawrence Yep, the a cosmonaut there, SEADEMONS by has survived an escape and an al- onto the developing brain of a published by Harper § Row at $8.95. liance with a rebellious race of child. . .and then they learn from You usually do a slew at one sit- mountain people. that failure imprinting by the mind ting. "Don't forget the kung-fu of a musician onto a young whale, "This issue I'm doing the as- trained lovely black movie actress, so the whale/man can spy on U.S. the sessments and taxations while a Liberal Gesture and an Approved deep nuclear subs." writing is fresh in my mind." Character." What Hammond, about the astrono- Does this mean you'll be more That's sf today. Alter. Don't mer who is world famous and who cruel and thoughtlessly vicious, now knock it. reveals to the world that there was more impulsive and sarcastic? "I wouldn't dream of it, Geis. a Creator, but He then took a powd- "I expect so, since the bad What I will knock is the italicized er on our universe, and.... will be so fresh and ugly in my interior monologues- -the visible "And, yeah... it gets distracting mind." thoughts — indulged in, rather awk- for a while, what with four points You know how I hate the sight wardly Rotsler. And I didn't of —by view alternating, including the of blood. like the slow, rather needless pre- whale/man." "You say it but look and grin — amble first part of the novel where But you like his style, if not anyway. Now about SEADEMONS all the major characters are intro- his pessimistic ending? Lovely wrap-around Frazetta duced and think and talk as they painting for the dust-jacket! "Yeah. I don't like the idea of meet and interact as they board the "Yes, but the novel is an ex- ankind being a Typhoid Mary species, jet and enjoy the first part of ample of an author trying to pack so abhorrent to another intelligent the flight to Doom."- too much lost-human- colony names, species that — You always like fast starts, I places and customs information in- Don't for Christ's sake give know... But once it gets going, to a thin, low- tens ion plot. The away what happens. Alter! especially in the fight scenes characters aren't real enough to "Oh, yeah. I've got to be more this novel has elemental power and offset the quiet story or overcome careful about that. But I do have gripping ability. all the strange names and rela- a grunch—what really were those "So how come it doesn't end?" tionships/culture. It all boils squids in the Deeps with the flash- Well, Bill has a sequel in the down to the slowly declining human ing lights? Is Watson saying THEY works. As the novel ends the hum- colony being taught a nasty lesson are intelligent, too?" ans are Somewhat in control of in live- and- let- live by the other I don't know. I did like Wat- their lives and have a chance to intelligent species of the planet son's skill in creating a truly dif- get back to Earth- --but because of those who inhabit seas." ferent/real alien/whale viewpoint — the a time differential such a return Okay, now can I go back to my and way of life, including the crea- would plonk them into our future fanzines? tion Of the Glyphs of stored know- by several hundred years. "Yes. See you in a few days." ledge and wisdom for the various "Sounds like a third book, varieties of intelligent whales. Geis." "Yeah, yeah, the book has its 28 Could be " — .

think Cooper was just a hack sf You're just lazy, Alter, but I

novelist. . .and maybe he is. . .but will review these two foundlings. this is a well-written, touching, Just stand clear and keep quiet. "Geis, this little small-press Tragedy, and so I think now he "The stage is yours." — has the capacity to do really fine book We have here THE WEB OF THE CHO- work and that every so often every- That is not exactly small press. ZEN by Jack L. Chalker. The story thing will click and he'll produce Alter. That is IN MAYAN SPLENDOR, of a crazy sentient computer who im- a really fine novel. So I'll be by , published proves the colonists on its space- at least dipping into his books by the revered Arkham House, for ship with a very intelligent virus, from now on to see if he's done $6. a copy. so that when they land on a habit- it again." "It is a booklet of poetry in able planet they turn into immortal His story of Paul Marlowe, the hardcovers, Geis, and it is not donkeys with sonar, radar and a marooned spaceman survivor, on Al- very good poetry at that, although strange new reproductive system. tair Five, doomed, apparently to I will say that Long does evoke Enter Bar Holliday, scout for a spend the rest of his life with a vivid mental images every time, vast interstellar corporation, and stone- age culture of retrograded and they are evocative images." HE is also converted to intelligent humans, is so well crafted and so Did you note that Steve Fabian donkey status soon after landing on well written that its superiority has four full-page black and white the planet. isn't readily apparent. But Coop- illustrations in the book, and de- Bar doesn't like this altered er knows people- -inside and out-- signed the dust-jacket? form and is determined to get back and is not afraid to let his char- "Yes, I noted! As usual, Fab- to his ship in orbit... He ends up acters love and die. ian is better than the material he fighting the computer- directed colony "Exactly, Geis. He makes you is asked to bring to life." ship still in orbit, the corporation care and because you care about The book is for collectors and (which wants the donkey species kill- Paul and his wife and his friends, devotees. Alter, not ed off— too much of a threat to the it hurts when some of them die or "It is that. It is also 40 status quo and to mankind as -is, are killed." poems long, with the best the last, since the virus is exquisitely cat- "H.P. Lovecraft." It is 5-1/2 x chable) 7, and finely made, with heavy But as time goes by Bar. finds he glossy paper." prefers the immortal donkey body and Available from Arkham House, Alter, what are these two books in retaliation for a genocidal attack Sauk City, WI 53583. doing in this basket cn my doorstep? on the donkey planet, he and his few "You must take them in and review Chozen companions (the Chozen are them, Geis." the new species) go about spreading Thafs your responsibility in this the virus on all the human- inhabited column! planets. Success. Mankind is being I've never seen you weep before. "I'm giving you a little space converted to a better breed. Alter, when reading a sf novel. I to review alone. Be grateful. Now Except I thought the magic-sci- was thunderstruck. Is Edmund Coop- you, too, can be pithy and poison- ence of the virus and the Change too er's A FAR SUNSET (Ace 22819-4, ous. Kill, Geis, kill!" much to swallow, and I boggle at the $1.50) that affecting? "Yes, Geis, it is. I used to

29 , . —- . (I suspect) unconscious morality in- slice from the usual Malzberg incred- lowing stories the text content is volved here. Bar Holliday plays God ibility roast. The man writes very enlarged and the illos decline to the with humanity and without so much as well, but insists on staging his point of distractions. . .experiments a by-your-leave destroys a vast civ- science fiction in ways that make that don't work. If a story such as ilization, an entire culture, dis- them very hard to believe. In this "A Rose for Ecclesiastes" is too rupts untold billions of lives, un- instance, a time- traveling actor is verbal for a total illustration doubtedly drives millions to suicide assigned to take over or take the translation (or if a less than 95% and death by starvation and panic. . place of Beethoven to make sure that illustration formar is attempted) We all know the end justifies recorded history is actually based the result is neither fish nor the means. And that is the unspok- on a real event. A huge government fowl. It doesn't satisfy the vis- en rule for both sides in this well- bureau has thousands of agents in ual "reader" or the text reader. . written, badly- thought -out science- time, making sure historical events though God knows the visuals are fantasy novel. Read it and weep. happened, because a Very Important glorious and at times marvelous." THE WEB OF THE CHOZEN is Ballan- theoretical scientist's Theory said It should be noted. Alter, that tine 27376, $1.75. the past is fluid. . .which endangers Morrow used a different technique the present... so the present is ob- for each story. . .different methods. ligated to protect itself by polic- "Yeah. .. interesting experiment. ing history. I still liked the "Shadow Jack" treatment best. And the Amber This Theoiy makes no sense and — Tapestry wasimpressive as a montage probably is not meant to make sense. The other book, which Alter de- of characters and events and ele- Barry does not rationalize very well, clines to review for unknowable ments." and doesn't seem to care. reasons , is GRAVEN IMAGES (Thomas That's about all there is to The protagonist as Beethoven is Nelson, Publishers, $6.95). Three say. Alter. Go read another book. able to hear and converse easily, original novellas of sf by Richard "Damn you, Geis! Don't tell me even though he is as Beethoven sup- Frede, C.L. Grant, and Barry N. Malz- what to do! Just for that I'm going posed to be stone deaf. And so on. berg. to read another book!" [Does the time traveler inhabit the [They're called novellas, but real Beethoven's body? If not, what a strict word-count would I suspect happens to the real Beethoven during place them all in the novelette cat- these Important Events? Or is the egory... but 'novella' looks better time traveler the only Beethoven, on the dust jacket, so ] This book was edited by Edward ever?] "Geis, we don't have room for Barry is, I think, saying that L. Ferman and Barry N. Malzberg. chit-chat, so shut up for the rest the past is malleable and is only The theme is "Science Fiction of the column." and the Arts." what we know of it. We are not My pleasure, Alter. change it, and The weakest of these stories is bound by it. We can "I've read THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE be free in ways don't realize. "Oh, Lovelee Appearance of the Lass we ARTIST by Sheldon Cholst, M.D. and I don't agree. From the North Countree" by Frede. found it full of questionable and It sucks. A highly skilled painter improvable scientific and sociologi- is hired to paint a skyscape as seen cal assertions. For instance, Cholst upside-down in a jet fighter at 30,- has rather shallow understandings of 000 feet. There is much todo about personality and character, and in ad- "Okay, Geis, your glory is over. going to the airbase, taking train- dition says 'There is a gene for Make room for me. I've just finish- ing in possible ejection in case of standard of living.' and 'Talent ed reading/viewing a book--" . is enj oying the work you do ' He emergency. . . He finally goes up in What do you mean, ' reading/view- also is pushing the idea of a guar- the jet as observer- -and accidental-, ing— ly ejects. Comes down near a farm anteed income for everyone (especial- "It’s' THE ILLUSTRATED ROGER ZEL- house, is taken in by an apparently ly artists) so that they can do their AZNY, Geis! Illustrated in loverly crazy old woman, held prisoner ap- best work unhampered by fears and color by . Edited and parently overnight, and escapes anxieties about rent and food. adapted by Byron Preiss . Published the next (to him) day. Is rescued "He thinks artists of whatever by Baronet Publishing Co. at $8.95 by an Air Force helicopter and is stripe have extra sensitivity to a copy, in the heavy gloss stock, dismayed to find he has a beard down Truth, while most others are rela- letter- size format." to HERE and has been missing for tively dull clods. Didn't we once make the point years and years. "This is published by Beau that books such as this part text That whole buildup was to get — Rivage Press at 7 East 14th St., NY, and part comic book illustrations him into an unexplainable fantasy NY 10003. $3.50. Booklet format. that this hybrid is a curiosity short- and a hoary one — Offset." — that may attract collectors but is at that. A reader rip-off. The on- not likely to attract readers be- ly Art involved in this one is that cause of avoiding what is promised. "Because the comic book readers "A Glow of Candles, A Unicorn's will rebel at the price and the text Eye" by C. L. Grant is a good story "Of great value to the sf and sf readers will be ashamed to be seen about two die-hards in a future fantasy writer (or any professional with what is essentially a very without live drama performed from a or would-be professional writer) is fancy big- little book." script or play. Helena and Gordon the new LAW AND THE WRITER, edited It offers a really fine render- flee to the sticks and preserve the by Kirk Polking and Leonard S. Mera- ing of a new Jack of Shadows story classics and spend their lives head- nus. Interesting, clear, authorita- ("Shadow Jack") by Morrow. It works ing a traveling band of players tive chapters on "Freelancers and beautifully. doing drama for the small- towns. the First Amendment," "The Student "Yes, because the format is all The story gets a bit pretentious and Press and the First Amentment," pure-quill graphic story 95% comic literary and poetic in spots, but — "Guidlines Against Libel," "Invasion book style and 5% text. In the fol- it is good. of Privacy," plus chapters about "Choral" by Barry Malzberg is a 30 book contracts, subsidiary rights. . — " syndication contracts, the new s.o.b.'s who control it. "Alright, I will. It is by Doug- copyright law (including the com- "The end of the book is High Ir- las Menville and R. Reginald. It has plete text of the new law) how to , ony, and results in a 501 reduction an introduction by . It collect from dishonest publishers, in world oil supplies. And triggers has over 200 pages, zillions of pornography, photography law and a chain reaction of financial disast- stills from sf, fantasy and horror related matters, taxes, retirement, er which results in a cataclysmic de- movies, an index and a fair, liter- there is a glossary of legal terms, pression, worldwide." ate, detailed history and commentary a bibliography and an index. Fun reading, eh. Alter? by the authors. I think it a very "It's a goldmine of information "You loved it, Geis, you lousy valuable work. It costs $8.95 and and recommended. It's a quality Doomsayer." is in the large quality softcover hardback and costs $9.95. It True. I would like to add that format. Published by Times Books." is one book you should have. the romantic interest was strictly Available from Writers Digest formula- required and dull. The Books, 9933 Alliance Road, Cincinna- characters are largely who- cares? ti, OH 45242." except for retired banker Bill Hitch- "Geis, I want you to do the hon- cock and some of the spear carriers. ors for this reference book, THE EN- The real protagonist is the Saudi CYCLOPEDIA OF SCIENCE FICTION AND billions and the story of how and FANTASY, Compiled by Donald H. Tuck, why they are shifted around is the Volume 2: Who's Who, M-Z, in hard- "Geis, Geis, where is the ice?" real power and center of the novel. cover." What? "Very good, Geis. Now if you Okay. This volume also has a "Just getting your attention. don't mind, I'll say something about title index in the back, immensely I've finished reading two books and awrence Sanders new Putnam novel valuable. There will be updated

I ' ve discovered a new genre : specu- ($9.95), THE TANGENT FACTOR." supplements issued periodically. lative fiction." Don't be sarcastic. I imagine There is a third volume due That's not new. Alter. Specula- you liked it. which will deal with magazines, tive fiction is a pretentious name "Yeah. Sanders obviously likes paperbacks, , series, for science fiction. to do different types of books all and a general- interest section deal- no... I "No, mean books like THE the time sf, detective, power/ ing with publishers, films, fanzin- CRASH OF '79 and THE TANGENT FACTOR. intrigue... And he always makes, es, and etc. They're inight-be, could- be fiction. you think he's been there and is The first two volumes are $25. Contemporary setting but a kind of writing from personal experience; each and worth it to the serious ." there's great detail, fine charact- collector and the librarian. Order Well, Alter, I see what you mean, er touches. Realism. from Advent: Publishers, Inc., P.O. and use maybe your of 'speculative "This novel is about a small- Box A3228, Chicago, II 60690. fiction' fits these kinds of books. nation African dictator with charis- So what? ma who adroitly schemes, conspires "Nothing. Just thought I'd try and invades neighboring small coun- it on for size and see if it rides tries during the beginning of his Alter, I wonder if the current too in the high crotch." drive to unite all Africa under a spate of huge genre reference works Alter, for Christ's sake, review single force — his own. He is help- is Significant in some way? the two books, will you? ed by a double- agent oil company "Why do you ask? he asked, "Certainly. THE CRASH OF '79 by man, the CIA " dreading the answer.” Paul E. Erdman (Pocket Books 81249, And you've got to admit. Alter, Because we have here in all $2.50) is as much a chiller involv- Saunders can make his women sexy their majesty, the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ing arab intrique, oil conspiracy, and sensual and distinctively indi- OCCULTISM § PARAPSYCHOLOGYin two the threat of atomic warfare in the vidual. He makes Africa real. He volumes. Edited by Leslie Shepard, oil lands, and the duplicity of could be faking it all, but his skill published by Gale Research Company, high-level European governmental and talent are such that Asante is a Book Tower, Detroit, MI 48226. policy, plus the obligatory romance real country, and dictator Obiri "Thanks to your sloppiness, Geis, involving a beautiful daughter of Anokye are utterly convincing. we have no material on price, but an atomic scientist- for-hire who is "The battle scenes are especial- I'd guess these large size, hard- set — to work by the Shah of Iran ly well done, combining death, hero- bound, 500+page well-made books are Alter, for the love of ism, confusion, planning, cowardice pretty expensive. But worth it to "Anyway, it's about all that but and compulsion, excitement, terror, those who need the incredible wealth also and most important it is about and rites of passage." of information in them." the ruthless whealing and dealing Is there nothing wrong with the Like Magic, Demonology, Super- of top-level bankers who are In novel. Alter? stitions, Spiritualiam, Mysticism, Trouble and desperate to use arab "No. There is promise that Metaphysics, Psychical Science, oil money to get breathing room. there will be sequels. In fact, I Parapsychology, with biographical "Erdman knows high finance, and think one of Sanders' earlier books, and bibliographical notes and com- his brief lectures on how and why THE TANGENT OBJECTIVE, was the first prehensive indexes. the American banking structure is of a series about Peter Tangent and "An amazing set. These are, how- terribly vulnerable now is no doubt Obiri Anokye and the Plan." ever, all without illustrations or shivering the average reader. Even photos." more so is the picture of macho/mon- ey arrogance and power by the oil corporation heads . . . and perhaps the contempt with with all these big money boys hold the the President Alter, why don't you say some- "Okay, Geis, that wraps it up reserve and his cabinet and lower echelon thing nice about THINGS TO COME- -An for this issue. Be sure and bureaucrats Illustrated History of the Science a few pages for me in #26." "This book dramatises the power Fiction Film? Be sure and read some books. Alter. of Big Money— no matter who has it. And the ruthlessness of those amoral 31 "Go do it to a homy yak!" . AN INTERVIEW WITH POUL ANDERSON

As for getting into writing... I suppose I should pref- TAPED JULY 3, 1977 AT WESTERCON 30 . ANDERSON: I had always as far back as I can VANCOUVER. B.Ci CANADA ace any such remarks by saying I've remember been writing little sto- known an awful lot of writers over ries for myself or drawing comic the years, and I've made kind of a strips, the kind of things a kid SFR: Give us some personal back- hobby of collecting their working I up the ground and how you got into writing does, and eventually got methods and I have never found any a story to ASTOUND- science fiction. nerve to submit two alike. So whatever I have to ING (as it was called then) and say applies to me only and not nobody was more surprised than me necessarily to anyone else at all. ANDERSON: Personal background. . sold. At the time that could go back a long way. when it actually I'm in the class of writers who setting up to be Well, since I'm always asked how I was in college pretty much want to know everything I took the degree, to pronounce my first name and a physicist, and there is to know about the back- but graduated into a recession where I got it from. I might as ground and characters, etc. before hard find and well begin with that. where jobs were to starting to write. For me the that The family was originally Dan- having sold some stories by actual typewriter time is only the time figured I would support my- ish although one branch of it has , tail end of a rather long process. self writing while I looked a- been in America for about a hundred by For example, if there's going round for a job. And somehow the to be an imaginary years. And of course it being Dan- planet , I'll while came to be longer and long- ish the Anderson was spelled with start with the type of star, and er. an 'sen'. But my father who was that already conditions a number in the U.S. Army in World War I of things. Then the planet has a Whatever happened to thr col- anglecized it for convenience. SFR: certain orbit around the star. One laborator on your first story? Then my mother named me after her figures that out. This gives you father who was Danish, thereby what irradiation it gets, etc. The pulling me back into the same sit- You mean F.N. Waldrop. axial tilt comes in there afso, ANDERSON : uation that my father had gotten He was a friend of mine from boy- rate of rotation, and of course out of. And I might have angleciz- hood. We were in college together you can't be quite arbitrary about ed myself except that in grade and we got talking about the gen- the rotation rate, because there school they kept telling me I did- etic possibilities of fallout, so are reasons to think it doesn't just happen n't know how to spell my own name, I did all the writing on that first arbitrarily. Earth so I got back at them. story, but he had contributed e- and Mars have the rotation period nough in the way of ideas that I they do which is very nearly the SFR: How do you pronounce your felt he deserved a byline. He's a same, not just by accident but be- first name? very successful physician these cause this is how it works. So you days. figure in elements like that. Of ANDERSON: Well, it's not an anglo- course you have to do a lot of guessing. There's an awful lot we saxon noise. I don't expect any- SFR: What techniques in terms of body on this side of the water to inventing a background do you use don't know. Eventually you try get it right. I'll answer to any- before writing a story? to get it down to the planet's thing. i

ri

i Conducted By ELTON T. ELLIOTT — .

geography, place names, flora, first sentence is always the hard- ANDERSON: Some of the other mo- fauna, etc. Plus if its got inhab- est to write; it can take, some- tifs. You mentioned love, for ex- itants got you've a whole world to times, a day or two to figure it ample. It seems to me love in its create being with — their own ev- out. Then I continue to the end, various forms is what human exist- olution history. and So there is knowing pretty much how things are ence is mostly about. So natural- a great stack of notes before I'm going to go. ly I deal with that to some extent even ready to start writing. at least. Then there are various SFR: In your recent stories like things one kind of likes to say. Is there more writing involv- SFR: "The Bitter Bread," "Dialogue," However, I don't think there ought ed in background than in the story "Joelle" and "Passing the Love of to be sermons in stories. That's itself? Women" you seem to be attempting not what the reader wants . He's to deal with romantic love, more paid good money for a story, and so than in the past. Is there any he's entitled to a story. But at ANDERSON: Yes, there's always a reason? the same time it's perfectly pos- great deal of material that does- sible, I think, to say something n't get into the story, like char- ANDERSON: It's a theme. After meaningful as well. And of course acters. If it’s a novel I write all, the only things there are to I like to see what can be done with biographies of all the major char- write about are the things human the language itself, just for the acters, which range from a few beings can experience, even if you sake of juggling words around and hundred to a few thousand words don't have any humans in the story. things like that. depending upon how complicated And I've had stories like that, their lives have been up to the some outside of science fiction. SFR: Do you ever get the urge, at point of the story. And most of Even then you're writing through a newsstand, to put your books out that never gets into the story, human eyes and putting things into in front, when you walk past? but it helps me to know. human words. So one tries to deal with different aspects of human ANDERSON: No, this would be an How do differing moods SFR: and experience. I hadn't particularly exercise in futility, I'd think, emotions affect you when you're thought about it — romantic love because supposing I could influ- writing a story? until you mentioned it. In my own ence one newsstand, exactly what case perhaps I figured I had done difference would that makeT This ANDERSON: That is almost impos- enough for the time being in some is what publishers have sales de- sible to answer. I don't usually of these other aspects of sf, the partments for, I hope. write except when circumstances purely scientific, etc., and that are right for doing so. Once or it was time to move on to some- SFR: I know I always get the urge, twice I had obligations to meet thing else. I would certainly hate when I pass a newsstand, to put my when I wasn't feeling good, and I to do the same thing over and over favorite authors ' books out in think that showed. I did the best again. front to attract new readers. I could, but nonetheless I don't think it was up to the usual stand- SFR; I n Sandra Miesel's essay, AfERSON: well, that's very kind ard, even though it was saleable. "Challenge and Response" in THE of you. We all appreciate it. But I feel good most of the time MANY WORLDS OF POUL ANDERSON, she anyway. I'm a fairly happy person. identified three basic attitudes SFR: In your future history. . .at I do, however, get emotionally in your fiction: 1.) Man Needs A least your main future history. . involved while writing a story. Challenge; 2.) Man Must Respond To am I correct in thinking you use Say you've developed a character, Challenge; and 3.) Man Must Accept the spiral theory of history? spent a lot of time doing his bio- Responsibility For His Response. graphy, and start him off in the How accurate an assessment of ANDERSON: I don't think we under- story... and very frequently the your work do you feel the whole stand well enough yet how these character takes over. essay is, and in particular the things work, to lay down a law. In This is a very common experi- Challenge and Response hypothesis? other words, designing a future so- ence for a writer; you'll think ciety or history is not like design- you have the whole scene planned, ANDERSON: Sandra made some very ing a planet where you at least but then the characters come on good points. To tell the truth, have some pretty definite laws of and they know what they're doing I'm not particularly given to physics to go on. Where social and suddenly it's going quite dif- thinking about my own work; I just matters are concerned we're much ferently from the way you'd planned, try to do the best I can at the more in the dark. but the way. right They're on the time I'm doing it. I don't have Actually that particular future stage, not you, and they know what any great messages or anything history was never planned from the they're doing. So you've lived like that. beginning; it just sort of grew. I with somebody like this for a hun- was writing this story and that dred or two hundred typewritten SFR: Leave it to the English story and started thinking, "Well, pages, which means a good many Professors. funny, here's a new story, but it days of concentrated work. Then coukd be related to something pre- the guy gets killed off, or some- ANDERSON: (Laughs) She certain- vious..." So the pattern gradual- thing awful happens to him. . . This ly put her finger on some of it. ly began to emerge. When I saw is going to affect you for sure. Subjectively it seemed to me there there was a pattern emerging, then were things she didn't discuss, I began to dive it some conscious SFR: Do you ever write the ending but maybe there wasn't space for thought. to a story first? it. I suppose to some extent these (the future history stories) are No, I don't. But to re- ANDERSON: SFR: What sort of things? cautionary tales. The rise and peat what I said earlier: no two fall of the Polesotechnic League writers work the same way. I norm- is to some extent a parable of ally begin at the start, and the 33 what has been happening in America. — :

Yet another people had liberty once ANDERSON: I don't know. I have a and blew it. The Imperial period vague memory that once I was writ- is of course drawn directly from ing something about Flandry and history, where there are so many suddenly it occurred to me that parallels. Well, to some extent Van Rijn might be a folk hero, of I suppose the Terran Empire and whom were told. Then I the Merseians are like the Byzan- thought, well, maybe these two tines versus the Persians, who ov- things could fit together into the er the centuries managed to grind same time line. Once the notion each other down until they were grew up that these could fit to- mutually worn down to the point gether, then I began to plan it where complete aliens could come much more carefully. in and take over on both of them. SFR: I> and many others, have many questions about your future his- SFR: Is there also an analogy to tory and its characters. the and the Russians? First of all, might we see more of Aychar- aych? ANDERSON: I suppose so—yes when a society falls apart... when ANDERSON: Oh, we might. He seems it becomes decadent. Then eventu- the consumerism, the ecology move- to have a certain fandom of his ally it becomes a sitting duck. ment, etc. What is that but anoth- own. Especially women seem attract- er form of Puritanism. It's a mat- ed, perhaps because of the pointy SFR: Sort of like America today? ter of basic attitude toward life. ears. (Laughs.) All I ever said was he was missing in action, at I'm afraid so. People ANDERSON : SFR: It seems that a lot of deca- the end of the last novel (A KNIGHT talk about the decadence of the dent societies throughout history OF GHOSTS AND SHADOWS) . He might Roman Empire and seem to associate have been less sensuous than the be around yet. this with sex orgies, etc. from ones which weren't decadent. bad When Italian movies. that SFR: He's one of the most alien sort of thing was going on Rome creations I've ever experienced in was at the heyday of its power. ANDERSON: It's hard to say. I once science fiction. At the time it collapsed the peo- read an interesting book many years ple were actually quite austere in ago that was an attempt to define Well, thank you. That's ANDERSON : their private lives. It was not the concept. It's difficult to do what I was trying for. barbarians coming from outside that but I think the author fingered it destroyed Rome — they just came in when he wrote that our personal SFR: When will the next Flandry to pick up the pieces — the Romans life doesn't matter per se; that's novel be written? destroyed themselves. Or, as a a matter of what you do on your own friend of mine once put it, it was- time, it's your own business and ANDERSON: I have no idea. I n't so much how the Romans lived, has nothing to do with anyone else. would like to do one or two more, it was that they stopped living But if you have no sense that to complete the biography. It for Rome. And I'm afraid that there is something larger to live will probably be a few years. I this is very much the case for us. for than yourself, then you're can't say for sure. I hear that Mr. Peanuts has cancel- decadent. No matter how austere ed the B-l bomber now, and I'll and honest you may be. SFR: Will we also ever find out bet the vodka is really flowing in whatever happened to Hugh McCormac? the Soviet Air Force. SFR: Sort of like an existential- ist. ANDERSON: i might- -- SFR: Jerry Poumelle said last night Carter's first official act ANDERSON: Yes, that would be one SFR: It seems like it could have was to delay the space shuttle for part of it. been his people who founded the two years. Starfog culture. SFR: Outside of a handful, most ANDERSON: Well, it's not really stories, including some of your ANDERSON: Yes, this has been sug- surprising. best, in the future history, are gested, and it's very possible set on the downward trend, or, if that they did. I might do it some- SFR: And Walter Mondale believes you look at it spiritually, the time. I don't have any set sched- the space program is the most im- spiral just above ours. ule of things to do. When I'm portant issue facing- mankind in supposed to do another book or sto- the 20th century, and he's against ANDERSON: Progress does get made, ry, I do whatever is interesting it. Well, enough of dreariness. of course. Technological progress at the time. seems to be lasting. We don't for- ANDERSON: Let's get on to some- get those lessons, but we keep for- SFR: How many stories are there thing more plesant. getting social lessons. John Camp- after and during the Long Night? bell once put it quite well: "His- I count "Starfog," "Memory," "A SFR: I think you make the same tory does not always repeat her- Tragedy of Errors," "The Sharing of sort of analogy in the Polesotech- self. Sometimes she screams, Flesh," and "The Long Journey." nic League with Van Rijn grand- 'Won't you ever listen to what I'm Are there any others? daughter, that their society is trying to tell you!' — and lets going puritanical. fly with a club." (Laughs.) ANDERSON: You've about names them, lliere was one that Ace wished the Yes, I was getting to ANDERSON : SFR: When did you start thinking awful title of LET THE SPACEMAN BE- that. You see something of that of your future history as a whole? WARE! onto. That is definitely in today in the whole Ralph Nader bit 34 the series. .

SFR: Was STAR WAYS part of it? as being in that early period of has an overview of history general- space travel. ly lacking in the left? No, as a ANDERSOM : matter of fact I had another future history series SFR: Outside of PEOPLE OF THE WIND, ANDERSON: Heinlein said once many a number of years ago, which was anything earlier in the Empire? years ago: "A Liberal is a person planned from the start, in imita- who agrees water will run downhill, tion of Heinlein. I wrote a numb- ANDERSON: I did one once many but feels that thank God it will er of stories fitting into that of years ago about the guy who found- never reach bottom." (Laughs.) which STAR WAYS was one. ed the Empire. It was a real Actually, 'Right' and 'Left' are clunker. Hardly worth discussing. pretty meaningless terms. They SFR: The Un-Man series? I've done a few stories about the had some meaning, very briefly, early days of the colonization of during the French revolution when opposing sides happened to sit on ANDERSON: Yes. But I finally gave Avelon. But they've mostly appear- the right and left sides of the up on it. Real life caught up to ed outside the regular science Assembly it. For example, World War III fiction markets. A couple of them hall. That's actually did not happen on schedule, which in BOY'S LIFE, and one or two in where we get the terms from. By sheer chance the Monarchists and I was perfectly content to be the Roger Elwood anthologies. case. Conservatives, at the time the Estates were As a matter of fact I'm not go- SFR: Also, the post -Long Night. General summoned, ing to keep up the current future Any more stories planned for that? all sat on the right side... and history series forever either. the radicals were over on the left I might. To tell the side. And that's where we get It's beginning to get too involut- ANDERSON : ed. truth, I don't really know what's the names from, and they've stuck been happening to Earth after the ever since. As Jerry Poumelle pointed out SFR: Is it beginning to tire you? collapse. The post-collapse sto- ries are written about people way quite some time ago, if a right- winger is somebody who wants to ANDERSON: No, it isn't that. One off in the fringes where they don't . gets too thoroughly locked in ev- know what's been happening at the keep things pretty much the way entually. What you can do becomes core. I don't really know myself they are, or, if anything, go back more and more limited, if you try about the core. I might write it a bit, and a left-winger is some- to be consistent at all. However sometime. body who wants to make radical

changes. . .well, I might do a few more yet. I'd if that's the case, like to do another Flandry or two SFR: Will Chunderban Desai show then Hubert Humphrey is a very sol- first. up again? id right-winger and Barry Goldwat- er is a flaming left-winger. Think about it. SFR: No more Van Rijn? ANDERSON: He was around in a couple of books; a fairly major character in one, and a cameo ap- ANDERSON: Maybe, I don't know. I suppose consistency is an overrat- pearance in another. He might be SFR: As a matter of fact, Barry ed virtue anyway. Actually on back, although probably he's re- Goldwater, Sr. came out in favor this future history I have a loose- tired and writing his memoirs. of legalized prostitution. leaf notebook that's considerably thick by now, as full as it can SFR: In another area, do you be- lieve that one of the differences ' get, with notes on things, and I'm ANDERSON: It 3 a basic libertar- trying to be consistent. between the political right and ian type of attitude, actually. Even so, some eagle-eyed fan left in America is that the right Jerry went on to develop quite an will point out where I have slipp- interesting diagram. The diagram ed. To which my standard reply is had two axis on it, one being ra- "Perfect consistency is possible You CM JAIh 9om tionalism. To what extent do you only to God Himself, and a close OF Tiff T-EOPLE AU- think man is capable of conscious- study of scripture will show that QF THF- TIME, AHD ly controlling his own destiny. even He doesn't always make it." The other ALL OF THE TEOPlS- axis, which you can draw at right angles to the first, be- SOME OF THF TIME SFR: In the few more future his- ing authoritarianism. Do you be- £UT Yoi/ CfiNT JAIL tory stories you're going to do, lieve society has a right to con- All of are you ever going to flesh out any the people trol people's individual lives. of the other periods? All of THB timb! Now if you use these two paramet- ers you can roughly pinpoint all ANDERSON: I might. The breakdown attitudes periods tend to be a little depress- For example, the communists ing — kind of like Heinlein never would be very high on rationalism got around to writing the really and authoritarianism. Our social- sad parts of his future history ist liberals somewhat less on both series. accounts. On the other hand the Nazis were very high on authoritar- SFR: How about before the Poleso- ianism but very low on rationalism. technic League? Most of us would be somewhere on middle ground in terms of the dia- ANDERSON: I've done a few. I gram. The anarchists would be don't want to bring them too close very low on authoritarianism and to the present because that way I very high on rationalism. If might knock myself out like I did you're an anarchist you have a with the Un-Mhn series. I have good bit of faith in human ration- done a few that can be interpreted 35 ality. - —

)FR: Do you ever subscribe to the did not have ten or twenty years have the wit to make very liberal tockefeller-domination "Insider" ago. I can use sex now more, in arrangements for private space in- ;heory? my work, get a little explicit dustry. I could see Peru, for ex- when I see fit. But on the other ample, doing it. They're beauti- Oh, that. Well, not hand that's fairly trivial. Any fully set up for it, and all they ANDERSON : really, although there are times writer worth his salt ought to be would have to do is set up laws \?hen one can't help wondering, able to work his way around such and a stable enough regime to at- lertainly in the U.S. we're sad- restrictions. . .and they used to. tract the capital. They could iled with a liberal plutocratic These days the state, general- really take off from there. jstablishment, but I doubt if it's ly, does not concern itself with :he result of a conscious conspir- whom we may be sleeping. It's SFR; And once you get out there, icy if that's what you mean; it gradually getting from its concern you'd have the economic power to probably just happened. with drugs and what we put into rule Earth. our bodies; it's certainly more liberal with pot, for instance. Yes. As a matter of >FR: Every single one of Presi- ANDERSON: lent Carter's top Cabinet appoint This is... well, I won't ex- fact, this current novel I'm tink- nents and advisors, with the ex- actly call it progress ... it ' s re- ering on presupposes that Peru reption of Bert Lance, is a mem- gaining something we never should- does get out and is the most im- )er of the Trilateral Commission, 've lost. On the other hand, portant country on Earth, a couple i Rockefeller- founded organization. think of all the curtailments of of hundred years in the future. liberty we're having forced on us. income ANDERSON; Well, it could be the Starting with a monstrous SFR; What sources of energy would 'Old Boy's Club". Of course one tax which amounts to forcing you you like to see emphasis put on Ls going to protect one's own in- to work for the government for for the future? rerests, and the interests of what something like half your time. Ls looked upon as one's own plans. ANDERSON: I don't think there's It seems like they penalize SFR: any single source.' We'd probably Are you ever bothered by be- good work— and reward you if >FR: want a mix. I would certainly you're poor. ing labeled a right-wing extremist like to see more work done on fu- )r a male chauvinist pig? sion. But let's not overrate it; Oh, sure. ANDERSON: fusion has its own problems, es- WDERSON: No, just amusement or pecially the kind they're working )emusement or something. I don't SFR: Of course then there's wel- on currently. The projected types enow why I get this name. As for fare Cadillacs will put out just as much radio- rhe'M.C.P. business, several ladies active garbage as fission plahts lave told me my heroines are so ANDERSON: Actually most of the do. And in some respects it's ronfident they've given them an welfare chiselers have been col- worse- -in terms of disposing of Inferiority complex. I'm certain- lege bred whites very consciously it. Because tritium will be one Ly not one who puts down women, at milking the system. Most of the byproduct and I don't know exactly Least not liberally. genuine ones haven't liked being how you're going to get that out As for right-wing, I guess I on welfare at all. Either they're of the biosphere. There are some rould basically have to call myself simply unable to work, old or fusion possibilities that don't

;mall-l libertarian. . .which of crippled. It's good that we can have these problems. rourse would have to involve undo- support people like that. I'm Biological systems, of course. ing a lot that's been done in this not complaining. Solar energy— I don't really see rountry. I would like to go back A lot of time the real problem much prospect for solar energy :o the Wilson administration, abol- is that the stupid welfare system right here on Earth because the ish it, and start over. I think is self-perpetuating. We could very most you can get is 1.4 kilo- foodrow Wilson is probably my pet probably, as a matter of fact, watts per square meter. That's villain in American history. He solve half our unemployment prob- all there is, there ain't no more. ;ave us all types of social legis- lem by getting rid of the minimum And that's only on a clear day at lation we didn't need, a war we wage law. But doing that is a the right time of year and latitud- iidn't need, etc. political impossibility. es. But if you put solar collec- tors in orbit there doesn't seem >FR: It is said that a lot of SFR: As a matter of fact we could to be any limit. ;he ills of World War II would not solve a lot of our resource and As I said, there doesn't seem lave happened had we not entered environmental problems if we have to be any one system in particu- forld War I. the guts to go out into space. Do lar, but of all the prospects po- you think we have the guts? tentially the most important PERSON: Oh, I agree. They were would be orbiting solar collectors. At the moment I doubt iust crazy then, insane, and they ANDERSON : rould 've eventually reached a com- it. We might make it, yet I'm in- SFR: Are you also interested in nromise. And the sinking of the clined to agree with Jerry Pour- the O'Neill colonies? Lusitania was a put-up job if ever nelle, that if we don't make it in ;here was one. the next twenty or thirty years we ANDERSON: Oh very much, of never will. By that time we'd be course. )FR: Do you see individual freedom too poor, resources would be used is existing in the future? up in a couple of years. It's SFR: Would you have any stories conceivable private enterprise by any chance set in one of these? \NDERS0N: I'd like to, but who might do it, because of the jobs, cnows? There are also various kinds yet. Probably not in this coun- ANDERSON: No, I don't. )r dimensions of freedom. try, but there might be a country As a writer, I, for example, situated on the equator which will SFR: Another problem is the rapid lave a number of freedoms now I 36 change of the technological de- " tails. a hell of a lot of science fiction lives — still they're eating it up these days; too many other things and having no difficulty under- Well, can always as- ANDERSON: you to keep up with. Ify wife has standing it no- . at all. So these sume it will change fast. The more time to read than I do, and tions are becoming more and more plans go back and forth and now she keeps up with it much better current. It's possible we've had the last I heard they're beginning than I do, so she can warn me our future shock and gotten over to think less in terms of Lagrang- when I'm starting to nurture an i- it. ian orbits. But these are details. dea that has been done before. Basically I want us up there doing However, of what I do read, SFR: What direction do you see it, however we do it. it seems to me there's an awful your writing going? lot of good stuff going on. The How much do you make per SFR: field is in very good condition ANDERSON: I don't know. I want book, say take FIRETIME? these days with an awful lot of to keep trying to do new things. talent and a lot of interesting I don't want to keep doing the ANDERSON: Oh I can't answer that things being done. same thing over and over forever. because returns tend to come in And I think it's tending more But I don't have any particular over many, many years. Something and more back— no, I hate that plan; whatever looks interesting might go completely out of print word. . .mainstream. . .but let's say at the time. For example, this in the USA and some foreign coun- it's closing the gap. After all, current thing I'm tinkering on, try buys rights, and that's some this 'category fiction' is mostly is certainly the longest thing income. Then say somebody back in a 20th Century idiocy to start I've ever done, and I like to the States buys paperback rights with. Before, if H.G. Wells, or think it's the best. Certainly for the second or third time. it's the most ambitious. It's in H. Rider Haggard, etc., wrote some- a self-contsined universe. I've thing we call science fiction to- been doing some experimenting SFR: Do you ever try to get your day, it had no such label. It was novels back in print? For in- just out there in the common pool there and I hope it's successful. stance, currently every Flandry of literature. I think we're What I do beyond that I don't novel is out of print. tending more and more that way; know. I just hope it won't be science fiction is returning by the same as in the past. ANDERSON: I should make more of the back door and I think this is an effort. Some time this year a very healthy development. I SFR: Thank you very much, Mr. And- I'm going back to New York and would like to see the science fic- erson. pound a lot of desks, and take tion label disappear altogether. care of a lot of business. I've ANDERSON: Oh, you're very welcome. been somewhat remiss about it. Do you feel that sf writers SFR: *********************************** today— like a lot of the public SFR: Do you think you could get — are beginning to suffer from some publisher to do a Flandry Future Shock? series, like Berkley's doing Van Rijn, and get across that Flandry ANDERSON: I don't know. I read and Van Rijn, etc. are connected the book of that title, of course, series? and it was interesting, but I wond- er if the whole thing hasn't been ANDERSON: I might. Well, it's exaggerated. the kind of thing one has to talk a publisher into doing. Theoreti- SFR: Toffler recommended sf as an cally that's what agents are for, antidote to Future Shock. but I find that unfortunately an author has to do (Laughs.) Although ac- a lot of work on ANDERSON : his own in that respect. tually when very startling develop- ments happen, science fiction peo- SFR: What do you feel about the ple tend to be caught as flatfoot- conflict of inter- ed as everybody else. Probably est in ANALOG? people, whether they have heard of science fiction or not, are ANDERSON: I doubt it. I never getting more and more accustomed gave it any particular thought. I to the idea that the future is not know Lester is a very honest man going to be a of the past. and would certainly not wittingly In fact, so many science fiction slant things his own way. Well, notions' that twenty or thirty it's obvious that any books which years ago would have only made appear under his own imprint he's sense to science fiction people liked or he wouldn't publish them. are common currency nowadays. Ro- As far as I know he's never hesi- bots, , etc. Look at tated to put in a good word for what a huge popular success STAR anybody else's book that he's also WARS is, for example. It's very "When the definitive history liked. elementary science fiction, a lot is written, it will have to of fun... it's like finding a be said that the pornograph- SFR: What do you like best and brand new 1930 . ers fought the censors to least about the sf field today And the point is here you have the death, then turned and what do you think about it this huge public, most of whom around and committed . generally? have never looked at a piece of suicide printed science fiction in their Larry Shaw ANDERSON: Actually, I don't read 37 . ' ' ' . ' ] , . .

are but would cricify any writer who To answer a question your ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED FROM P, 26 m made the same statements about Wo- minds : my ailments are relatively men, Blacks, Chicanos, Indians. minor and chronic, and with the ' In fact this brings me back to 'I guess that's about it except help of my tranks and pain killers the slush pile. I get scads of sto- to state that self-knowledge and I will be able to go on for years ries to read that explain Biblical self-acceptance have been basic and years, bedeviling you with SFR miracles by means of aliens. Shades themes in all of Marion Zimmer Brad- in all its myriad shifts, Changes, of Velikovsky. ley's work. formats , Alterations ....

( (When and where did Velikovsky mention aliens in his hooks?)) # Ah, yes, last night we went to 'This is one of the categories see FLESH GORDON and THE GROOVE TUBE I suggest would-be writers avoid de- at a $1.25 per admission theater (up spite von Daniken's doing so well rom 99

'The address is: Alpha Science TAfiKluer ! is $2.5 million. He has homes in Fiction, P.0. Box 3273, S-103 65 Beverly Hills and Cannes^ France. Stockholm, Sweden, if anybody is in- i He has a yacht. terested. We'll start publishing — He did not begin writing until books in October, and the magazine he was 31. will be launched in January, 1979. He bangs out his books on an 'One thing this will enable me old typewriter using the two- finger to do, at last, is to put on a new, method. clean conscience and write another "I'm not creating literary land- letter to Jack Vance. I did love marks. I've just painted charac- the interview in SFR 23: Jack's 'Which was all just meant to ters based on actual people I've particular kind of wry irony came tell you that we (and science fic- known. I've seen the bad side of across beautifully, and I only hope tion, thank you) are still pretty life. I know all about failure. those of your readers who never had much alive and well in Sweden still, It has been my education. Hell, I the opportunity to meet him could and why not come visit us some time? never knew that book publishers appreciate it as well. Because ev- wanted an outline of the story. I You'd feel at home; the club I men- en though the two books I did bring tioned earlier now has a large base- never knew you had to do summaries out previously (THE STAR KING § THE ment all its own, and I'm sure you'd of the characters. And, jeez, I KILLING MACHINE) didn't sell too add attraction to it. Or, if not never knew you couldn't end a sen- well in Sweden, I certainly intend you, certainly Alter considering tence with a preposition." trying again to find the audience some of the members we have to suf- Over nine million copies of Jack ought to have here as well. fer, to get Alter we might even con- Robbins' books are sold every year. Although perhaps this time I might . His opinions of some other sider paying half the air fare. . begin by doing complete one-volume writers novels , or THE BLUE ((Listen, if you can lure Alter Truman Capote: "He's a society WORLD rather than series. away from here—and keep him! more pet. Like a marmoset." 'Anyway, let me return the com- power to you. Trouble is he has re- Norman Mailer: "He could have pliment Jack gives in the interview: arranged all my mental furniture, been a great novelist. But he's set not only do I count him among my up a huge (he says valuable) us- too chauvinistic." friends as well, but he was also a ed synapse collection, and tapped Gore Vidal: "I don't read him." perfectly ideal guest of honor at a into my central cortex. He loafs, He wants his readers to believe convention (and the one he came to sloths, feeds, makes obscene sugges- he has lived life, not merely ob- was far from a place to rest at; we tions to house guests... and refuses served it. "I mean it, "I've seen to leave!)) had about 500 attendees, making it everything. . .done everything. . . sex- the ' the dope male biggest one thus far in Sweden) I realize I ought to write ually... scene... the ." congenial, humorous, always friend- something constructive and serious whorehouses. . .the gays. . ly even to the people whose English and maybe academic just to show that He rarely laughs. His happiest must have almost totally expression is a weary half-smile. been impos- I haven't wholly lost the touch, but sible to understand, signing away I'll save it for the author sketches "I'm surrounded by successful books continuously and including the we intend to put in the backs of people. They're all unhappy." terribly botched and cut version of the sf novels we'll be doing. (Yep, "But I've got a contained life. CITY OF THE CHASH. I'm a happy man." ever since my days at Askild 5 KSrn- 'But perhaps the most embarras- 39 . ' ) —. — : . —" "

# LETTER FROM PHILIP JOSE FARMER 'When I wrote to Andy Offutt § I've been a week pasting up pages that Dick and I were resigning be- for this issue, and an ominous fore- March 2, 1978 cause of Lem, I had no idea that Lem boding is chilling my bones. I sus- 'Philip K. Dick's letter (SFR would be kicked out because of the pect page 61) flabbergasted me. This was letter. I didn't intend or even "GEIS! What in hell do you think the fir-t that I knew that he'd writ- think that that would happen. Nei- yoiire doing? Have you any idea how ten a letter to Pamela Sargent and ther did Dick, according to a letter many pages this issue will run to at to the SFWA Forum that he'd broken of his in the Forum. present projections? Do you know— "radically with Phil Farmer as to Alter, please. I have a head- 'I still believe that Lem should the admission of Lem into SFWA on a never have been invited to be an ache. normal, dues-paying basis". Or that "You always plead 'headache' honorary member. Nor that he should it had been published in the Forum. when I'm trying to read the riot act have "accepted with thanks" an honor - Or that he'd disclaimed "the reac you!" . from an organization whom he con- to tionary position which Phil Farmer There is a relationship. If sidered to be a bunch of talentless had taken". (Italics are mine.) you'll just stop shouting in my jerks. But, once he'd been made a head. . 'I'd resigned from the SFWA a member, he shouldn't have been kick- "WHERE ELSE CAN I SHOUT? YOU long time ago and so haven't been ed out. Even if his membership was DUMB ASS! YOU MORON. LOOK AT getting the Forum or Bulletin. Or- invalid because of a technicality. THESE FIGURES! iginally, I'd stated in my letter of I said, "Fuck it!" and withdrew. I 9 pages of "Report From Alternate resignation that I was dropping out felt a little guilty, and I was up- Earth 666"; for a year for personal reasons. set by those who insisted that the 2 "Close Encounters-Three Views"; But so far I haven't seen any reason right of free speech was involved 3 the Scithers Interview; why I should rejoin. So my absence when this had nothing to do with 3 the Le Guin Interview; will be more than a year. the matter. They were the ones who 10 the Palmer article; were intruding an ideological issue 'Before I sent in the letter 6 the Anderson Interview; into the affair. So I extruded and which caused all the uproar (SFWA 3 "The Vivisector" by Schweitz- kept on going. Forum, April, 1976), I'd talked to er; Phil Dick on the phone. I offered, 'The whole business was unfor- 2 "Small Press Notes"; if my memory serves me right, to tunate and badly done, and I include 3 "The Alter-Ego Viewpoint"; send a copy so he could authorize myself in the criticism. If I'd 4 "Other Voices"; my statements or remove certain known what was going to happen, that 17 "Alien Thoughts"; phrases. He refused and then gave is, that Lem would be hurled head- 3 "The Archives." me permission to write what I pleas- long from SFWA heaven with furious 65 ed. Or words to that effect. combustion and a lot of bullshit, I "That comes to SIXTY-FIVE PAGES would not have written that letter. and that is not counting the 18 or 'He had my home address and I'd have quietly dropped out. If 19 pages of my ONE INMORTAL MAN phone number. Why, when he read the Lem had joined again as a dues-pay- yet to be pasted up! Gels, already letter in the Forum, didn't he call ing member, I would have resigned. you are in serious, desperate, hor- or write me? But I've heard not a He has a right to say what he pleas- rible trouble. HOW DO YOU PROPOSE mumbling word from him about the es, where he pleases. Anybody does. TO KEEP WITHIN YOUR 80 PAGE FORMAT?" matter. Certainly, if I'd been him, But I have a right not to belong to Gee. . .ahhh. . .1 didn't realize... I would have communicated. a society of which he is a member. "And I've got more books to re- 'The pejorative "reactionary" view, there is at least one more ' I have a high admiration for puzzles me. Neither Dick nor I con- page of Archives to include, anoth- Dick as a writer and as a human be- sidered the matter to be political er page of Small Press Notes, some ing. I'd hate to think he regarded or ideological. At least, I didn't. Prozine Notes, a lot more letters me as a warmongering capitalist, an Dick's complaint was mainly that Lem think..." exploiter of the working class and and Alien Thoughts to was ripping him off, though he had Heh, heh. . .well. . a running dog. some others. (See his "Open Letter "Don't just sit here with that to Philip Jose Farmer in the Forum, shit-eating grin on your face —you Oct., 1975, in which he thanked me f (Appropos of duckspeak: I'd remind me too much of Carter. WHAT for mentioning his beef against Lem rather be a warmonger, a capitalist, ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS STATE and for zapping Lem for his arrogant and a running dog exploiter of the OF AFFAIRS?” sneering putdown of all American working class than a peacemongering Alter, we could postpone print- s-f writers except for a few whom socialist chained dog being exploit- ing your novel. I mean he damned with faint praise.) ed by the working class. "NO, NO, NO, NO! ! I know that routine. There'll always be no- room '"Reactionary" is an item of f (Some people prefer heat to for my story!!' duckspeak used by members of the light; preconceptions and dogma We could go to page just this ultraleft. It's meaningless, auto- are so nice to come home to after a 96 once, and matic, a conditioned verbal reflex, hard day in the real world . ) mindless "No! The bank account can't stand it! Have you seen the latest balance? Cut the Palmer article. Put it over to #26, and STOP accept- ing all these interviews! We are TRESPP^NOl only going to have room for one in- 3-7-78 I learned- -belatedly- -that terview per issue, and— pROpSJl/TO'RS U_ in January, a few j Don Day had died Bevtou^rm^! days after the entry I made in these No, Alter, You Go Too Far. I pages. I don't know any of the de- insist on printing good interviews. tails, and don't want to know. Don's I insist on SFR being more than an death is depressing. He was 69. all-Geis/Alter magazine, as you are aiming for. 40 "Well, sure, Geis. Keep the "

"Other Voices" and keep a short ar- Those who wrote on the position [Lady Companion] who has been typing ticle, and maybe one or two inter- Harlan is taking in re supporting most of the non-diary, non-Geis mat- views — ERA as Guest of Honor at the upcom- erial for the past few issues, as How's this, Alter? I do bump ing WorldCon, supported my position well as the bookwork and day-to-day the Palmer article to next issue, of distaste for politicizing the filling of orders. All Hail to a and I cut short the current- events Convention by about a three to one lady without whom my life would be commentary ("Reports From Alternate ratio. a shambles. She lights up my life. Earth #666") and offer the readers I THANK YOU ALL FOR WRITING. The bi-monthly schedule means a separate zine devoted to Geis/Alt- the news in SFR will be more up-to- er commentary on what's going on date, and the reviews more worth- now? while because more timely. "Well..." I'd keep "Alien Thoughts" as a Current subscriptions will be diary devoted to matters science 3-18-78 U' s been weeks since I honored on an issues -owed basis. fictional, literary and etc, with wrote in this diary section, and a That's about it. Hope this extensive commentary on letters. And lot of thinking has passed through change is welcome to you. you could keep your review column the brain. and your serialized novel. "Damn right it has. Tell them "Well... I have plans for at what we've decided, Geis." least four novels after ONE IMMORT- The problem is too much material AL MANj Geis." own and others ' . All very F-four? Alter —my good stuff. Interviews, especially. "I've found I enjoy writing sf, Elton Elliott just completed an in- so I will insist on a goodly share terview in person and by phone with of SFR every issue for that purpose. Ben Bova which is a blockbuster. Do you dare say me nay, Geis? (Re- Ben is a very intense person, with member I have one tendril always strong opinions, and Elton has ask- ready to excite your central pain ed some provocative, tough questions. ganglions. Just a touch...)" * It's a crying shame to let that YEEEEOW! ! Gasp* This is interview sit for six to nine months. blackmail and I gladly give in. — So what to do? You win, Alter. SFR is yours to Go to pages? command. 96 Go bi-monthly? "Fine. Just so we understand "Yes, to both. We go to 96 pag--^ each other. Just so you realize I — am master here." es this issue only . Then " r- Jesus. First you take over my Let me tell it, Alter. L. "Yeah, yeah..." column in GALAXY. . .and now SFR. What is left to me? From the comments I've received "Whyj your new personalzine, over the years, from subscribers and Geis. Your current -events comment- contributors, bi-monthly would be the ary. You have free reign I there. overwhelming choice. will never interfere. Now, I'm go- So I propose to go ahead (pending ing down to the medulla oblongata word from the Postal Service on the for a nap. You go ahead and tell procedures involved in shifting to the readers the details of your new 6-times-yearly with a second-class zine." permit) and pending an estimate on Thanks. , what the printing bill would be for Details of the new zine will be 56-page newsprint with a heavy cover found at the end of "Reports From ala SFR #15 and #23. Alternate Earth #666" which follows Bear in mind we are into a heavy I see I forgot to list foreign this page. inflationary period now. Everything subscription rates. Privately, I fear Alter is too is going up. And there is another Canada, U.K. Australia, etc. will optimistic about this issue staying scheduled postage increase for July. be U.S.$8.25 for six issues, and U.S. at pages. I 80 hate to raise prices. But I $16.50 two years. got to. I've gone from 48 pages to 80 pages without raising subscription prices. Now, I'm going to 60 pages (including that heavy cover stock) # There has been a great outpouring and am increasing the subscription of letters-of-corament on two topics: price to $1.25 per issue, which runs Harlan Ellison's Statement last is- to $7.50 per year. And I'll have sue (and my Comment) , and on the Cre- to ask a full $15. for two years. ationist vs. Evolution controversy The retail price will stay the same: 3—22—78 I called the Postal Serv- that has run several issues in SFR. $1.50 per issue. Back issues will ice and a change in frequency is I've published a few letters on go to $1.25 per issue. simple: fill out two copies of form these matters, but cannot accomodate The bi-monthly publishing #3510 and pay a $15. fee. This is- all, even though almost all the let- schedule will be: JULY, SEPT., NOV., sue of SFR is thus officially the ters are highly pertinent, well-writ- JAN., MARCH, MAY. .first bi-monthly issue. The new ten and Worthy. rates must appear This increase in pages -publish- schedule and in As matters stand now the Crea- this issue on the masthead. ed is being made Possible by Elsie tionist position is outvoted, out- gunned, in flames, listing to star- board and not expected to live. 41 ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 69 . . , . . ' OOOO REPORTS FROM ALTERNATE EARTH 666 OOOO

disposable income and a shrinking Agent A. L. Terrego 542-26-9596 Bt)T I'M TAKA^ 0 l\ of purchasing power, which means a AM | 7/lfiANDfJ’ stop to the accumulation of indi- Request: transfer £nov$h f vidual debt, which means at least a Request transfer to Earth Prime for recession, which leads to a crumbl- R§R. I've been in this alternate ing of the vulnerable international Earth for fifty years now, and my debt structure. first term is up. I cannot under- The world is almost at the end stand the delay in replacing me or of the plank, there are sharks in processing my papers. Please ex- the sea and there is an unrelenting pedite . saber forcing it forward

Report on year 1977 from vip na- tion, AMERICA, POV W/M, PORTLAND, # OR. arena, the The single most important and gen- In the geopolitical international banks erally unadmitted factor operating target of the corporations is in this alternate Earth is the con- and transnational If tinuing effects of the massive in- In the United States, for in- the government of South Africa. crease in energy costs since 1973. stance, the government is caught control of the region's vast natur- the As nations and individuals re- in a classic bind. al wealth can be transferred to fuse to lower their standard of It is obligated by law to huge rulers of these vast (but hurting) living because of the increased pensions for retired citizens. world- oriented centers of power costs of all goods and services Government -engineered inflation and influence, the status-quo resulting from the energy cost in- has steadily reduced the value of could perhaps be stabilized. crease, they have resorted to debt. its currency, requiring ever- higher The mass media of the U.S.A Thus nations borrow and inflate payments and ever-higher taxes, in and Europe are being used to wage their currencies, individuals borrow spite of ever higher federal defi- a propaganda campaign against the and run up debts to stores, and as- cits. South African government. The sume very large mortgages at ruin- Inflating the money supply per- result desired is a weak black gov- ernment which can be manipulated ous interest rates . They buy cars mits the creation of ever more debt for instance at historically un- accumulation and keeps the economy to the banks' and transnationals heard of interest rates for ever- going. If the government stopped advantage longer periods. inflating and stopped the ever-in- This process of debt accumula- creasing and ever-necessary debt In the middle east the Egypt- tion can continue only so long. increases, the economy would col- ian government has been bought by At the present time the so-call- lapse, and the world economy would the United States government. Sadat ed LDCs (Lesser Developed Coun- collapse. is acutely aware that only the U.S. tries) are massively in debt to the But continuing inflation and can or will provide the money and industrialized countries' banks and higher taxes discourages saving/ credits to keep his country's econ- international lending agencies accumulation of capital, and dis- omy from foundering and his people Many LDCs are actually banctrupt and courages risk-taking and discourag- from famine. He is forced to sue are being kept afloat with new loans es ambition and incentive to work. for peace. Israel, too, is depend- in order to prevent a necessary ad- Thus sooner or later the economy ent on the United States, and Jord- mission of loss of assets by banks/ stagnates and, unable to expand in an has long been a client-state of governments, a panic, a wholesale real terms, collapses. the U.S. It is ironic that U.S. declaration .of refusals- to-pay by In short, the inflation- fix Army technicians are now in Egypt other countries and individuals will soon no longer do its job, keeping the Russian anti-aircraft Once the unraveling of the debt because everyone is aware of it, missile batteries in working order, structure begins it is impossible takes self-protective steps, and for the Egyptians, since the Rus- to salvage .... The process goes thus nullifies it. sians bungled their chances to dis- through various stages, reaches ev- At the present time it appears rupt the Western rulers' control er greater numbers of people, and that the government of the United of the area. They found the game causes immense hardship and tremen- States may act to seriously crimp too expensive and were hampered by dous political and social upheav- the use of private cars through clumsiness and their own country's shoddy, unreliable products. als . gas and oil taxes and price in- The ruling class/clique knows creases. Also possible is gasoline The rulers of Saudi Arabia and this and is desperately trying to rationing. This will cause a de- Iran have obviously reached an keep the debt house- of- cards stand- pression and an economic cataclysm agreement or accomodation with the ing. worldwide rulers of the West, and so the But Arab- Israeli confrontations will their days are numbered. Yet the government is forced stop. The Palestine peoples will Their moves are increasingly re- to seek gas and oil price increas- have to accept what is given them stricted, because the debt load is es because of the monstrous trade so in the way 'of a "homeland." The huge and the balance so shaky, deficit which is devaluing the cur- Russian-backed Syria cannot do any- any adjustment to correct the lat- rency at an alarming rate and which thing but fret, fume and call names. est vulnerability almost instantly will/is increasing costs for all im However, the negotiations will be causes another imperitive problem. ported goods and hence increasing long, frustrating, and may fail. And the problems are surfacing ev- the real cost of living for the Effective control of the West er more frequently and are ever- citizens. This translates to less more severe. Soon nothing than can Bank and Gaza Strip by Israel be done will prevent the collapse. 42 is the sticking point. , ' —

1-1-78 U.S. Senator Howard Bak- 1-2-78 While in Poland, President er bluntly to stop cheapening the er, who has his eye set on the 1980 Carter promised the Poles credits dollar or face compensating oil Republican nomination for President, to buy U.S. agricultural products. price rises starting in June or is now going to visit the Panama While in Iran he promised to okay July.

Canal Zone (with Sens . Chafee and more sophisticated military hard- This is an illustration of Gam, and White House aide Frank ware purchases by the Shah. And what I said a few days ago: infla- Moore) . Where before he said he now, in India, he has promised to tion is only workable as long as could make up his mind on whether send nuclear fuel. the victims (citizens, foreigners) to vote yea or nay on the new Pana- I wish I could persuade him will sit still for the ripoff. ma Canal Treaty, now he finds it to make a state visit to my free- The Saudi's have taken infla- necessary to go for a first-hand holding; I could use about 1,000 tion-reductions in the price of look after receiving a written in- PrestoLogs. oil for several years, but obvious- vitation from Gen. Omar Torrijos, ly enough is enough. Panama's leader. The basic problem of our mas- What is not generally known is sive balance- of-payments deficit that Republican Senator Baker is a 1-5-78 The real reason for Sen. ($30 billion in 1977, compared to member of the Rockefeller estab- Howard Baker's highly publicized 6 billion in 1976 and a surplus lishment's Council on Foreign Re- visit to Panama is now apparent. in most previous years) has still lations, and has been for years. He has informed Torrijos the treaty to be faced and solved. Evasion He has been playing a coy, pub- hasn't much chance of being rati- will only bring much heavier price licity-grabbing game of indecision fied by the U.S. Senate as the increases, loss of purchasing pow- while actually in the Yea camp. treaty is now writ; it will require er, higher unemployment... This visit to Panama is pure window a few changes to placate the con- There are no easy solutions dressing for his media- important servatives in re the assured neu- only painful ones. public announcement that he will trality of the canal operation by There will be a 500-person vote for the new treaty. Panama after 2000 AD. gathering of the Establishment There are no doubt other "un- Now Torrijos will make a big called by the Carter administra- decided" Senators actually in the show of consulting the Panamanian tion starting Jan 29. It^will bag for the treaty. cabinet and a compromise will be discuss 'balanced national growth' reached, a codical signed (or some- and the White House announcement # A further sign of the terminal thing similar), and Baker, "placat- said the conference is designed stage of debt accumulation in this ed", with a clear conscience and to 'produce ideas and recommenda- country is the increasing "use" of fat with VIP publicity and much tions on some of the most serious second mortgages by home buyers. leverage for his bid for a Republi- long-term growth and development A case in point is that of a can presidential nomination in issues facing America in the years local couple who started paying on 1980, will announce he can now ahead. their home in 1967. The price was vote for the treaty— and enough Yeah. Like how to cope with $14,000. Now they want to open a other "undecided" senators will the coming depression, how to avoid jump on the bandwagon, and the bakexy and find "their" home is blame. . . Actually, the decisions worth over $45,000. They have in Rockefeller power locus will have have been made. The conference is ten years managed to reduce the gotten what it wants — access to PR to publicly surface the prob- principle owed to $12,000. A the. Canal Zone lands through its lems and impress the public, and leverage with the Panamanian govt local financial institution was . help prepare the public for crisis found very willing to give them and assurance that its loans to moves. The magic word 'sacrifices' a $15,000. second mortgage on the the Panamanian govt, will be paid will be in the air again. When a property, at an interest rate in by increased tolls and "favors". politician or a financial giant us-

excess of 101. es that word he means you , not him, Think about that. ft The Treasury Dept, and the Fed- and he has his eyes on your money If they keep the house they eral Reserve Board moved publicly and/or your freedom. will be paying in excess of $2,000. to stop the catastrophic devalua- per year in interest. They will tion of the US$ overseas by final- never be able to pay off those ly utilizing dolar credits with mortgages. In fact, they know it. foreign government central banks. 1-7-78 The Dow- Jones Industrial They want to sell the house for its This move was forced by the Average "the stock market" for current market value, pay off the Saudi Arabians when they told Cart- most people, dropped 37 points

mortgages, and. . .what? Live in an apartment? This couple were never home own- ers. They have always been debtors and debt patsys. As are most of the couples sitting in their nice 50,000 dollar homes, pretending to be home-owners, while paying, over a lifetime, $150,000 to $200,000 for a $50,000 house. But, of course, most people ex- pect inflation to continue evermore, and expect the house to constantly appreciate in value. But anything's value is measur- ed by supply and demand factors. If the demand for new houses dries up, and if the inflation machine ev- er stops .... : . — ' this week and penetrated decis- country and Be Presidential. When ' . . .both left and right under- ively the 800 'resistance level' in a lot of trouble, visit a lot stand perfectly the ambiguous because of bad news on the con- of countries. When all else language with which, nowadays, tinuing devaluation of the dollar, fails — start a war.). Energy Sec- the English literary critics and because the prime interest retary Schlesinger is now off to cloak descriptions of sin. Thus, rate is being notched upward one Saudi Arabia and Morroco for a week they appreciate that "Rabelais- more time to 81. of energy discussions. [Morroco??] — ian" means "Filthy". "A sensi- Cheaper dollars means higher Carter, it is revealed, promis- tive and tender story of young prices in a few months. Too, ed Iran, Saudi Arabia and France love" - "Filthy". "A vivid so- the farmers are tired of being that if Congress doesn't do some- cial document" - "Really Filthy". the fall-guy and are agitating thing soon to make gas and oil more "A book I finally warmed to" - for fair prices (we've been keep- expensive in this country (to cut "The filthy bits are at the ing the Consumer Price Index inports of oil, to buttress the end". "A book I could not fin- down for three years by in effect value of the US$ in foreign ex- ish" - "The filthy bits are at cheating the farmers). Market change markets) , then he (Carter) the beginning". "An erotic forces are now squeezing enough will impose stiff import fees, masterpiece" - "Nineteenth Cen- of them out of business so that, thereby imposing an accross the tury sadism". But whereas the in conjunction with the recent board cost increase on each barrel English prefer not to buy a price support legislation passed of imported gasoline, oil and per- book which is described straight- by Congress farm prices will be haps liquified natural gas. , forwardly as wicked, they prefer going up which means even higher The pressure is on the joint — to go to films that are. So we prices in the supermarkets Senate-House conferees on the En- get "They were like two primitive Look for double- digit infla- ergy Bill to make some hard decis- beasts clawing each other with tion before long, double -digit ions and compromises likely a naked passion" to describe BORN interest rates, and double-digit formula on natural gas that in- FREE. "A side of London's teen- unemployment rates. volves guaranteed yearly price in- age vice that will shock you" The tax cut now scheduled for creases plus increases to compen- for OLIVER TWIST. And "Trapped Fall will likely be moved up to sate for inflation! This kind of in the bed of a beast" for GOLDI- Spring... and likely be in the 40- compromise is precisely what the LOCKS. . . 50 billion dollar zone. multinational oil -gas companies 'On the whole, though, apart want! Their lip-service pleas for from the fundamental sins con- decontrol of all prices is just" so PREDICTION: Carter will be a one nected with money and class, much smokescreen. They don't want term president. there is little that the English a free market! They don't want consider downright immoral. competition! They want increases There is, of course, the occas- Has anybody else noticed government control of their prices # the ional eccentric like the woman nutty logic of the FDA in order- because with this new energy bill giving evidence at Ilford County ing warning labels they control the controlers. on certain Court who said she objected to hair dyes? The FDA claims the seeing men's pajamas hanging on dyes may cause cancer. These a clothesline "in an indiscreet coal-tar derivatives have been in # Senator Ted Kennedy went to way"... and the headmistress of a use China recently and sounded out the for 30 or so years, and no senior girls' school who beseech- scalp cancers Chinese on letting the multination- have ever developed. es her pupils not to wear pat- Ah, but the National Cancer al oil companies come in and "help" ent leather shoes "else men will re- Institute found that if it FED the Chinese develop their oil see your underwear reflected in sources (which the CIA satellite the rats and mice the chemical them"... most of the English rath- 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine photos probably show are consider- and er like sin, so long as they its sulphate able) . But the Chinese leadership — cancers could de- only see it sidelong. velop in the test animals. wants no "joint" deals. They ' In general they take their Seems fought long and hard to get out to me a fair test of the lead from the Reverend Cyril chemicals would have been to from under foreign thumbs, quasi- dye Downes. When Mr. Downes, a Meth- the rats colony status, etc., and aren't five for six times a day odist Minister, heard that some for a year about to buy that package again. or so. [Maybe they Sheffield students were putting did and nothing happened?] But the fact that Teddy is Any- on a production of Oscar Wilde's way the warning reads apparently back in the good grac- , SALOME he went along and had a es of the powers -that -be suggests heart to heart talk with them. WARNING CONTAINS AN IN- that he is now acceptable as a GREDIENT THAT CAN PENETRATE The result was that when the President. And I suggest that leading lady in the words of YOUR SKIN AND HAS BEEN DE- unless Carter does a much better the DAILY MAIL "peeled off the TERMINED TO CAUSE CANCER IN job, the next Democratic nominee last of her seven veils, she LABORATORY ANIMALS. for President may be Ted Kennedy. stood revealed in a flared skirt What (I keep having the feeling that would happen, I wonder, if and tunic blouse. With sleeves" the Carter is a patsy- -a set up who NCI tried feeding rats soap? As de Madariaga said, "The Anglo- was put into office to do the nas- Cleansing cream? Sun tan lotions? Saxon conscience does not pre- ty things that must be done, like vent the Anglo-Saxon from sin- presiding over the start of a de- ning. It merely prevents him pression, and who is expendable. from enjoying it. Of course when Carter realizes - the true state of affairs he will 1 9-78 Something is going on "The English Way of Life" be a broken man. But so were John- Now, a few days after Carter has 178/9 pp son and Nixon, when they were forc- returned from his foreign barn- TO ENGLAND WITH LOVE ed to resign. [John Kennedy got storming trip (A long-time Presi- by David Frost and An- too uppity and had to be assassin- dential rule: when in trouble pol- thony Jay (1967) itically at home, visit a foreign 44 ated.]. He'll have to find solace . . ] . . . in his big pension and whatever All this debt just to avoid honors are bestowed on him after WANTING FREE OF GOVERNMENT CON- hard choices and admitting the he's out.) TROL IS ANTISOCIAL, bankruptcy of basic policy and basic courage. As ever. CONTROL IS SAFE The Saudi's would be fools to 1~12 DECONTROL IS DANGEROUS go along with deals like this, un- 78 t}16 obscene eagerness of FREEDOM IS DANGEROUS less they want so much leverage on Carter and his advisors to claim A COOPERATIVE CITIZEN IS A GOOD our foreign policy that they could credit for the drop in unemploy- CITIZEN almost dictate what we do in the ment (ending Dec. when they 18, Middle East. (Think what they stop collecting raw data for that could do — cash in 35 billions in "month") is disgusting. The Labor bonds plus the 40 billion in Ted Dept, 1-14-78 Yes, indeed. Now Sen. doesn't count people on bonds and notes they already hold strike those laid off Byrd of West Virginia, the Senate (coal) or and bankrupt us blatantly and in- Majority Leader, has "surfaced" as less than two weeks (results of escapably— for all the citizens strike) do a supporter of the Panama Canal coal but count those to see.) But of course this coun- working period Treaties provided certain assur- (for a short of try is already bankrupt; what is Christmas ances in re the defense and privi- time) during the rush. going on now is simply desperate, leged wartime use by the U.S.A. are Thus the employment/unemployment increasingly frantic moves and dod- written in and signed by Carter and figures are distorted and subject ges to postpone the evil days of Torri os to further distortion by the usual j paying the piper. But every move This is the line taken by 'seasonal adjustment' tinkering. now has an evil consequence. So Sen. Baker, the Minority Leader. It should be noted that Cart- soon scapegoats will be sought, The orchestration is lovely er did not schedule a press confer- and lame excuses made. ence to glee about the .7% in- to watch. The simultaneous release crease in the Wholesale Price In- of a new Associated Press-NBC News For as long as is possible, dex which will result in another poll that says most Americans sup- though, the government will continue big increase in the Consumer Price port the new Treaties provided the to inflate the currency (devalue the Index in a few weeks .... Nor is above-mentioned assurances are currency) and will continue to rip- he taking credit/blame for the formalized adds another "clinching" off foreign governments left^and devaluation of the dollar (a cal- bit of pressure/evidence which will right culated, deliberate move) which further assure the Senate ratifica- will result in even greater infla- tion wanted by the administration 'THE FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT IS TO tion rates later on in 1978 as and the megabanks who have such a MAKE CERTAIN THAT EACH CITIZEN IS increased dollar costs of foreign large stake in Panama taking over HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF goods and supplies are passed on the Canal Zone lands and taking over EVERY OTHER CITIZEN, AND UNACCOUNT- to the consumer in ever-higher the Canal receipts. ABLE FOR HIS OWN, prices John Kreuttner To compensate for this devalua- # Hubert Humphrey is dead at age tion and compensate for the high- 66, of cancer. He tried hard to be Thanks to Karl T. Pflock er taxes imposed by social security President, but didn't make it. deductions, Carter wants to lower Mostly because he was not a member of the Council federal taxes by 40 billion and On Foreign Relations 1-22-78 Well, let's see what the as by necessity force a raise in the Nixon was, and thus was not "in" world has been up to while I took federal deficit to around 100 bil- with the people who control this care of the mailing of SFR 23. lion for 1979, which insures furth- country. Sadat of Egypt has called off the er inflation. . # Sooner or later the American peace talks with Israel since he people are going to tumble to this discovered that he couldn't con any- body into forgetting that Israel won game and face a real choice — go along with this erosion of savings 1-16-78 IT has been reported that the war they last fought. and values and freedoms (more and Energy Czar Schlesinger, conferring Now he wants "world opinion" to more and more people on the federal with the Saudi Arabian oil leaders, force concessions from Israel. Ho ho. he wants the U.S. dole- -in the slave position) or has two main prosposals concerning And to give choose to radically change the Fed- crude oil prices and U.S. purchases Egypt the same equipment we sell to eral Reserve system of fractional of oil: Israel He reserve banking which is nothing wants the crude oil price The Israelis aren't under any less than an engine for inflat- frozen til 1980 and adjusted after pressure to give up anything. They that hold the lands ion and also take a terrible de- to world inflation and the they fought for, and only what want pression. But, of course, a ter- value of the dollar. by getting they and need in exchange will they give them rible depression is in the works This will happen anyway. anyway, but the govt, will "take up. over" and regiment the country The other proposal is that the during the "crisis". It'll take U.S. would buy 2.5 million barrels of oil daily for time —years — as more and more three years with controls and restrictions of free- payments made in U.S. Treasury dom are unfortunately required to bonds, and sell them 60 F15 jets "get the country moving again." if they accept the deals. Relax, children, the government By my arithmetic this comes to will take care of you. Suck on about 35 billion dollars in Fed bonds your sugar tit and just do as you the arabs would be holding. At about 81 interest we would are told. [That's what you really, be paying them about 2.8 billion secretly want, isn't it--a Big dollars per year. smiling Daddy and Mommy, and no responsibility. 45 . s —— Who is going to force them to govt, and the value of the dollar, do otherwise? saddled with turn- Egypt is so all that new debt has to be PSYCHOTHERAPY, LIKE ALL MOVEMENTS junky, deteriorating Russian equip- ed into spendable money here and IN THEIR LAST DAYS, HAS BECOME DE- ment, Jordan has no appreciable will send a cheap thrill through GENERATE. . . . WHAT WAS ONCE A GROUP arms will or army anymore, Lebanon is a the economy for a while, up OF TECHNIQUES FOR CHANGING MAN'S shambles from civil war, and Syria interest rates and will send the , CONSCIOUS EXPERIENCE HAS BECOME A is rate into double digits. committed to keeping a shaky inflation NEW SET OF SHOULDS, GROUP INVASIONS spending game the govt, peace in Labanon. It's a OF THE PRIVATE SOUL, RIGHTEOUS RITU- Israel's enemies are divided has not dared stop, for fear of AL, PERSONAL CHARISMA, FAD, THE and weak. triggering a depression. RIGIDITY OF INSTITUTIONS, AND THE All Egypt has a right to do is SO: This year I predict the GROWING DESPERATION OF CUSTOMERS settle its Sinai issue with Israel stock market will drop to the 650 WHO WERE PROMISED TOO MUCH. ... I and cut back its military outlays level or lower and inflation CAN T PROMISE WHAT I CAN'T DELIVER. to a minimum. With the billion-dol- — will hit 10% or more, and people I TRIED FOR OVER FIFTEEN THOUSAND lar subsidies it gets from Saudi # will spend and spend and spend OFFICE HOURS. I M NOT SO SURE NOW Arabia and the U.S., Egypt might be like the Germans in the 20' be- THAT IT DOESN T MAKE AS MICH TROU- able to make some progress in soc- s, cause saving money is only a guar- BLE AS IT UNDOES.' ial and economic problems pressing anteed way to lose money. The hous- ---COMING OF [MIDDLE] AGE-- in on it. ing contruction market will col- A Journey, by Arnold Instead, Sadat makes big threats J. lapse. And if Carter gets his fuel Mandell, M.D. and big promises. He's either a taxes passed, a further tax cut pretentious fool or playing a con- will be necessary [so people will be sciously losing game with ulterior able to afford the higher-priced motives. .. like keeping in office. - Story in the paper gas and oil the taxes are supposed 1 26-78 today about a New York who to conserve— understand?]. judge dismiss- tt President Carter is being tarred, ed a charge of prostitution against and feathered by playing politics a 14-year-old girl on the grounds In his State of the Union speech with the Justice Dept.'s Philadelph- ft that sex-for-pay is actually recrea- the President said he was going to ia prosecutor, Mr. Marston, a man tion and that anti -prostitution laws who has been going after Democrat are probably severely unconstitution- politicians in Pennsylvania. al. Now Carter is smeared with the Of course the religionists, the "corruption-as-usual" brush he tsk- OMCE THE MILLENIUM FAS professional moralists and the soc- WRBAVC-MTtC. tsked about during his campaign. •pREW AC-fi(EVE>, ial workers [whose jobs are linked WILL KEEP In fact, Wm. Safire, a heavy-weight INEPT! A IS iaJHAT to the continuation of prostitution columnist of the establishment, made US TUEKE. laws and protecting children] are a good case that Carter in legal up in arms. fact was guilty of obstructing jus- I wonder if she [the judge] will tice in seeming to hasten Marston' be recalled or fired? firing as a result of a call from one of the being- investigated Demo Aren't the implications politicians. Richard Nixon will be tt of our bitter if Carter is not forced to government's actions lately reasur- resign. ring? One of the Russian satellit- es with a nuclear power plant at- tached, got into a disintegrating ft The Carter tax plan is another soak-the-middle-class plan, and orbit and came down in northern not much of a give-it-to-the-poor Canada. Our government tracks all plan, either. These days a 25 bil- these sky objects and knew it was lion tax cut is only barely enough coming down a week before it enter- ed the to offset Social Security tax in- try for "volunteer" restrictions of atmosphere — but wasn't sure ' exactly where. So nothing was said creases , property tax increases , wage and price increases by business except to a few other and cost-of-living increases... and labor. He said he didn't like governments. The world caused by government engineered in- wage and price controls. was lucky— this flation. But just saying he didn't want time. No harm done. But there are other Russian satellites there, The game is to keep the "re- or like controls implied he would go up of the same type, and sooner covery" going by resorting to ever- to them if forced to by an inflation or lat- er another one will do a 'shooting greater govt, debt, ever-greater de- rate caused [his definition!] by star' routine .. . valuation of the dollar, and ever- "unconscionable" wage -price increas- .and hit. .where? In order to prevent panic and greater encouragement of ever- deep- es. scare mongering, the governments er private and state and corporate I just sat and blinked and wond- involved this time debt. ered how he could mouth such bull- didn't say boo about the potentially lethal This will result in ever-great- shit with a straight face. danger to human life. I presume they er misdirection of funds, ever- high- Anyway, the threat is there crossed their fingers and prayed er official "inflation" [cost-of- the people must restrict their a lot. living increases] "greed" or the government will do This is a new, world-wide game Foreigners have until recently it for them. of Russian Roulette and we are kept the inflation rate fairly low — I understand the govt, is also unwilling participants. Next time by buying a lot of U.S. debt, there- now considering gas rationing. All our government can not be by relieving the Federal Reserve of trusted those gas ration coupons are lying to tell us if we are in danger! having to finance debt through U.S. in warehouses, and what a shame not It just wouldn't do to have the pop- channels, which means through the use them. ulation of a three state area, banks mostly. But more and more to say, start to move. Quickly. All at the devaluations have taught the 46 once. foreigners to distrust the U.S. ! ., .

Traffic jams you wouldn't be- the years, and pretend it is doing # Interesting items in SCIENCE NEWS lieve, panic at airports, looting, us all a favor by keeping interest this week: deaths ... rates low. Ho-ho. + Recent tests and statistical Would you sue the government If you put $2000. in the bank work shows that social status, or for alerting the populace in such instead of buying a car, and spent class, doesn't correlate with I.Q. an emergency— or for NOT alerting the interest paid on the two grand scores, for kids. What counts is people? (ten years ago) , today that same car not how much your dad makes or where I would say a high priority it- would cost you $4000. The purchas- yoilive, but the quality and quant- em in the military budget should be ing power of your money was neatly, ity of emotional support and mental a reliable, widely deployed anti- unobtrusively, diminished by 100%. stimulation you receive in your home missile/satellite missile, so that (Because it now takes 100% more environment as a pre-school child. in the future if a spy or other type money to buy that car.) satellite starts wandering downward The excuses for massive Remember, a few years ago, when social it would be possible to 'kill' it engineering are undermined again. I predicted it would take 50 billion in time. H.E.W. please note. [They'll ignore dollar deficits to stimulate the Until then, we all sitting this Univ. of Ark and Univ. of Mo economy out of the next recession? ducks, and it is not comforting to study, of course.] know our government will not tell It happened. 1979-80-81, us ahead of time if danger is com- Now watch, in as it takes 100+ deficits to + ing. billion Israel doctors have found that 'get the economy moving again.' something in a primary tumor in the body inhibits secondary tumors. If Of course sooner or later, when a primary tumor is cut out in surg- inflation hits 10% or more, most ery, the undetected secondary tumors - people stop saving/losing money, 2 6-78 Wither the economy now? We grow wildly and further surgery is and spend their incomes as fast as have conflicting evidence— as usual. useless. they get them. This is in the clas- New car sales are down consistently sic inflation wnen for two months. But new orders to scenario it This would indicate that if you the hyper manufactures rose again. Unemploy- reaches 'runaway' or find yourself with a fairly well ad- phase the cycle. ment in January declined, surpris- of vanced primary malignant tumor, you might be better off with ing a lot of people. The stock mar- Right now more and more people other kinds of therapy than surgery. ket has plunged. New loans at NY are hip and bidding up land prices banks have declined. Exports are It also explains why people are put- + Recent biochemical analysis up a bit. ting money into collect? bles- -books shows that paranoid schizophrenia antiques magazines . . . anything THE UNDERLYING FACT OF LIFE , may be an entirely different dis- Anything but save it! MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE: You are ease than ordinary schizophrenia. now not earning a dime on your sav- GoSbAMlTf NO "What have I been telling you, ings . ( (S Geis!" If you have $1,000. in a savings / AAJtZATfON Quiet, Alter! You're nothing account 6-1/2% interest rate, and / To at but the result of an underactive the inflation rate is 6-1/2% per < CooP? ( enzyme monoamine oxidase. year, you are only breaking even. — You have lent the bank or the sav- OflE -7TH +Females from age 19-45 have quite ings and loan co. your money for active sexual fantasies, of a wide a year and not been paid a dime for ' s <0 HERE ? variety (up to 16 kinds). Sexual the use of it. fantasy in women increases from late And if you spent the interest, teens to mid- twenties, levels off you lost that much value from your until the mid- thirties, then drops 1 000 . $ , off sharply by the mid- forties. In fact, you may have lost money "the woman who is older, sexual- even if you let the interest payment ly experienced, more anxious, more stay in the account because that — independent and holds more liberal interest -earned is taxable income! views toward women's roles will tend NOW DO YOU SEE WHY GOVERNMENTS to have more sexual fantasies than LOVE INFLATING THE MONEY SUPPLY SO the woman who is younger, a virgin, MUCH? They can rip you off every 2-8-78 I'm really amused by Sadat, less anxious, more passive and holds way from Sunday— and you probably of Egypt, as he postures in this more traditional attitudes." won't even realize it. country, acting and talking like a head of state with a credible power And now you know why charge accounts base, a credible army, a credible are so get 12% and 18% easy to — treasury. He is a beggar, dependent The banks love interest charges. on our loans loans from Saudi Arabia , - One way of looking at the them! Credit/debt for the consumer and the International Monetary Fund 2 9-78 virtual deadlock over deregulating is a rip-off. for money to keep his destitute natural gas prices in the House- country functioning. He pretends to Realistically, banks and savings Senate conference on the Carter En- want to negotiate a peace for the companies should pay the inflation ergy Bill is to adopt Carl Oglesby's Palestinians, for Jordan, for Syria, rate plus 3% for the use of your theory of a YANKEE AND COWBOY WAR. for Lebanon The Israelis are money. But federal law prohibits He Yankees old- not fooled for an instant. They sees the (Eastern, them paying more than 7.75% on a who control the ad- will make a separate peace with him time Big Money, six- year certificate. ministration and part of Congress) concerning the Sinai, and that's a- Our wonderful government is un- Cowboys (South and Western bout it. and the willing to face the true consequenc- new- money, growing power, who con- es of its deficits. It would rath- trol a large block of the Congress) er bleed small savers white over 47 ' :

The power surge of the new South The court dismissed the case a- # Two aspirin a day helps pre- and West (so the theory goes) result- gainst the woman, saying that no vent strokes. A study in Canada ed in a Cowboy coup in 1963 with the harm had been done, it was a matter (echoing U.S. studies) shows that assassination of Kennedy and the in- of sex education for the boy, and aspirin thereapy reduces death and stallation of Johnson as a cowboy- that this experience would help him disability from stroke in patients controlled President. mature and be a better father and with previous mild strokes to about The Yankees fretted and (so the husband in later years. half the expected level. theory goes) mounted a counter-coup Probably true. I suppose it might make sense with Watergate and putting in Cart- But would the court have felt among the 50-60-70 year olds to er. the same way about consensual inter- practice some preventive medicine course between by taking 2 aspirin every night be- But Johnson kept on virtually a 26-year-old man and a 15-year- fore going to bed. all of the Yankee cabinet and advis- old girl? Would the same rationale ors, and Nixon and Ford were both apply? Why not? Didn't I read a while back that the certified Yankee/Rockefeller men. Will feminists have an opin- aspirin was also good in helping ion on this? Will teen-age girls So I rather doubt this Yankee- Cowboy prevent heart attacks? of advanced war of coup and counter- coup scenar- feminist convictions be- Aha! So that's why women live gin looking for older men as "in- io. And, too, "Yankee" oil money is so much longer than men! From a structors" very deep into the ownership of and "maturing experienc- lifetime of "Not tonight, Henry, I South and West oil and gas and coal es"? Will finishing schools for have a headache" (and taking aspirin girls now and defense industry. include loss of virginity to prove it) they have unwittingly and sexual technique in their elec- prolonged their lives! No... I think the real battles tives? are in the international sphere, but # Junk foods (stuff high in salt and sugar) causes high blood pres- even there I am sure the protagon- # It occurrs to me that if NASA sure when to Spider monkeys, ists are themselves in rather des- can't get a robot booster rocket up fed says S. Lou- perate straits, having engineered and attached to Skylab before that Gerald Berenson of the isiana State University School of and watched helplessly occurr a ter- 100- ton space workshop reenters the Medicine. The soda pop-hamburger- rible international inflation/debt atmosphere sometime in 1979 or 80, potato chip diets caused abnormally crisis which the OPEC oil price rise the entire U.S. space program may be high blood pressures over the eight only made tremendously worse. dealt a crippling blow. week test. [Incidentally, the major OPEC Skylab could come down and kill Note this : sugar and salt in some people, and the U.S. govern- countries realized soon after their combination had a greater blooS- ment could be liable for millions quadrupling of the price of oil that pressure elevating effect in the or billions of dollars in damages. it was Too Much; they have let the monkeys than did salt alone. We will, of course, have to wait users devalue currencies enough to Considering what most school and see what happens. But the idea roll back the price about 20% since kids eat nowdays, may be raising of irrational, random death sitting we 1974. But I suspect they will soon heart attack up in the skies, dropping down every a massive stroke and begin raising the price to match the series of generations. Now, if continuing devaluations. will now and again in a planet-wide game That the manufacturers and fast- food bring governments real- of involuntary russian roulette, a crunch as outlets will only add two aspirin to ize the real cost of oil will stay is not going to sit well with the every Big Mac and Twinkie .... the same. And as business realizes citizenry. it, too.] Hey, maybe I could get rich sell- ing backyard satellite shelters! A BIOGRAPHY OF BRAM STOKER by Harry Ludlum (1962) carries a quote from Bela Lugosi from the ' 30s # SHORT NOTES: Two recent marijuana 'Ninety-seven percent of my let- studies --one at Harvard and one at ters come from women, and the rest 2- ID- 78 There have been some as- the Univ. of Kansas and Washington from scientists and priests. The tonishing decisions by judges late- University in St. Louis found no — scientists and priests ask my views ly. The latest is by an appeals brain damage or shrinkage (contrary about spiritualism, yogi, theosophy, court [I think in California] invol- to British reports several years and things like that. ving the prosecution of a 26-year- ago) among heavy marijuana smokers. 'Women are interested in terror old woman for having consensual in- The men in both studies were examin- for the sake of terror. For genera- tercourse with a 1,5-year-old boy. ed with computerized brain scans. tions they have been the subject sex. This seems to have bred a masochistic interest---an enjoyment of, or at least a keen interest in, suffering experienced vicariously through the screen.

(Thanks to Ian Coveil)

2-11-78 Fred Meyer Saving 8 Loan, the creation of Fred Meyer Stores, a string of supermarkets, is offering Visa cards to anyone who is willing tp maintain a savings account with them with a balance double that of the credit-allowed on the Visa card. Thus, if you put in $500, you get a Visa card with a $250 limit of 48 credit, at 10% interest charges. . . , - ]

And the savings account pays a § Treasury Secretary Blumenthal No wonder George Meany, head of tremendous 5-1/21 interest. and Arthur Bums came away empty the AFL-CIO likes the idea of gov- Good deal, you say? from last week's secret gettogether ernment takeover and government Well.... look at it this way. with the finance ministers of Ger- negotiated contracts. You are losing at least II of the I suspect these many, France and Japan. . . More and thoughts will value of your savings account due to more the confrontation— the naked occurr to others, and that Congress inflation, now. Fred Meyer is pay- power plays — between the big money will think long and hard about pass- ing you 5-1/21 to rent your money, of the U.S. (Rockefeller-Morgan) ing a law making the above "solu- then lending half that money and the big money of Europe (Roths- tion" possible. back to you at 101 debt charges. childs-?) is escalating to a near And what do you think will hap- If you use the full $250. cred- war. "Our" side is arguing for a pen to the stock market? Mining it of the Visa card you will pay lot more debt/ inflation to flog the company shares, for a starter, at least $25.00 a year interest to European's economies into a kind of would plummet. Fred Meyer. . .and he will pay you fevered boom— 'one more time' to As we become, as a nation, as a $22.50 back on the $500 balance. stave off the threat of Euro-Commun- world, ever more interlocked, ever So good old Freddie has the use of ism and depression next year. The more interdependent, we become ever your $500 for free, and he can in- European money men have had long ex- more vulnerable to union/management vest it at 12-18% elsewhere in con- perience with hyper- inflation and extortion. There are great advan- sumer loans. want no part of it. They'll take tages to mass specializations, and Nice business, hmm? But who their chances. mass interdependence, but there are would be fool enough to buy that Desperate times is ahead. obviously great drawbacks and Visa package? Thousands! There problems, really are suckers bom every min- When your food, your shelter, ute. # AUDIO FORUM sent along their new your power and your safety depends catalog of cassettes for sale. They on other people upon whom you have

feature speeches, lectures, talks, no influence or control. . .how free panels by well-known people on con- are you? servative politics, economics, art, Excuse me now, I've got to load 2-15-78 President Carter wants U.S. communism, drugs, education, energy, the shotgun, dig a well, and plant businesses to switch to coal, in or- health, individualism § anarchism, a crop. Thinking of rigging up the der to cut down on the importation labor, law, libertarian ideology 8 bicycle to an electric generator. I of so much foreign oil. philosophy, medicare § health leg- wonder how hard I ' d have to pedal Previous administrations have islation, national security, new to watch JOHNNY CARSON? [Hey, I pressed business to switch to clean could rest during the commercials left § radicals im, news media, nos- ! oil and gas from coal to improve talgia, objectivism, philosophy, environmental quality— clean air, psychology religious - inspirational , to us. self-improvement, sex education, But the increased use of coal socialism, tax resistance § govern- means very expensive machinery to ment spending, U.S. defense § foreign clean the smoke before it gets to policy, war, women in poli- Vietnam 2-26-78 You remember a week or so the atmosphere. Switching back to tics, world war II, and the Nixon ago when I noted that Senator Jackson coal also means placing larger seg- years had gone to China, and wondered what ments of the economy in the gentle Address: 901 N. Washington St., was cooking? hands of the United Mine Workers Alexandria, VA 22314. Send a quart- Well, he came back dutifully and the coal companies (owned large- er and tell them SFR/Geis sent you. ly by the big oil companies) The President is in a hot spot. -20-78 Interesting pressure device 2 THE AJTHOR. <5F THIS Having already alienated large Seg- being used to make the coal miner's Memorandum, - .Tvr ments of the farming community, he contract negotiations come out with HIM To TORTURE Utt is now liable to piss off everybody a settlement: Carter is (apparent- Til he explains else in the midwest and east unless ly) going to ask Congress to pass a WHAT IT MEANS'/ he acts quickly, decisively and law allowing the federal government fairly. to seize the mines and negotiate a TORrEFS HlS WHOLT Grinning won't be enough. contract with the United Mine Work- ers which will satisfy the workers. The workers would then, we as- # What the hell is Senator Jackson doing visiting China, now, for a sume, go back to work... And? The week or so? His absence stalls the government then turns the mines back House- Senate Energy bill conference to the owners, having saddled the until he gets back. owners with a contract THEY don't Who is he talking to, and why? like? Will the government offer to What's so important? What's cook- ing? compensate the owners for the extra costs of the contract negotiated by the government? With the timely switches of a few § Will this be a pattern for all influential southern conservative big-union strikes — steel workers, senators from "undecided" to Pro- railroad workers, airline workers, the issue Panama Treaties positions, longshoremen, postal workers accompli. The orches- is now a fait Will the vital unions be told tration is almost complete. The that if they hold out long enough ritual been nearly gone through. has they can force the government to The will be passed with a Treaties step in and give them what they nice margin. Very adroit perform- want? ance by our secret rulers. mouthing the New China Line : They nes s who plays Zeb and upon which LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR is an- have a lot of o il and need help to the series depends for whatever vi- other intellectual and death feast. develop the fields, we ought to es- tality and aura of authenticity it I have read that Dian Keaton's per- tablish full diplomatic relations has... and that isn't much. This formance will earn her at least an with China (and withdraw full recog- episodic multiple point-of-view Oscar Nomination. Trouble is, I've nition from Taiwan). series, this Western set approx. seen her on the JOHNNY CARSON SHOW Note that David Rockefeller 1870s, is dull when Amess is not and her mannerisms, style, mildly also made an extensive visit to on screen as various miscast young neurotic manner are so like the China a few months ago. This actors and actresses work out 1970s character she plays in GOODBAR that change of tune and policy has come problems and as the producers dare I don't think she did much actual since the "radical" "gang of four" not present any hint of the real acting in the film— just let her were overthrown and a more moderate, social/cultural life of the 1870s personality do the job of giving cooperative, outward- looking fac- for fear of offending Liberals and flesh and bone to the part. In other tion has taken over. Feminists today. words, the producers deserve great Violence is another no-no. credit for correct casting. The # Ahh, Sadat, of Egypt. Angry that Especially realistic, historically extended rape-murder at the end was a faction of the Palestinians had accurate violence. As when Zeb ap- brutal to watch. I couldn't endure murdered his editor friend and taken proaches two baddies, has a confron- it again. hostages and hi-jacked a jet to the tation with them, and shoots one airport of Cyprus, and wanting to while gutting another with a knife. THE BILLION DOLLAR HOBO is a show the world that Egypt could be A prudent, battle-scarred mountain ninety-minute pile of patronizing, as daring and efficient as Israel, man and frontiersman such as Zeb dumb, cliched, unfunny misuse of and needing to buttress his sagging would first make damned sure those Tim Conway. It was aimed at low- personal prestige. .. .Sadat ordered two men (who died so easily and si- grade morons and kids under ten. a commando- type raid to the airport lently) were actually dead. And if It missed. to save the hostages and either kill not dead would have disarmed them § or capture the two terrorists. tied them up. [Leave aside the Alas... 15 of his crack troops mercy killing of a badly wounded were killed, 16 wounded, 40 captur- man to save suffering.] Then he # The Creditors Are Getting Rest- ed, the expensive Hercules transport would have investigated the moaning less . . . . Strange little news bits blown crewmen killed. bundle that had his up, the three attracted atten- often get past the screens, espec- Humiliation. tion and brought A total disaster. about the fight. ially on small all-news radio sta- Abject failure. So HOW THE WEST WAS WON will tions in the hinterlands which often But on as if it was he carried probably not be back next season, read everything on the AP, UPI, and a success and the survivors were unless it centers on Zeb and eschews , Reuters, and INS tickers. For in- treated as heroes. Feminism and Real Nice Villains such stance, yesterday as I was pasting I don't think Sadat will be head as played by Richard Baseheart in up a few pages of "Other Voices" I of much longer. this episode, who state of Egypt very would not have was idly listening to this local He has come up empty too often, too lasted two days in 1878 making the all-news channel (KYXI) . And the in the Arab world he decisions he in publicly, and makes this story. newscaster read a short piece about is a pathetic fool. His own men would have shot him out David Rockefeller in one of the OPEC of hand for a dangerous fool. nations. He is visiting the arabs and in response to a suggestion that 'ANY INDIVIDUAL IN THE GENERAL MAR- the OPEC might shift out of dollar- KET CAN POOR, GIVE TO THE PAY FOR # MOVIES SEEN RECENTLY: SHAMPOO is demoninated payments for oil because SOMEONE ELSE'S SCHOOLING, DONATE a Warren Beatty produced movie which the dollar was being devalued so MONEY TO FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS, OR too often repeats his audience-en- badly in the foreign exchange mark- HIRE PROTECTION. IT ISN'T HIS raging habit of mushed, throw-away, ets, he is reported to have said CHOICE HE'S CONCERNED ABOUT WHEN difficult to hear/understand dialog such a move would be unwise because HE WANTS THE GOVERNMENT TO DO THOSE (as in MCCABE AND MRS. MILLER). In- the U.S. would then have to retali- THINGS. IT'S SOMEONE ELSE'S CHOICE teresting, well-paced, shallow, ate in some way. THAT HE'S TRYING TO OVERRULE. funny, pretentious; noteworthy for You'd think this story worthy 'ALL GOVERNMENT ACTION DEPEND UPON its realistic language and bits of of an inch or two in the WALL STREET business in a ridiculous plot. ONE-SIDED TRANSACTIONS, IN WHICH AN JOURNAL, wouldn't you? Nope . Not INDIVIDUAL IS FORCED TO CHOOSE BE- TAXI DRIVER would not have there this morning. Not in THE ORE- TWEEN PAYING FOR WHAT HE DOESN'T made the splash it did were it not GONIAN either, of course. WANT AND GOING TO JAIL. THESE PRIN- for the riveting shoot-out (and You really can't blame people CIPLES APPLY TO ANY GOVERNMENT--- mockery of "justice" ending). Under for wanting to protect the purchas- FROM THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD TO THE all that degradation-mood and disturb- ing power of their money. . .by trad- FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. GOVERNMENTS ed-young-man- of- our- times facade ing it for some kind of currency DON'T RULE; THEY OVERRULE.' there is The Guns and The Bloody that retains its value. Killing to draw crowds. Thus every- Carter today, in his news con- ference, said (as politicians always HOW I FOUND FREEDOM IN body gets his munchies — every base AN UNFREE WORLD is touched. In fact, the intellec- do) that the sinking dollar overseas By Harry Browne (and here too) is due to "speculat- tuals get fed twice- --they can play , Interpretation and Understanding ors" who misread the true state of games with their heads while their our economy. Sure. The multinat- guts get the gutter language, the ionals, the big banks, the finance perversions and the killing and the ministers of other countries -- they all stupid. loving use of guns. I dug it on are all speculators, both levels and willingly admit - 3 2-78 I watched an episode of HOW it. I see by the front-page graph THE WEST WAS WON the other day, and in the March 1, 1978 WALL STREET feel sorry for PHWji James Ar- 50 JOURNAL that the average yield on ] . : ]

the 30 stocks in the Dow Jones in- THEN what will Carter do? Ask starting with #1. No copies of dustrial average is now up to nearly at last for seizure of the mines? previous REGs are available . 6%. Wow. With inflation now run- Put renewed pressure on the owners Is REG worth the money and the ning at 9.61 an invester is only for a contract the rank and file reading? Think a moment about what losing about 3.7% on his money, not will accept? But weeks will have has happened in the past two months counting the taxes on the 6%. And been lost, with spreading layoffs [from March 11 to May 11] and con- people wonder why the stock market and power cutbacks becoming more se- sider what I have said in these is still sinking. It'll sink until vere (unless we're being lied to pages. If I've read the trends and a stock earns enough to compensate on a monumental scale) the underlying realities correctly, for the going inflation rate plus Prompting these questions you'll probably think I'm worth a couple % for real profit. Taxes 1. Do the people behind Carter want listening to and taking seriously. will have to go down and/or infla- to break the union? If events have shown me to be a tion will have to vanish for the 2. Do they want spreading layoffs wrong-headed paranoiac, then you stock market to turn around. Short and power shortages and a "bad press" will not want to subscribe. Fair of that unlikely scenario, I can't for the union in order to prepare enough. see stocks stopping their slide and lure the public to eventual mas- RICHARD E. GEIS short of maybe 500 on the Dow. sive government controls of wages, P.O. Box 11408 prices, and workers in the future? Portland, OR 97211 But back to that Rockefeller [There are more industry-wide strik- ************************************ story— and the steady, at times es possible this year, a lulu in the sickening drop of the dollar in railroads, for instance.] 'IT IS NO ACCIDENT THAT THE U.S. value (which means very heavy in- He's screwing up, and after this BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAS BEEN IN THE flation foreigners are refusing — talk will surface about FRONT LINE OF THOSE PUSHING RATIFI- to sop up our deficits and may be- coal fiasco him running for a second term. CATION OF THE TREATIES. U.S. DIRECT gin insisting on gold or other cur- not INVESTMENT IN PANAMA ALONE IS NEARLY rencies in payments, soon which — 1.6 BILLION, EXCEEDING THAT OF ITS means our deficits will stay at STAKE IN PERU, ARGENTINA, OR COLUM- home, cost more, and drive up costs/ BIA. PANAMA'S CONVENIENT BANKING prices) : something big is cooking in AND SHIPPING LAWS MAKE IT A MOST the international financial arena. HOSPITABLE FRIEND OF THE MULTINATION- A crisis is developing. Carter may 3-U-78 I have to lock up this col- ALS. NO WONDER THAT SOME TWO DOZEN be told/required to a Nation- umn now. The issue is already stuf- OF THESE MULTINATIONALS FORMED THE al Emergency and impose a tax on im- fed to the drawstrings. BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE ported oil (a heavy one) or begin Tell you what. I'm not really FOR A NEW PANAMA CANAL TREATY WITH rationing gas, or...? comfortable with this amount of cur- A HALF MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET FOR [And if the coal pact is not rent-event commentary in SFR. Bet- LOBBYING AND PROPAGANDA. THEIR EF- accepted by the miners . . .ho-ha! ! ter that the space be used for more FORTS HAVE BEEN SUPPLEMENTED BY THE But never fear, whatever he reviews, more letters, more sf and U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE has to do, he'll blame it on some- fantasy commentary. COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS, A WELL- bodies other than the government. So it has been decided in the HEELED ASSOCIATION COMPOSED OF EVERY echoing halls of the medulla, that MAJOR U.S. FIRM DOING BUSINESS IN I split off this column from SFR LATIN AMERICA. AMONG THOSE IN THE and offer it to the readers as a FOREFRONT OF LOBBYING FOR THE TREA- separate, more frequent subscription TIES ARE SUCH GIANTS AS BRANIFF, 3-7-78 President Carter is either a magazine. GULF OIL, ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL, fool or a weakling or a blatant tool It will be titled RICHARD E. PAN AM, AND THE M4JOR U.S. BANKS OP- of those who put him in office — and GEIS, it will be offset, with pages ERATING IN PANAMA CHASE MANHATTAN, I don't mean the people who voted this size, this amount of print re- CITIBANK, BANK OF AMERICA, AND MAR- for him. duction, typed on this Selectric INE MIDLAND. AMONG THE DIRECTORS OF He has again misread the coal using these typefaces. MARINE MIDLAND (UNTIL HE RECENTLY miners. He thought they'd accept It will be 10 pages, mailed 1st RESIGNED UNDER CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST the new contract he coerced from class. CHARGES) WAS CANAL NEGOTIATOR SOL the coal companies, and was fooled It will feature at least one LINOWITZ, WHOM CARTER MET AT THE badly. Now he is invoking the Taft Gilliland cartoon per issue. It TRILATERAL COMMISSION AN ORGANIZA- will be published whenever ten pag- Hartley Act (80-day cooling off per- TION, ONE CANNOT RSIST POINTING OUT, es are completed, in this diary for- iod) in the face of all kinds of re- ESTABLISHED BY DAVID ROCKEFELLER OF mat. ports that the miners will not obey CHASE MANHATTAN. 60 per issue. Subscriptions: a court order to go back to work. He

OTHER VOICES, OTHER VOICES, OTHER VOICES, OTHER

Ellen is adopted by a pair of very LARRY NIVEN REVIEWS. . . . beautiful purebred hunting dogs. Nobody claims them. They won't go away. Rose Ellen has strange dreams Harper and Row have sent me in which she hunts with dogs. She bound page proofs of SOMERSET and her husband have an honest- to DREAMS, a collection of short stor- God quarrel. Presently she shoots ies by . The stories the dogs. are all around 12,000 words +_ 3,000, and feature concise, highly polished Now, I know that these dogs are prose and careful attention to mood a Jungian archetype. How? Because the sense. and character development. I don't story doesn't make After exactly propose to review the book, the sense of being cheated has gone but two stories attract my atten- away, one remembers a sense of large tion: THE ENCOUNTER and THE HOUNDS. masses below the surface of the story... as if the author, at least, (SOMERSET DREAMS, by Kate Wil- knew she was saying something impor- helm. Spring '78. $8.95, Harper tant, or as if Jungian archetypes § Row.) were stirring in Niven's hindbrain. I hadn't seen THE HOUNDS before Now you get three choices I've never read any Jung. But I believe that THE HOUNDS deals with 1) Niven isn't equipped to un- Jungian archetypes. Stand by; my derstand these archetypes. The fact that he hasn't read Jung is irrele- reasons are good. Freud: a thing few writers have vant; nobody should have to learn an tried. The woman was the male char- I remember THE ENCOUNTER from archetype. Perhaps it's because he acter's anima; the blizzard was an nine years ago. is male, or doesn't hold down a reg- archetypal symbol too. She was told ular job, or never hunted. Or-- Damon and Kate Wilhelm Knight the story still didn't make sense. hosted a writers' conference in 2) Kate Wilhelm used Jungian Damon explained to us that we Madiera Beach, Florida, in June of archetypes in both of these stories, were not qualified to judge this 1969. In June Madiera Beach was but badly. Or-- hard on the nerves. The heat and story anyway. Not only had most of us not read Jung, we hailed mostly Kate did it right, but Jung humidity were murderous ; the flies 3) and mosquitos were everywhere; the from the science fiction field, and was blowing gas. ocean was at body heat, and dirty. had not been exposed to the openness The thing is, I think I've spot- One afternoon Damon aborted and variety of mainstream writing; an in- ted the flaw in these stories. But cipient quarrel by suddenly crying, our minds were closed to new styles. is it Kate's mistake or Jung's? The "How many (But why was the story submitted to of you feel paranoid? problem with THE ENCOUNTER and THE Raise your hands!" A lot of hands us if we were not qualified to HOUNDS is that in both cases the went up, including mine. judge it? It didn't make sense.) protagonist is a rounded, believable . . .and we all calmed down, and when What we do at these events is human being. I went home I took some good memor- submit story manuscripts for crit- ies with me. Keith Laumer had tak- Did Jung's list of Archetypes icism, then criticize them in round- en a couple of us to a remarkable include a Protagonist? The sub- table format, with intent to improve restaurant. The evenings were conscious must have its own idea of the story. The author has no chance pleasant and fannish. Betty Ballan- who is reacting to these other Arch- to reply until the comments have tine had appeared, and I had lectur- etypes. That being is the center passed fully around the- circle. ed her enthusiastically on a new in- of the universe. Its character is (Nine years. Should I still be sight into processes : the simplified, and its concerns are saying We?) I made good use of the "Eye Storm". with weighty matters. It does not suggestions I got for FOR FOGGY A stop for traffic lights or make out NIGHT, inproving it markedly. And And that was that, for nine income tax forms. To rid itself of Kate submitted THE ENCOUNTER. years. Now back to SOMERSET DREAMS. the Hounds Archetype, it does not The tale tells of a man who #### begin by advertising in the papers. finds himself locked in a bus sta- THE HOUNDS describes a family's Using Jungian archetypes in fic- tion with a woman during a blizzard. move to a small farm. Martin, the tion was probably worth a try. But She disturbs him badly. While the husband, sometimes wonders if he Kate Wilhelm won't be able to work snow climbs higher outside and the and his wife shouldn't fight occas- it until she learns how to write cold deepens inside, woman the dem- ionally. Rose Ellen, the protagon- cardboard characters. onstrates just how badly the man has ist, is sure he's wrong.- She grew screwed up By morning #### his life. the up in a fighting family. She al- man has vanished, and the woman is ways gives in. ..and he always makes I've just read THE OPHIUCHI HOT- behaving as if he never existed. up his mind before discussing any- LINE and I love it! This John Var- Kate that the was told story didn't thing anyway. So now she's a farm ley writes like an idealized Larry make sense. wife., with no real choice. Niven. I'm almost sure that state- ment wouldn't offend him. What I When her turn came, Kate ex- Shortly after the move, Rose plained that she had drawn her mean is, he writes like I thought archetypes from Jung rather than 52 I could write when I wrote WORLD OF .

PTAWS, only I couldn't. I'm still generally interesting and readable, An alien race is carefully set up not good enough to do one of the and with three genuinely outstand- to exactly reflect Feeley's point, things he did in this novel. Half ing stories. and it is too obviously an author's his characters are clones of one construction. couple times The cover is an uncredited piece A of Lilo, and he calls them all Lilo are flattened into of hackwork (Nude Man with Blue the characters (until very near the end, when one cardboard like idiots, Sheet Floating Through Giant Key- by acting I becomes Diana) , and never got con- but it was a nice try. hole) that has appeared before, as fused as to whom he was talking a- the cover for TOO MANY MAGICIANS by I'm not sure what "Love Among bout. There are some unforgetable DeCamp. The rest of the package is the Symbionts" by J. Michael Reaves characters, like Javelin, who has on a par, typos abound, the name of is doing here, but it is a fine radically altered her body, and the story or author does not appear story; a haunting and poignant tale whose Early Amazing Stories space- at the tops of the pages- -but at told through the mind of a mute ship is named Cavorite: a beautiful least there is a table of contents. paraplegic in charge of a commune touch. The ideas explode all over of the handicapped. The story con- your mind, and they're rich and Gerrold' s skimpy three-para- , cerns a touching psi encounter be- they work . graph intro is a glorification of protagonist and blind the sensawunda, and reads with the tween the a I've read other stories set in woman, each sharing with the other anonymous hyperbole of a blurb. Varley's future history, short sto- what they are normally denied. ries, all good, all reflecting on The first story is "Tom Sawyer's This one will stick with me for a each other and on this (probably) Suborbital Escapade" by two Texas while

writers : final novel. ($7.95, from Quantum; Lisa Tuttle , a deservedly "A Modem Parable" is by Chris- very nice cover.) respected craftswoman, and Steve J. Crowley, Utley, who has a propensity for topher another new There's another good novel out: wasting his talent on trivialities. name. I liked it. It was a lot of INVOLUTION OCEAN, Bruce Sterling. cynical comment on by The story is told in the title, an fun. A mildly The planet not is too believable; attempt at writing a new Tom, Huck, the real Golden Rule ("What's in it it features an ocean of Clarke's and Jim adventure. They come close for Me?") told against the back- Moondust my (or marsdust) with a to Twain's immortal style, but miss ground of the most engaging chiti- breathable atmosphere above it, it far enough to taste like stale nous aliens since the Zen cockroa- though there's no free water any- beer. Nothing really happens. ches in 's ALL MT SINS where, even enough not to cement They try for the moon, fail (sort REMEMBERED. that ultrafine dust. If you can of) , and wander off. I did apprec- is listed as swallow that you'll enjoy the trip. iate the way Tom's spaceship, cob- "associate editor", and the presence Jove Science Fiction, $1.50, and bled together out of some old of his "Portrait of the Artist as a it's in #4 in the Harlan Ellison boards, an old spinning wheel, and Young God" is suspect. Silverberg discovery series, with an intro by oddments that Aunt Polly was throw- can get away with buying his own Harlan. Sterling claims his major ing out, was carefully not described stories, few others can. But I'll influences were Clarke Ashton Smith, accept it. It is an Larry Niven, Samuel Taylor Coler- Greg Feely is a new name to story about Godlike Beings (hyper- idge and Harlan Ellison, a truly me, and "The Light at the End of evolved humans) who play with suns strange combination, and I have to the Penumbra" is a solid, profes- like tennis balls. It is amusing, add a fifth, because there's a fla- sional story. He robs his theme though without Calvino's flair, and vor of Melville there. Sterling (the necessity of human beings hav- with a telegraphed punch-line. It did not steal the plot of Moby Dick. ing new frontiers to explore) by has some nicely caustic comments But the first person character talks making his analogy too artificial. about We Parasites, the critics. like Ishmael, a little, despite hav- Culture Sculpture sounds like fun, ing personality problems Ishmael and I wish Goldin had favored us wouldn't even think about. What it with a description of his artist's is is a whaling story, with a dif- finished 'piece'. ference . ****** *** ******************* ******** And now we come to the first of the outstanding stories, a perfect gem by the inimitable George Alec Effinger. "The Exempt" is a subtle ASCENTS OF WONDER title that throws the story into Ed David Gerrold bas relief. This is prime Effinger, Popular Library, Dec., 1977, $1.50 quietly hilarious, empathic, written with a blithe disregard of all Reviewed by Steve Brown story-telling conventions, and con- ceptually rooted exactly 87 degrees David Gerrold was once respons- out of phase with the rest of lit- ible for an anthology of such unre- erature. It's about a coin- operated mitting awfulness (ALTERNITIES) that voice- recording booth in a small ar- the discerning reader was drawn to cade near Bourbon Street, New Or- it with the morbid fascination of a leans, where the Alternate Center of pacifist for documentaries on the the Universe, "the absolute exclam- Third Reich. It was elevated to ation point of reality" is located-- cult status at Clarion '74, every- and it is worth the price of the body had to own a copy. When I saw book to visit it. ASCENTS OF WONDER on the rack, I snatched it up with the evil glee of "Scrapings" by Kenneth Von Gun- a true connoisseur of bad writing. den is turgid, incoherent and over-

But I was disappointed. Gerrold written--". . .a glowing sperm cell has forfeited his Roger Elwood Cup laser beam straight on a feature- by turning in an anthology that is less path through a space sea of - infertility". As far as I can tell, ed to the story that it becomes hard capsulated within. STAR SONGS... the theme is nothing more than the to identify with the characters. also includes a previously uncol- static contemplation of the Inef- They become as alien as their en- lected novelette, the most conven- fable Awfulness of hyperspace. The vironment . tional SF story here. Early Tip- author shows promise in spots, but ************************************ tree (1969) that is superb and he is in serious need of a governor could easily suffer an expansion on his throttle. into a novel; that much happens in 4H wA5 wiTH THE 40 pages. "Your Haploid Heart" is Mel Gilden's "The Perambulator" 2-5TH NEW the only piece from out of the mag- is one of those silly nutty-alien critics, ion?- ik) by" azines, the rest are from original stories that read like an old Wmer the the: s wall anthologies. An indication of Bros, cartoon. I liked it, talk- author's growth of stature. ing potted palms and all. It was a /W A30UT 1° AM, CAME A Prime. Or more basically put, lot more fun than an equivalent THE SFIMAiJ^ , weight of Ron Goulart. OJT OF THE W°«"t&f all things considered, one can't go wrong with a Tiptree collection. former vP Diamond in the proverbial rough An This, the third, ably supports her Who is Daniel P. Dem? His "White To CHAP5E-... reputation for a consistently high about Hole" is a searing allegory THAT WAS THE standard of writing. Subject and as sources of creative white holes Tat the content must be judged by the read- jagged expression. A magnificent, er's taste. (Historically a major- the inter- T/eM and strobing picture of ity of critics seem to have acquir- science. Brit face between art and ed one.) This package has an aura liant. Somebody buy more of this of quality. man's work. ************************************ Michael G. Coney is a competent, PRIMATE inventive and witty writer. "Just STAR SONGS OF AN OLD By James Tip tree, Jr, Collection an Old-Fashioned War Story" is a competent, inventive and witty story. Introduced by Ursula K. LeGuin THE DREAM DETECTIVE The characters breathe, the story Del Rey Books, 1978 By Sax Rohmer 7 Stories, 270 Pages, $1.75 moves and the prose is thick and Dover, #3.00 meaty. But it's still just another Reviewed by Robert Frazier Reviewed by Lee Weinstein outwitting- the-killer- robots story and handled with graceless cynicism. A. The introduction is frosting on This is an unabridged republi- the cake. LeGuin conscientiously Yet another fine story, the cation of the 1926 British edition handles Tiptree's low-profile re- rather arbitrarily titled "Contact and contains nine stories. I can- quest to write it, but moreover Myth" by Joe Pumilia, another Texas not help but wonder why Dover did goes on to write a lucid, down-to- writer. This is a tale of those not choose to reprint the 1925 Am- earth Tiptree/Raccoona most mysterious of ancient peoples look at the erican edition, which contained ten Sheldon/Alice Sheldon phenomenon. that have populated the banks of stories. In any case, this is a Tho much like an opal with fires the Euphrates- -the Sumerians- -and nicely packaged, high quality soft- dancing inside, LeGuin is careful of an alien who lived among them cover edition, permanently bound maintain emphasis the real and directed them to build a gigan- to on with the pages sewn in signatures. jewels of the collections. tic computer of brick and water. The dream detective of the tit- The story is lovingly told through The impact of this grouping le is an eccentric old antique deal- the uncomprehending eye of Naboni, will be reduced for those readers er named Moris Klaw, who made his a scribe, with a dazzling wealth of who have/have read the two novel- first appearance in the April, 1913 background detail. las : A MOMENTARY TASTE OF BEING issue of THE NEW MAGAZINE in England. and HOUSTON, HOUSTON, DO YOU READ?, And finally, the big one. "E- Unlike other literary figures loose- 100 and pages respectively. quinoctial" by John Varley. For 60 ly lumped together under the term These both are confined to people those familiar- with Varley's uni- "psychic detective", Klaw investig- confined (friction and clashing) verse, this is a story of the symbs, ates crimes of human origin. It is within space vehicles. Also, both those plant- like beings who encase his method of solving the crimes are written in the "perceptions a human into a permanent closed that places these stories in the are- increasingly-altered mode" that eco- system. The story is set where realm of the occult. Klaw's theory Tiptree uses for a portion of her all symb stories take place, the is that human thoughts have an inde- work. She is good at the evolving Rings of Saturn. There is the usu- pendent existence and remain in the viewpoint. A similarly structured al pyrotechnical imagineering, ether long after the person who novelette concerning a psychologist leavened with the humor of a Swift- thought them has gone. By sleeping is included from NEW DIMENSIONS 6. ian conflict between two quasi-re- in the room where a crime has taken The stories themselves differ great- ligious groups; one fanatically de- place, Klaw can pick up the thoughts ly, as do the styles of the three voted to the multi- thousand genera- of the criminal or possibly the vic- short stories. "And So On, And So tion project of painting every rock tim. Typically, the thoughts he re- On", an open story of conversation, in one of the Rings bright red, and ceives are fragmentary, but are suf- little incidence and quiet message. the opposing sect, equally . devoted ficient to provide a clue to the "Her Smoke Rose Up Forever", a non- to removing the paint. I prefer criminal's identity. (It is an in- linear, recurring lifeline story the lyrical beauty of Varley's ear- teresting sidelight that Rohmer him- packing incredible amounts of emo- lier symb story, "Gotta Sing, Gotta self believed in this theory and tion, image and vitality. "She Dance" (GALAXY, July '76), but this conducted some experiments along Waits for All Men a piece one won't disappoint the author's Bom", these lines.) To insulate himself which builds a sweeping scope of readers. As usual, every detail from too many distracting thoughts, Space and Time with a story and an seems exactly right, down to the Klaw sleeps on an "odically steril- unforgettable character. Snow, en- strange emotions and inter-personal ised" cushion during an investiga- by-play which is so perfectly suit- 54 tion. ("Od" is a hypothetical all- ) pervasive force once associated defeated by Sol, takes up a non-cir- have the original description of with mesmerism.) Klaw also solves cle weapon, the rope, and becomes him as red-haired and blue-eyed. some crimes by means of a "science first Sol's architect of empire and Fortunately, Warner Books has of cycles". This is a theory that later his nemesis. As their lives brought out the original version of certain objects become a focus of intertwine, the men discover the Karl Edward Wagner's DARKNESS WEAVES; criminal activity at regularly re- dark secret of their world, are used, the first few chapters which were curring intervals. and rebel. Through it all is the serialized a few years back in MID- strange woman they both love working The stories themselves are com- NIGHT SUN. The book is another of for her own private ambition. petently written and rather color- Wagner's novels of the doomed war- ful mysteries. Some involve mur- VAR THE STICK is about a mutant. rior Kane, based on the Biblical ders, some involve thefts, and some Physically grotesque, Var can feel, Cain. are just plain bizarre. They re- and thus avoid, radiation. About The book is about a once-beau- volve about such exotic items as an a quarter of the way through the Athenian harp which once belonged tiful, but now hideously maimed sor- book the story line leaves the tril- ceress, empire to Lucretia Borgia, a flawless 132 who plots to gain an ogy's main theme when he goes on an and revenge against the king who carat blue diamond which disappears adventurous odyssey a young with had her mutilated. Kane and an am- from a locked room, and a series of should girl. Enjoyable enough, not iable assassin friend of his are Egyptian mummies which are myster- be skipped, but not up to the level drawn into the plot to sieze the iously decapitated. the rest the books. of of island empire. Plots, sub-plots and The story that stands out in my NEQ THE SWORD goes back a bit other intricacies follow, complicat- mind is "The Veil of Isis", because in time to pick up the epic theme in ed with memories of how Kane had it is more a tale of supernatural the life of one of Sol's lieuten- once tried to sieze the islands him- horror than a mystery, and because ants. After the total collapse of self in the distant past. The book it does have an occult explanation. the nomad society, Neq's wife is builds to the powerful no-win clim- However, none of the stories, in- killed and he is mutilated. When ax which mark so many of Kane's ex- cluding this one, build up any real vengeance does nothing to ease his ploits. atmosphere of supernatural horror, Neq the inpossible pain, sets himself The book's plot is almost sec- as one would find in Blackwood's rebuilding the world as he task of ondary to the personality of Kane JOHN SILENCE or Hodgson's CARNACKI has known it before. himself. By no means a hero, 'Kane THE GHOST- FINDER. They are not In prose as sharp as a nomad's is described as one of the first stories of mood. They are, rather, sword, and as stark as their lives, men, who rebelled against the play- entertaining and exotic, and would Anthony writes of the price of hero- thing Utopia made by man's creator make an interesting addition to ism, the power of love, the futility by killing his own brother. For anyone's collection. of vengeance, and the weight of this he is cursed with immortality, ************************************ responsibility. It is often brutal, until he is killed by the same vio- but beautiful in the realization lence he brought into the world, of its ambitious scope. and marked with mad, killer's eyes: BATTLE CIRCLE ************************************ The Mark of Kane. A Trilogy by Piers Anthony Avon Books, 537 pp., #2.25 The "acid gothic" style of Wag- ner's gets the reader involved, pul- Reviewed by Paul McGuire III DARKNESS WEAVES By Karl Edward Wagner ling he or she into the story. Be- sides the story and characters, Wag- Although this superb trilogy Warner Books, $1.95 ner is also a good hand at "world- was initially published in the U.S. Reviewed By Mark Mansell making", creating a believable and by Bantam, so fast did those copies fascinating world for the story. disappear that for several years DARKNESS WEAVES has a story be- fans have had to buy the British ed- hind the story. It was originally The previous Kane novel, DARK itions sold at conventions, or not sold to a small publishing company-- CRUSADE, was nominated for a World have them. Now the good news is Powell Press, in 1969. Before pub- Fantasy Award at the October conven- double. Not only are the three books lishing it, Powell thereupon com- tion and had not this one been al- back in print, but they are all in menced to edit the book with a dull ready published before (in a dif- have one volume. (The cover art here meat cleaver, mutilating the book ferent form, though) , it would and back mural are the illustrations more than any book deserves to be. likely been up for one also. Frank from the three English CORGI paper- Among the edits, there was the trim- Frazetta's cover for this book is the best things he's done in backs . ming of the imaginary units of money one of used in the book, but the explanatory recent years. The trilogy takes place in a conversions to U.S. dollars were ************************************ post-holocaust warrior society. The left in, making the characters pay nomads have a rigid code. No man for an assassination in a medieval- may be forced to fight and all com- type world in dollars! bat is formal, in a circle, with took Karl Wagner to task for this rules and stakes agreed upon in ad- mistake not of his causing in the vance. The nomads are supplied and book IMAGINARY WORLDS. Another tri- controlled by the "crazys", pacifists umph editorial skill was to chaige who have retained an amount of civ- of the description of the protagonist, ilization and technology. The tril- A Powell's cover il- ogy tells the story of the fall and Kane, to match ft lustration. The worst of this was rebirth of this way of life. that the description wasn't changed -Wt SOS THE ROPE begins with the throughout the book, so one chapter ' * chance meeting of two swordsmen and had a description of Kane as having ’ one woman. The men are to become black hair, while the next might the greatest of their age; Sol, mas- ter of all weapons, and Sos, who. 55 If Varley were to become self-ind- THE VIVISECTOR ulgent he would become first scat- tershot, then incoherent and the audience would drop him cold. He A Column By Darrell Schweitzer must learn that a story is not a bag of tricks strung together. "Lollipop" is unified, but just barely.

"State of Grace" is a totally atypical Kate Wilhelm story, a wacky fantasy of the UNKNOWN vari- ety, about little men living in a tree and the rivalry of a husband and wife over what to do about them. Wilhelm displays hitherto ORBIT 19 dling John Varley, which means it absent humor, and the technique of Ed. is capably written and ceaselessly the telling is interesting. The Harper § Row, 1977, 262 pp., $9.95 inventive. Varley is one of the narrative is very spare, almost few SF writers to understand what Damon Knight said in a letter synoptic, and it should be because to SFR issues John Campbell meant when he said a couple back that all the images are familiar (ex- the future "doesn't happen one at he's trying to make ORBIT more ".ac- cept the little men) and require a time". In Varley 's future not cessible" to his audience. Since little description, and the story Harper Row is dropping the series one thing is different, but many. § is an account of events over a per- with and unless Damon finds This in turn leads to a head-on #21, iod of time. This is harder to do collision with Wells' rule about another publisher, that'll be the than it looks. Go too far one way pigS flying over hedges. If pigs end, any added accessibility at and you have a lifeless outline, this point may be too little too fly over hedges, fine, but if all too far the other and the point is other animals do, that's too much. late. ORBIT has been declining in lost in the verbiage. readership and prestige for years. You have to have one main premise, When it started, lots of attention, a primary wonder. In a future with After this, the bane of ORBIT climaxing in a year when all the many wonders, the premise is the readers, two impenetrable stories Nebula nominees were from volumes one which is unusual even to the in a row. 's "Many Man- 6 and 7. Then science fiction be- characters living there. The rest sions" fails, I think, because it gan to go in other directions, and is background. Varley doesn't han- is not a story, just a retrospec- the leading anthology became a dle this as well as he should. tive dialogue between two one-dim- backwater. (Just like NEW WORLDS.) Two of his wonders, including the ensional characters about things For readership the real blow fell main one, a sentient black hole, significant only to them. Result: when Putnam dumped ORBIT after #13. are not explained. The story tedium. There threatens have been no paperbacks sin- to tear apart, to become Felix Gotschalk's "The Veil ce then, doubt the scattershot. I no problem with This is why hold my Over the River" shows his style has Harper E) Row, since unless you're breath for John Varley. He's cer- improved to the point he can com- Doubleday and sell very cheap edi- tainly the most promising new wri- municate, although he's still not tions by subscription to libraries, ter to enter the field in a decade, what I would call a graceful writ- an unpaperbacked hardcover isn't since Zelazny Delany, but and look er, but with the fog cleared away much of a money-maker. what happened to them . SF has a he doesn't seem to have anything to way of destroying its best recruits I'm the only person I know who say. Of course, I may have misun- through premature deification, so still reads ORBIT. Over the years derstood everything, but if so, a writer thinks he knows all there Knight has managed to drive off all chances are 95% of the other read- is well before he even suspects but his most faithful readers, and ers will also. The author hasn't what all there is to learn. His a few book reviewers. It's a sha- done his job. So much for accessi- worst tendencies take over and the me, because the books have definit- bility. result may be weak tea like many ely bottomed out (with. #17) and later Zelazny novels, or a catas- While we're on the subject, I are getting better, but when the trophe on the scale of DHALGREN. don't see how the uninitiated will audience has been burned over and over again, it doesn't come back. Some people will even tell you what specifically scared them off. XT SflVS in HERE WT OH MoUTHfiT My friend Lee Weinstein says James , Sallis' "Only the Words are Dif- DflRR ELL S>CWWE777£R'S MEflMS THERE’LL ferent" in #9 did it for him, aft- A BUDD/NG YOUNG Of- er which he stopped getting ORBIT BE TWO tURlTCR. out of the library. Like most re- THEM/ aders, he resents time wasted on non- functional word patterns.

As far as accessibility goes, I'm happy to report that nothing in ORBIT 19 doesn't at least at- tempt to communicate with the read er. And there are some fine stor- ies present, more than half the book in fact, but still some bad enough to do damage. "Lollipop and Tar Baby" is mid 56 . , , be able to make sense out of Ste- struggling woefully with some new revenge play as the play being act- phen Robinett's "Tomus", which is artform (usually electronic) ed (an ingeniously invented imagin- actually a rather good story once Since young and/or new writers tend ary work "attributed" to Webster) you have fallen back on your know- to write these things, and they progresses, and both climax at the ledge of previous SF stories and tend to write despairing stories, same time. The ending is not whol- understood what it's about. Lack- stories of this kind frequently ly satisfactory. It is logical and ing is enough exposition at the end in futility and the death of fitting, but it's presented as a front to make the premise clear. the protagonist. Yep, it did, "Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper" type At first I thought Tomus was a com- right on schedule. twist, and I aaw it coming half way puter/robot and the other character through. Another specimen of the same a human, then Tomus an immortal is Scott Edelstein's "The Exhibi- Two other relatively new writers and the other a dying man in his tion" (in BEST FROM SF MONTHLY, are present. Kevin O'Donnell's care for some reason, but then I N.E.L.) which did also. "Night Shift" is a standard story recognized the familiar situation of a social idea present through of immortality by transplanting Gene Wolfe redeems himself with the actions of a person in that so- personalities into new, artificial- another entry, "To the Dark Tower ciety. It is competently written ly grown bodies. The other charac- Came." We usually sneeze "surreal- and as interesting as the idea. ter is a rudimentary personality ism" at this sort of thing in lieu (Moderately.) Eleanor Amason's in the new body. Then all falls of examining it as I understand — "Going Down" has a more innovative into place and the drama of the the term, surrealism means use of idea, but is fragmentary. Neither man/infant coining to awareness in external situations and settings character nor situation are com- someone else's skull becomes power- to indicate mental states. This plete. Did the last ten pages of ful and moving. Of course, the au- should be distinguished from a com- this manuscript get lost? thor could have made himself com- pletely fantastic scene held to- pletely clear without a lecture, gether for a short stretch by sheer The good outweighs the bad in just by starting out "There was an- strangeness. Would you believe this volume. Now, if the bad were other person sharing my head with G1ouster and Kent from KING LEAR eliminated, we might have something me". Tell 'em outright, and im- (though the latter is related to viable here. mediately. Clark Kent, alias Superman) and a topless, bottomless tower which may R.A. Lafferty's "Fall of Peb- connect the Earth and the Moon? ble-Stones" is more easily compre- hensible than most of his stories, Alas, another failure: "Beings because it's simply delightful non- of Game P-U" by Philip Teich is sense, like a prose version of Ed- fanzine stuff, a mixture of E.E. THE RETURN OF SKULL FACE By Robert E. Howard and ward Lear or the Mervyn Peake of Smith parody and Scientology . I RHYMES WITHOUT REASON. The peb- am too eager to hang onto my wallet Richard Lupoff, FAX, 1977, 96 pp. bles of the title only appear under to get close to Scientology, so Special Edition, $17.00 the eaves of inhabited houses. I don't know its jargon well, which Regular Edition, $9.95 The pebble angel puts them there. is why I couldn't make head or tail (No kidding.) out of this thing. Imagine the Paperback blurb writers are poor reader who doesn't know his going to have a ball with this one Back to the pits, and it seem- Lensmen either. Accessible ? --"annies of opium-crazed thugs, ed for me a return trip to the AS- the nameless horror from Atlantis, IMOV'S SF slush pile- -Michael Mc- And while we're being esoteric, the horrible Oriental face in the Clintock's "Under " is a to- there's a very fine novelet called window, the missing idol, the tal failure. Common problems of "The Disguise" by Stanley Rob- curse on the English manor house, not yet publishable writers--story inson, which I do understand be- eery adventures on the moors, the too long for idea, and the author cause I know considerably more a- monster from the depths, the evil is unable to make his characters bout Elizabethan/Jacobean revenge priest of Atlantis, at least three or scenes distinct enough to be tragedies than I do about L. Ron beautiful girls in distress, two followed. There was an interest- • Hubbard. This is very much of an brawny heroes and a partridge in a ing description of a zero-G art English major's story. If you pear tree"- -but whether you'll exhibition, and maybe there's a don't know who John Webster was, like it or not is a different mat- real story buried here somewhere, you may have problems. If you ter. It's 1001 pure 1930s pulp but after 15 pages I saw nary a know nothing about HAMLET and the cliche with no preservatives or glimmer. 0. Henry used to say a tradition it was written in, for- 1970s additives. Lupoff wrote a- new writer should tear about that get it. Writing a story which de- bout half the text, the rest being many pages off the front of his pends on other literature is fair, sequel to SKULL FACE abandoned by manuscript, and that's where the but the author must be aware it is REH in 1931 because WEIRD TALES story starts. This means you, Mi- self- limiting. was making noises about going bi- chael McClintock. 'I'm not sure Actors in the future learn rol- monthly . He never got back to it Knight has done this writer any es through memory implants. Alas, even though WT did not go bimonth- service by publishing him at so somebody slipped a cog and came out ly and ran several Howard serials. primitive a level of development. thinking he was mad Hieronomo from Hardly a great loss to humanity. A much more promising discov- THE SPANISH TRAGEDY and haunts the Certainly Lupoff has done a ery is Michael Connor. There's no plays, Phantom of The Opera style, skillful job of posthumous collab- working definition of good fiction, bunping off villains for real. The oration. He has taken a fragment but Alexei Panshin's call for whole poor protagonist finds himself play- which is slightly less than half- characters and whole action makes ing the villain opposite somebody way up the scale from the worst sense to me, and Connor's "Vamp" he's sure is the madman. Robinson Howard to the best, certainly bet- fits the bill. It is convincing deftly fogs up reality and make-be- ter than many recent barrel scrap- and vivid. The only problem, it lieve so the story progresses as a ings (or some reprints, like the is of a familiar type, the tale of wretched detective tales PHANTASY the young artist of the future 57 DIGEST has been foisting on us) . and completed it without making it back audience. CONJURE WIFE by things. I remember during the New the slightest bit better or dif- Fritz Leiber (251 pp. $1.95) is a Wave years the book was claimed by ferent. Quality of writing and classic example of how to make an both sides. Originally it was one plotting are consistent throughout original look like an imitation of Terry Carr's prestigious Ace and the prose is so close you can't through packaging. Remember how Specials. It had a better cover tell where one author stopped and 's PLAGUE FROM SPACE then. another began. The second half is became THE JUPITER LEGACY in the fully as silly as the first. You wake of THE ANDRCMEDA STRAIN? have heard of thrill- a-minute wri- Well, now Leiber' s classic witch- ting? Well, Howard didn't wait craft novel from 1943 is made to that long. Scarcely two pages look like another bestseller dev- TWO CURIOSITIES pass before there's another con- il book, like SALEM'S LOT, THE EX- vulsion and somebody vanishes, or ORCIST, THE SENTINEL, etc. The knife-weilding assassins pop out same black see-thru- to-second-cov- ALIEN FLESH of the woodwork. When things seem er arrangement and a blurb "No By Seabury Quinn for perhaps twenty calmed down power on earth could save her from Intro by E. Hoffman Price words, surprise, one of the good the ultimate violation..." You Illustrated by Stephen Fabian guys is killed by lightning, ap- will not find this in the SF sec- Train, 1977, 236 pages, $10.00 parently directed by the gentleman tion- -the fantasy label is careful- of the title. The appalling flint ly avoided- -so look for it in am- A curiosity? Yes, and more. siness of the plot (and total non- ong the mainstream bestsellers , or Seabury Quinn's Jules de Grandin characterization) is concealed by perhaps the gothics. Readers of series made him the most popular of frantic action until the end, when these categories, however, may all WEIRD TALES contributors during went you realize Skull Face through find it too imaginative for their the 20s and 30s, even though they a lot of trouble, and a lot of tastes. After all, not one Pos- were strictly formula stuff, with coincidences worked just to get sessed Child out to get revenge on every conceivable weird menace shoe- the hero in a pool with a 30- foot the world that invented puberty. homed into the same plot, as if the long squid- lamprey which, true to , It'll outlast the current fad, I TV series THE NIGHT STALKER had been the REH hero's code, he dispatches am sure. OUR FRIENDS FROM FROLIX run deeper and deeper into the with his bare hands without much 8 by Philip K. Dick (281 pp. $1.50) ground not for a single season, but effort. is not top drawer Dick, but his almost a hundred episodes. H.P. Of course, it is very readable, middle drawers are more interest- Lovecraft made the most apt comment: as all but the worst Howard fic- ing than most. In it God is def- There were enough good ideas, ruined tion is. If you are willing to initely dead. His body has been by such cookie-cutter methods that chain and gag your critical facul- found floating in deep space. A- maybe somebody ought to get the ties in a dungeon beneath the Pal- mong other things. I seem to re- author's permission to go back and

ace of Pleasure in Limehouse, then call this used to be a thinner write the stories . Quinn showed real go upstairs for a snort first, you book. There is a definite trend promise as something other than a might even enjoy it. these days toward big print and literary number painter only in a wide margins, and pages "killed" few non-de Grandin stories, those The "special edition" apparent- by starting chapters on a new one. collected in IS THE DEVIL A GENTLE- ly is made special by the signat- Did I hear something about a paper MAN?, a few uncollected ones like ures of the artist (Steve Leiloha, shortage? THE KING IN YELLOW by "The Phantom Farmhouse" and ROADS. who did a good cover but otherwise Robert W. Chambers is a classic Certainly I never expected to en- undistinguished Ditko-ish comic eldritch fantasy which has been counter an ambitious and genuinely book interiors) and Lupoff, plus shambling in and out of print since adult novel from him after all this a slightly different binding. Any- 1895. Chambers wrote about a hun- time. way there were only 150 of them, so dred mainstream books also, all of they're probably gone. The regu- which have been forgotten. There lar edition will remain in print may be a lesson there somewhere. only a couple months, then soar in The contents of this edition differ

value. for a quickly return- I MtrfP' Good vastly from the Dover version, WuU>NT ed investment, if nothing else. IAJR\ r/AJ

STUFF I WASN'T Ace edition follows the original, if Sl/CH AN AWFUL- / complete with several non- fantasies ‘Zf’EL-L-EjZ about Chambers' experiences as an art student in Paris (Many con- . ACE REPRINTS tain good descriptions of the seige by the Germans in the Franco- Prus- sian War.) The fantasies center Ace has been sending very few around a blasphemous and forbidden new titles of late, mostly reprints book which H.P. from their long backlist, and a did not inspire Lovecraft to invent the NECRONCM- few other people's backlists. THE ICAN, since his letters show he DEVIL IN A FOREST (224 pp., $1.50) discovered Chambers late and men- by Gene Wolfe was a Follett hard- tioned him as part of a last-minute cover last year. Despite the cov- addition to THE SUPERNATURAL HOR- er blurbs, it is not fantasy, but ROR IN LITERATURE, well after Al- a juvenile historical novel set in hazred had slithered onto the sc- the Middle Ages. Pretty good, toa ene. PAST MASTER by R.A. Lafferty I guess there is no way to paper- is a strange cosmic comedy about back it except as fantasy. Some Thomas More and Utopia, among otha" categories just aren't read much any more, especially by the paper- . ' ) ' ’

ALIEN FLESH was apparently writ- sadists, etc. Fortunately the afore- And literary criticism: ten about 1950, but for what market mentioned manage to kill each other 'Behold great Whitman, whose I can't imagine. Not any of the off in short order without doing licentious line pulp outlets, surely. The emphasis any serious damage to the real story- Delights the rake, and warms is on character and strictly speak- line. the souls of swine,' ing, there is only one supernatural I wish Quinn had written more ("Fragment on Whitman") scene. Besides that, by the stan- like this. I wish the market and dards of the day it probably would the readers had allowed him to. And schoolboy pastiches of Poe: have been considered pornographic. If written by someone today it 'It was in the pale gardens would be pornographic. Few could of Zais, resist the temptation in a story a- A WINTER WISH AND OTHER POEMS The mist-shrouded gardens bout an American archeologist (male) By H.P. Lovecraft of Zais, trapped in the body of an Egyptian Editor, Tom Collins Where blossoms of white Whispers press, 1977, 190 $10.00 harem girl . Our 'noble Editor knows pp, nephalot. the porno field better than I do, The redolant herald of and can probably name a dozen car- This one is halfway between a midnight, rot books (or one-handed reading, curiosity and a white elephant. The " (Nathicana") if you will) with the same plot. curious part is that as Lovecraft 's literary stature, based entirely on 'Black loom the crags of the exists, Quinn admits that sex his fiction, increases (the jacket uplands behind me. scene and runs a range from a with takes care to mention that one crit- Dark are the sands of the

' 80+ the^hero(ine) s doddering Arab ic placed HPL among the world's ten far-stretching shore. necrophilia husband which borders on greatest writers, along with Homer, Dim are the pathways and seduction, to an attempted Shakespeare, Tolstoy and that crowd), rocks that remind me but the really a serious no- book is a few people have actually come to Sadly of years in the lost vel adjustment, identity and about believe he was of some importance as Nevermore. from convenient- sex roles. Aside a a poet. The majority opinion was ("The Bride of the Sea") ly romantic ending in which the pro- expressed by August Derleth, other- When we learn that Lovecraft sub- tagonist is reconciled to being a wise Idoliser #1, in the introduc- titled this last ditty, "A Dull Dark woman and finds true happiness in tion COLLECTED POEMS. He found the Dactylic Delerium in 16 Silly Stan- the arms of a lifelong friend, Quinn bulk of HPL verse "painfully dull" zas" we begin to suspect that HPL is surprisingly realistic and con- and quoted Winfield Scott as say- had a much more realistic opinion vincing. Harem life is seen as ing it was "18th Century rubbish". of this stuff than does Mr. Collins. tedious, suffocating chattel slav- ery amidst physical luxury, the very Now the world will get a chance Actually, aside from about a thing for which the term "gilded to make up its own mind. A WINTER dozen poems of slight merit, mostly WISH cage" was invented. When the guy/ contains a large selection of humorous ones, and a couple oddities gal does something stupid and visits poems not in the COLLECTED POEMS. like a parody of THE WASTE LAND, his/her parents, who of course don't It is clearly intended to be defin- there i£ something worthwhile in itive. All varieties of recognize him/her, the scene is verse are this volume: the notes give us a represented, specimens publish- painful, embarrassing and impossible many detailed picture of HPL's amateur ed here for the first time. The to resolve, as it really would be. journalism career, one of the most (Although the bit about the mouse book has the feel of a college text, important things in his life. So complete with scholarly mystifies me as much as it does the introduction A WINTER WISH is an important con- character.) Throughout, the male extensive notes, index to first lines, tribution to the field, but the con- and numbering identity and the female thought/be- of every five lines tribution is biographical, not poet- havior patterns clash, and ultimate- of the poems. (Alright class. For ic. tomorrow memorize lines 35-70 of ly blend. I'm obviously not in a (Whispers Press, Box 904, Chapel position to say if Quinn's version "The Simple Speller's Tale"--ghaak! Collins Hill, NC, 27514. A 200 copy boxed, of how women think and perceive goes to great length, and he argues knowledgably, trying signed edition available for $20.) themselves is true to life, but it to convince us that the poems are im- is consistent enough to work as fic- portant, they contribute significant- tion. Radical Feminists will prob- ly to our 's ably be horrified at the whole thirg understanding of Lovecraft thought, but I'd like to know how other wo- etc. etc. Derleth, Scott and the rest men react to it were simply wrong, says he. A few obvious flaws could have Alas, when we actually read the been edited away. I almost didn't poems, the get past the first fifty pages. thesis is torpedoed. For example, we find Literally, the story starts on page political doggerel: 51. What precedes is the encounter 'So in each age the German between the Egyptian lady and the wolf we find, school chum, plus pages and pages of The spoiler, scourge of man- descriptions of how Mysterious and kind. Exotic she is, all as hokey and pad- In evil pomp dark Wilhelm's ded as the rest is believable and form discern. spare. I seriously advise you to Resolv'd the weak'ning nations skip the first chapter and you can to overturn; also skip chapter six, wherein the Close by his side his chinless author threatens to abandon his in- Princeling sits. teresting subject matter and lurch As rich in arrogance as poor into an inane melodrama about beau- in wits ; tiful Russian spies, hulking German (Germania--1918") 59 ; FLYING SAUCERS & THE STYMIE FACTOR

BY RAY PALMER

INTRODUCTION BY DAVID A, TRUESDALE Thirty years ago the flying saucers were "bom" out of the fam- December 31, 1977 ous sighting by Kenneth Arnold on ' "The Stymie Factor" was given to al blue-penciled copy of his speech June 24, 1947. He reported seeing he gave to me with a smile, me because I specifically asked Ray —which nine disc-shaped aerial objects fly- me I could do what I wanted for it back in early June of 1977. telling ing in formation over Mt. Ranier, it. I hau driven over to Amherst to give with moving "with a strange motion, like Ray the final copy for TANGENT 7/8 'As far as I can recall, I be- stones being skipped over water". to talk with him about the cover lieve he was to print it in his mag- He coined the term "flying saucers", stock, quality of paper to be used, azine, SEARCH, for one of its Summer a name that has stuck with them in price, etc. Finishing this busi- issues... or as the Summer issue (I'm spite of the more modem attempt to ness, Ray mentioned that he would not at all sure of the magazine's dignify the phenomena by calling be attending a UFO convention in publishing schedule. And since I them UFOs, or Unidentified Flying Chicago on the 2Sth of June where don't read SEARCH, I've no idea if Objects. Perhaps the latter term- he would make a speech. "The Sty- it ever saw print there or not.). inology is most apt because one mie Factor" is that speech. He thing is certain even thirty years went over with me, verbally, every- 'I hope your readers will give later: they are still unidentified . thing contained in the speech the — the piece a look. Whether or not That is where this writer comes in philosophy, metaphysics, and quite they find they can actually believe — and where he confronts what he a large number of objections I rais- 51 or 50% or even 1001 of it is no has chosen to call "the stymie fac- ed at each and every step, having matter. What does matter, for what tor". taken on the role of Devil's Advo- it’s worth," is that I_ am convinced cate (which Ray because we Actually, this year is the thir- enjoyed Ray Palmer believed it, thus making ended ty-third anniversary of the flying up talking for more than two for some highly interesting reading, hours) in order to test my reac- saucers for Ray Palmer, because it — if nothing else. ' tion to it. was in 1944 that he first learned of their existence. Thus he can 'Having talked with Ray for per- claim to be the true pioneer in the haps a total of maybe fourteen saga of unidentified flying objects. hours in my two-year business as- It is also true that over the past sociation with him I knew how skep- thirty years more than 400 books tical and reluctant, extremely so have been written by investigators at times, he was to put himself up into the strange phenomenon. Some to ridicule (he touches on this of these books have made their writ- point in the speech, you'll note). ers a considerable sum of money. 'So whether I should have felt Some of these investigators have at- this way or not I don't know, but I tained world-wide fame for their ef- felt somewhat flattered that he had forts. It has been said recently seen fit to really let down and let that it is very strange indeed that me in on what was obvioulsy to him the foremost and most successful an important matter. "ROUTE WE To THE and most vigorous of the investiga- SENIOR. APMlMl STRATI VET tors is almost totally ignored in 'At the close of July, as I once the most importand and official of more drove to Amherst to pick up the these books on flying saucers, and bulk of TANGENT 7/8 (approximately is almost totally unknown in modern- ten was days before his death, Ray day UFO circles. The reason for in the best spirits I_ had ever seen this is inherent in the "stymie fac- him in. Casual, smiling, he told tor", an d it is this factor which me that speech gone very his had demands explanation at this time. well indeed. He had received a It has also been said that, except standing ovation at its close, and for Ray Palmer, there might well an Australian film outfit that had have been UFO mystery today. come to do a documentary on the con- vention as a whole was so taken Thirty- three years is a genera- with Ray Palmer and what he had to tion. It seems fitting that I say, that they decided to do the should now challenge the stymie fac- entire film on him alone! When I tor, considering that at age 66, asked if he had transcribed it yet having come to the end of my gener- he nodded, walking up the creaky ation, I come to grips with and re- wooden stairs to the second floor peat a prediction I made thirty of the old, two-story schoolhouse years ago which has continued to be he had turned into his printing accurate over all those years. To- shop, and returned with the origin- day in relation to that prediction, I want to issue a challenge; if it ace to national security, and 2. even LIFE magazine, which devoted cannot be accepted, I will rest my There is no evidence that spaceships eight full pages in May, 1952 to case. If it can, it is time that are visiting us from other star sys- the same sort of ridicule used by

saucer buffs begin to speak of fac- tems . I could not agree more ! It Dr. Ley, in attacking the Shaver ts, not the fantasy that has over- is also true that there is no evi- Mystery, which was the real source spread the UFO scene from the very dence that there are elephants in of my early advent into the UFO beginning. Some of this fantasy is my back yard, nor do they constitute field three years prior to Kenneth exactly that, and some of it is de- a menace to my security! And that Arnold. It was through Mr. Shaver liberate deceit and misinformation is exactly where the Air Force that I gained knowledge that such and propaganda, most of it for the stance remains today— in the realm things as flying saucers existed, simplest of reasons — one of the of total fantasy! and HOW THEY FLEW, which I want to primary factors in the stymie fac- stress now as being extremely im- It has been said recently, in a tor the fear of ridicule. portant. Mr. Ley, in his hilarious — "fan" magazine published by a prom- launching of a "saucer" into the One person, steeped in tradi- inent UFO researcher, that Willy Ley air of an auditorium was unwitting- tion, status quo and formal educa- "totally demolished" Ray Palmer in ly touching on the very crux of the tion, when faced with a "flying his long-ago debate in Chicago. situation. saucer", resorts to ridicule to This is absolutely true, and it is keep himself free of any stigma of the important encounter with the I want to go next to an event kookiness or irrationality. Anoth- stymie factor that I have mentioned. which preceded the Chicago Debate. er, being in the position of being I want to go to the famous Maury Is- Here is how it came about, and termed an "expert", does not wish land incident at Tacoma, the subject it was an eye-opener to me : if you to expose himself to the charge of of the first and only book I have will remember Kenneth Arnold's ref- not knowing his business or of be- ever written about flying saucers erence to how the saucers flew "like ing inefficient, incompetent and (co-authored with Kenneth Arnold, stones skipped over the water", you undependable, so he also resorts to whose story it really is), THE COM- will understand the question that ridicule. Perhaps this is the first ING OF THE SAUCERS. I won't go in- Willy Ley put to me when he asked: evidence of the stymie factor, be- to the story itself, only a single "How do the saucers fly?" But be- cause it is this fear of being made thing I said to Kenneth Arnold, to fore I could quote Mr. Arnold, he to look ridiculous before his fel- Fred Crisman (that redoubtable CIA proved that he had come to the de- lows that has resulted in many sauc- agent who was so mysterious a. pres- bate fully prepared with powerful er sighters failing to report their' ence in the flying saucer story, in evidence and arguments and irrefut- sightings. the Shaver Mystery, and even sub- able logic he withdrew from his — poenaed in the trial of Clay Shaw coat pocket an ordinary china sauc- My first real encounter with by the New Orleans District Attorn- the er (minus the cup) and tossed it stymie factor was actually the ey Jim Garrison is relation to the second, high into the air. It hit the but it was first in import- assassination of John F. Kennedy), ance, stage floor and shattered into a and best to use to begin my and to Captain E. J. Smith, United hundred pieces. "That's how saucers case in point. It was about 1950, Airlines pilot who also saw flying fly!" he said. But his words were during a science fiction convention saucers and joined Kenneth Arnold in drowned in the roar of laughter Chicago, that I found myself en- in his investigation at Maury Island that came from the audience of sev- gaged in a debate with Willy Ley which culminated in the death of eral thousand people. It was my (who in future years became one of two Air Force intelligence officers, first public encounter with the sty- the world's experts in rocketry and Davidson and Brown. occupied a prominent position in mie factor. Ridicule had "demolish- Mission Control at launches to the ed" me and my argument. Any evi- It is what I said that is im- moon as a scientific commentator dence that I had (and I had some!) portant, and one of the FACTS which and advisor to the broadcasting net- became impossible to present. make my own case so much stronger researcher to date (or in works) . than any Perhaps it was not to my credit, . I the future , I. might add) said The subject of our debate was but in the balance of the debate I two things : 1 . Do not allow David- adopted the tactics of the "enemy", the flying saucers, with myself as son and Brown to fly back to Hamil- and resorted to ridicule also but the proponent, and with Willy Ley — ton Air Force Base with the frag- taking the negative. I came ny ridicule was not obvious to the to ments of the flying saucer (?) they audience, nor even sensed by Mr. Ley the debate armed with a significant loaded onto their B-25 (with Arn- array himself: I deliberately steered my of the sort of evidence that old's personal help); and 2. No fly- arguments into the negative and as- was available, which consisted of ing saucer would ever be captured, many sisted Mr. Ley in becoming the best sightings, among them those no spaceman ever presented, dead or "demolisher" in the business. I was still listed today as "unidentified" alive, no bit of hardware ever pro- raging inwardly, but I was mocking by such dedicated investigators as duced as positive evidence of the the Air Force and the famed Dr. Hy- him outwardly. I looked out at existence of flying saucers. I also those 2000 laughing persons and re- nek, originally hired by the Air warned Kenneth Arnold not to fly alized for the first time the impos- Force to provide some answers (pref- his own plane back to Boise. erably— my opinion— negative ans- sible task it would be to "prove" the flying saucers. One of those You all know what happened. wers) . It was quite a long j ump from Hynek to Dr. Condon, who was "proofs" was a bit of information I Davidson and Brown were killed when the final effort of the powers that had that leads to the next point I one of their plane's motors burst be in the military arm of govern- want to make, and the next signifi- into flame and the plane crashed ment to lay the saucers in their cant fact that I presented early in against a mountainside near Kelso, grave, but the answers were exactly the flying saucer saga, which led, Washington; Arnold himself crashed the same — the stymie factor had in part, to the enormous feud that his own plane after refueling on overwhelmed them both. The official erupted in both science fiction cir- the way home (he says he must have stance of the Air Force remained un- cles and UFO circles, and which came himself turned off the ignition on challenged and as valid as it had into direct conflict with such take-off at a height of fifty feet, from the very beginning: 1. The fly- weighty persons as Dr. Hyneck, and because that's the way he found the ing saucers do not constitute a men- 61 switch after crawling from the I — -

wreckage) ; and lastly it is still statement that "there is no evidence the Air Force DID take the UFOs ser- true that no flying saucer has ever that we are being visited from outer iously! I felt sympathetic with been produced, or the wreckage of space by spacecraft." them, knowing that somewhere there one, or any space being, dead or a- would inevitably be a Willy Ley At this point I would like to live. with his crockery to make a mockery refer you to the stressing by the of them if they so much as hinted There is only one way such Air Force of the word "outer" in that they were only "believers" and statements can be made, and this is reference to the location of the not "scientific, factual research- the presumption that the person mak- presumed visitors from space. It ers". ing the statements has to know the is an important distinction and ex- truth, be in possession of some tremely significant. So much for the "secrecy" and knowledge which makes his statement "deceit" and what-have-you accusa- It is very true that the flying reliable. tions against the Air Force and the saucers do not come from outer "government". They are simply sty- It was the STYMIE FACTOR that space, and the Air Force knows that. mied and haven't got the stamina to caused the deaths of Davidson and Nd way can they be tripped up by admit it! It's pretty frustrating Brown! Because I was completely any "evidence" to the contrary. But not to be able to lay your hands on stymied in conveying a stronger the saucers (those UFOs whose iden- all that visible gardware in the warning to these men (due to the tification has not been acheived by sky, with all the mighty power and absolute certainty that my basis anybody) are SEEN in our atmosphere, implementation of the greatest war for the warning would be ridiculed, and IF THEY EXIST, that is where machine on earth at your disposal would bring forth the same wave of they are and what we have to prove , to make it possible to do so! laughter that Willy Ley evinced from in that case is WHAT they are! his audience) I could only make the This brings me to 1944 and Rich- Kenneth Arnold once theorized unsubstantiated statement, and hope ard Shaver. He was a Pennsylvania they were "living things" that in- that they would accept it, or at war plant welder who claimed to have habit our atmosphere and whose ex- the very least, institute extraord- spent eight years in huge caverns istence we have not suspected. He inary caution. inside the earth, where lived a de- sent me an 8mm film which showed generate race of people left over as Later that night, when a shaken about 40 frames of what seemed to fugitives from a disaster that hap- Kenneth Arnold called me from Taco- be "brown ducks" flying at some dis- pened to the plan et some 12,000 ma telling me that Davidson and tance from his plane, but which he years ago (an eruption of intense Brown had been killed, I made still was sure weren't ducks. radioactivity from the sun made life another prediction that Kenneth re- I sent that film to Wright-Pat on the surface virtually impossible) fused completely to accept: I said terson Field (with a trap in mind-- called "dero" and "tero". Dero was none of the fragments he himself I would sacrifice the film as evi- a shortened term for "degenerated helped load on that B-25 would ever dence) . They kept it six months robot" and similarly, tero was a be found in the wreckage. before returning it with the com- shortened term for an integrated THEY NEVER WERE! And don't be- ment—we don't see any brown ducks. robot. A robot is a slave, in this lieve that the Air Force didn't sift Which is what I had been waiting case slavery to mental degeneracy the very earth for hundreds of yards for: I screened the film and found caused by radioactives lodged in around in an attempt to find them. instantly that the 40 frames had the body, in bones and mind. Teros been cut out as I had anticipated were better off because they had I suppose you' d like to know and the film spliced together again. some facilities for removing some how it came about that the fragments Obviously the Air Force didn't want of the radioactivity from their were never found? Once more I must to face the stymie factor, and be bodies, or preventing initial con- invite your laughter, and invoke forced to explain the brown ducks tamination. Among the highly sci- the stymie factor! It was because or admit they were so incapable of entific mechanisms left to these Colonel Sanders provided the frag- protecting our national security people from a super civilization on ments loaded on the plane which in the skies that they couldn't ev- the surface were what he called were simply fragments of slag he had en identify brown ducks, so they "rollats", or a sort of conveyance picked up from the Tacoma smelter excised the ducks! which traveled from cave to cave dump. (The real ones, originally along tunnels hollowed out of the sent to me ny Harold Dahl and then Can we fault them for that? I solid earth. They were a sort of in possession of Arnold and Smith myself have been facing the stymie anti- gravitational car shaped like at Tacoma were carefully directed factor for thirty years. But it (saucer-shaped) which sped elsewhere because they MIGHT be the a disc told me what I wanted to know through the tunnels at great speed. real thing.) They were separated from the wreckage all right, and that successfully made liars out of TiMO -Holsts ,,56 I WORKSJ) TRYiMq- Arnold, Smith and myself, leading HEAM^N THAT OVERWWe TRIM “T-HRI/STeR also to Colonel Ruppelt's accusation T» in his Air Force-backed and financed book that the deaths of Davidson and Brown were the tragic, useless re- sult of my despicable hoax in at 1 tempting to fabricate a sensational story for my magazine. He didn't

men tion my name , but I was the only "Chicago publisher" who could have been fabricating such a story. A second edition of his book saw the accusation carefully edited out — might successfully have sued for de- famation of character! Once more the Air Force had made valid its . — floating a foot or so off the floor printed hospital stationery used by pathways, criss-crossing the planet of the tunnel. They were prevented inmates to write letters, among in straight, intersecting lines. from crashing into the walls or Shavers files which he opened to me. I thought then of Shaver's tun- ceiling by guidance devices such as I never said anything to him about nels, Michel's pathways, and OAHSPE we use today in our Cruise missiles it, because I had made a sensation- roadways. The trouble was that Shav- so disturbing to the Russians be- al discovery, and didn't want him er's were underground until I cause they fly almost at ground to clam up on me. He was providing — learned differently! It came about level and follow the surface contour me with great masses of scientific when he told me that in the caves by means of sensing devices. These material which were not in any cur- it was possible to see through solid rollats could approach a right angle rent textbook, and which I was com- rock for a distance of many miles turn in a tunnel at full speed, and paring with another source I had with a simple flashlight ! When ask- make art. instantaneous turn to avoid come across. ed to explain how this was possible, a crash. Because inertia was nulli- When I was sure of myself, I he merely became angry, and stated fied inside the rollat, the occu- confronted Shaver with it. I show- that he had seen it done, and that pants were not crushed thereby a- ed him the book OAHSPE, which is an was that! Shaver had never been gainst the sides of their vehicle. immense work written by automatic able to produce a dero or a tero, In their passage through the tunnels writing by a New York dentist named nor guide anyone into his caves, so they seemed to skip along, weaving John Ballou Newbrough, which was I knew it wasn't inside the earth. and bobbing to avoid irregularities stated to be a history of the Earth A flashlight could penetrate the at- in the tunnel walls. and of its heavens for the past mosphere for miles! These same craft could venture 79,000 years. By "heavens", it was I learned then that Shaver's out on the the referring to our atmosphere. What surface of planet, condition at Ypsilanti had been cat- and fly fascinated me was two important along the ground just as our atonic. According to psychiatrists, Cruise similarities: the stories Shaver missiles do. They could not he had removed himself from reality, fly had been "copying" from the "thought very high, nor into space. living in a shadowy imaginary world This records" of the caverns (broadcast sort of travel was reserved to in his own mind. He even had to be actual space ships, as to him via telaug telepathic aug- such the — fed. All his adventures in the ships mentation friendly tero in the which carried the select ones —by caves were in his own mind. So caves) were almost exact duplicates of the threatened civilization to they said. safety into space, while the aband- in an historical sense as the his- oned ones (called abandondero) were tories outlined in OAHSPE (OAHSPE To a spirit, the atmosphere would to a left behind to become radioactive means Earth, Sky and Spirit) ; and seem be solid— solid degenerates trapped in their under- the science items related to me by rock! Thus a flashlight would be ground burrows. Shaver, as existing in the caves, an instrument capable of shining agreed remarkably with the science for miles through "solid rock". When Kenneth Arnold saw his in OAHSPE. I knew these to be val- Shaver's rollats, Arnold's flying "weaving, dipping" formation of id in many respects because the book saucers, OAHSPE 's arrowships, all discs, flying in single- file forma- had been written in 1881, yet it was had the same environment, they trav- tion, Shaver called me excitedly astoundingly correct in outlining eled through tunnels from one in- and said there was my proof that he discoveries made much later by mod- habited area to the other. They told the truth. Here was a convoy em physicists and astronomers. For all flew with the same skipping, of "rollats" traversing the Cascad- example, it described interstellar swerving, bobbing motion. es, following the contour of Mt. features unknown in 1881, but an- Rainier, weaving in and out among I ascertained early that Shaver nounced as a new discovery as late the peaks. was totally unaware the book OAHSPE as 1925. had existed, so was not a source for To say that I was doubtful is I am going to ignore all of his stories. At first he refused, to say the very least. Yet, I had OAHSPE except the point I wish to because he didn't believe in spirits three years of Shaver's remarkable stress now, the strange motion of or life after death, but at last he accounts behind me, including more the flying saucers. In OAHSPE, the consented to read the book. He than 50,000 letters from readers of atmosphere is inhabited, at differ- agreed it was an accurate account AMAZING STORIES, claiming Shaver ent levels called "plateaus". Pur- of Earth's history, and he agreed was telling the truth, and that, portedly the inhabitants are the with its science but he said it indeed, many of these people also — spirits of the dead. The evil ones had been written by Newbrough just been "in the caves". My skepticism occupying the lower palteaus, the as his stories had been written was based on the fact that neither good ones the higher (just as Shav- by recording the histories transmit- Shaver nor any of these 50,000 could ers dero are in the deeper cavers, ted to his mind by telaug. There give me an entrance into the caves, and the tero in the upper caverns) we were again—neither man author- although Shaver (and some few oth- In order to connect the various ed his own works, both claimed that ers) could lead me to a hillside, plateaus with each other, "roadways" forces exterior to his own mind had and point to the "entrance" which are contructed. It is along these simply dictated them. was something like Sinbad's "opem roadways that traverse is made, Sesame", which opened only on com- What were those forces? specifically in "arrow ships", and mand from dero or tero instrumenta- a dozen different kinds of air and Now we come to a man named Grote tion, but they could not actually spacecraft. Many of them conformed Reber. Grote Reber was an electron- take me inside. to the observed shapes of UFO to an ics expert who lived in Wheaton, Il- I had long since ascertained astounding degree. linois. Early in the '40s, he re- that Shaver had NOT spent eight ported, via an article in the Chica- Remarkably, the Frenchman Aimie years in the caves, but instead go TRIBUNE, that he had been receiv- Michel came up with a theory of his eight years in the Ypsilanti State ing intelligent signals from space, own, and wrote a book about it call- Hospital in Michigan as a paranoid using a 30- foot homemade sheet metal ed THE STRAIGHT LINE MYSTERY in schizophrenic. I had it first hand radar dish erected in his back yard. which he showed that when sightings from the nurse who attended him, and For periods as long as eight hours are plotted, they reveal distinct was furnished hospital documents to each night he had been recording the substantiate it. Later, I found 63 mysterious signals, in some sort of ,

failed to note exactly what I had him make use of the term "paraphys- ^ I /Wi ftoX tfo w noted, the limited range of Reber's ical" and even "psychic". I have receiver, hired him to carry on his P>M> wwt seen repeatedly in saucer magazines work and built a TEN MILLION DOLLAR the admission that Ray Palmer had receiver for him in Hawaii. something, way back then, and was first to advance the theory that is He is still there, listening in becoming widely debated now. on "signals from space". His new instrument has a much greater range, And yet, the stymie factor has and can also cover the entire hemi- become even worse today! It is be- sphere. It is also used in tracking cause I DON'T AGREE with any of the satellites, as part of its work. It premises of those who are swinging still listens to "signals", (the over to the paranormal, psychic,

hissing of remote radio galaxies?) spi ritual is tic , other- dimens ional but we are nover told what they say! sort of theory! Even if we were, would we believe I am, and always have been, a that the "empty air" speaks to us? strict materialist. Let me tell you Grote Reber is an early victim why. If anything exists, it is of the stymie factor. He is still REAL. And those investigators who a victim. But he has the consola- are now talking about the paranorm- tion of knowing what the signals al are placing it in a limbo of the are, and perhaps (I say perhaps, but unreal, the phantasmic, the non-ma- I really mean more) understands terial. In their thinking there is them. And if they are the same sig- no place for a single atom of mat- nals that Shaver received via "tel- ter— not even an atom of hydrogen. aug", (and Newbrough via automatic Early in the '50s (perhaps late writing) then indeed they are impor- ’40s) several Japanese scientists, tant, certainly worthy of the high- physicists, came forward with a new est "top secret classification" theory of matter. They said that that our government can give them. they were convinced there was such Actually I have no interest in a thing as subatomic matter. They knowing what is in that top secret said it was thousands of times less class, because it isn't a secret at dense than ordinary atomic matter. all! Anybody who has a fractured It was, they said, extremely finely dot- dash code, some of which was skull, a strong electric shock, an divided— and instantly my mind actually reproduced in the newspap- injury to the spine, damage to the leaped to the "science" that Shaver er. From outer space, he said. nerve system, or injury to the brain had been explaining to me so volum- r cortex, is susceptible to "hear- inously and explicitly. I went to visit him, but was re- ing voices". Even a tooth filling fused admittance because he had al- This Japanese theory of subatom- can bring in radio signals (and I'm ready been swamped with callers who ic matter was identical to Shaver's sure, other kinds of signals tel- swarmed all over his property and — "exd" theory. He called it Ex-Dis- aug, for example?). Remember, I re- pestered him to death. Instead I integrance. Radioactivity, he said, ceived more than 50,000 letters say- went to the back yard and inspected was the process of matter breaking ing that the voices were real. I his "dish". It stood on concrete down into its primal atoms, but have interviewed, and even had week- pillars 15 feet high, rotated north "exd" was these primal atoms culmin- ly reports from, individuals who and south on very simple pins mount- ating in their most finely divided suffer from these "hallucinations", ed in bearings. It could only be state, the basic matter of the en- telling me WHAT the voices say. And rotated in a north-south direction. tire universe, from which every- what do they say? They say exactly Because the Earth rotates in an thing is made. Gravity, he said, what Shaver says the dero who "talk east-west direction, I knew instant- was not a pull, an attraction of over their ray" to surface people ly that Reber could not have picked mass, but a push, a flowing inward say, and what OAHSPE says the "dru- up messages from any great distance, toward matter of exd, which caused ja" (sic!), spirits of the dead, much less OUTER SPACE, or even the a friction on matter, and forced it say to the living, mostly in dreams, moon! He could not have focused on toward the center. Exd swept in to- but often in the awake state. And a distant source for more than a ward matter in an orbital spiral. lastly, what the contactees of UFO second or two! If he was getting say the occupants say to them! intelligent messages, they HAD to It entered the Earth primarily at come from a distance of less than Thirty years ago I said that the equator, varying in a lessening 100 miles, or at the greatest the paraphysical was a proper term degree toward the poles, where it stretching of logic, from several to use in describing flying saucers. exited again. It is the friction thousand, at a fixed location rela- I said that no metal machine would of exd passing through our bodies tive to Earth's rotation. There was ever be captured, no flesh and blood which holds us on the surface of nothing in that vicinity which could space visitor would ever land on the the Earth. It is also the friction originate a signal! Nothing but White House lawn, and no shred of of exd which determines the temper- empty air! No wonder Reber said it physical evidence would be unearthed atures of our bodies. Science says was from space! What else could he to prove that the flying saucers our tenperature is slowing down, say? The stymie factor was in full actually existed. When Professor over millions of years, and that operation. You can't point to empty Hynek began his work, he was one of someday life may cease because the air and say you are getting intelli- those who could not be approached narrow band of body tenperature gent signals from it! by me, because of the stymie factor. range in which it is possible for But I dibed my time, and it is with mammals to live will be too low and But strangely enough, the scien- great satisfaction that I have seen we will disappear as a species. It tists of the United States govern- is strange that in 1881, OAHSPE said ment who could not possibly have the same thing! .

When I told Shaver of the fact iented environment? It would be al things. There is a great belief that the Russians had claimed there non-existent. It would be invisi- in the psychic. The powers of the was no gravity directly above the ble. It would be indetectible. It human mind are being explored, in poles, he nodded casually. Of would be spirit as opposed to such things as ESP, mental telepath- course, he said, that is why the physical. It would be paraphysical. y, precognizance, and on and on. space ships of the outer space peo- It would be psychic. Even astronauts take seriously the ple, the Titans, use the polar open- prospect of developing an ability Some time ago, Crookes, an Eng- ings in the Earth's vortex to come to communicate telepathically from lish scientist, who faced a stymie down to the surface. space astronay Mitchell is an ex- factor all of his own by advocating — ample. To get back to the Japanese, the existence of spirit and of life they described their subatomic mat- after death, placed a dying man, bed Flying saucers have been tracked ter in this way: Take a sphere of and all, on a scale. At the moment on radar. What is it that is being iron one inch in diameter. It may of death, the scale jumped up three tracked? Not a NOTHING! Not an weigh a pound. You can hold it in ounces. From this he concluded that empty void. No, they are tracking your hand. It is composed of a the dead man's spirit, which had now a substance which is capable of re- specific number of iron atoms. left the body, weighed three ounces. flecting an electronic echo. Per- These atoms are composed of elec- Assuming that this "spirit" remain- haps the same as the Japanese "sub- trons and protons arranged in a ed the same "size" as the physical atomic" matter? specific pattern (scientists have body it had left, we would have to That is why I say I am a strict built models using ping-pong balls place it in the classification of materialist. There is no need to the construction of subatomic matter. But we would to illustrate imagine anything else — the condi- an atom) . But the actual particles still have to call it matter! tions I have described are suffici- are extremely tiny, and separated Shaver, in his stories of the ent to account for everything. Why from each other by a relatively en- Titans, describes their giant sta- make a problem more complex by in- ormous volume of empty space. If ture. He describes them as being troducing an entirely unnecessary you were to shoot a neutron through 30 feet tall, and claims that being factor? Hie solution of a problem an atom, you might, in a million immortal, and constantly growing, tends toward simplicity. If it gets years, actually hit an electron and their size potential is limitless. more complex, you can be sure you knock it out of the atom, thus The further out in space you find are on the wrong track. Ideally transforming it into another type of Titans, the bigger they are! speaking, the truth is a single un- matter, or even cause atomic disrup- it. The flying saucers cannot be a tion atom (an atomic explos- QAHSPE describes the human spir- of the multitude of things — they have to ion). it would be like rolling it, upon death, floating upward un- But be a singular thing, although they ball haphazardly across til it reaches a plateau where the a ping-pong may possess many facets. We have a football field on which a half densities equalize, and there the been looking at the facets, and scattered, finds himself solid dozen marbles had been spirit on a have both failed and refused to see and expecting to hit one of them. world, with continents and seas, the thing in its entirety. It might take a million rolls to with breathable air, and with an en- score a hit tirely familiar environment. There It is at this point that the he goes to school, continues to stymie factor usually exercises its Said the Japanese, imagine the learn, continues to do, works, in- greatest influence — it is at this iron atom remaining unchanged, in vents composes paints builds point that the audience to a debate, its prescribed relationship of el- , , , And with him, his civilization for example, or a speech, or even ectrons and protons, but multiply grows becomes more advanced in ev- an article such as this, finds it- the empty space 1800 times. That , ery way, electronically, physically, self facing such a challenge to the is, remove each particle of the atom chemically, mechanically. sense of rightness of things that other 1800 times further from each rejection takes place: the nuts and particle, and you would have sub- He is able, if he wishes, to bolts UFO proponent is bolted down atomic matter. To your comprehen- communicate with the living. Usual- to his (absolutely lacking in evi- sion, the sphere of iron would dis- ly, however, the living are too dence for 30 years!) position; the appear. It would become even less "dense" to hear or see him. A sort cultist won't give up his space peo- discemable than thin air. You of stymie factor all over again! ple who will arrive to save him from would wave your hand through it, Yet, there is in the world today, a atomic holocaust when the Russians and not even feel the sort of resis- tremendous movement toward paranorm- attack us; the religionist won't tance that air offers to the passage of your hand. Yet, if the same a- mount of space was added to each at- om in your own body, you would find Fi^-NEWTON yourself expanding to giant size, TUB absorbs A and as you did so, the iron sphere MOROAJ ANP EM iT-5 would once more appear, shrinking A BOSON, a TKOTON down to solidity and weight and vis- -TTMESONS, /(.MESONS, ibility until it again rested in -RADIATION AUl your palm. Thereupon you could A SOSONf throw this at a companion, who had expanded with you, and if thrown hard enough, you could kill him with

®iSL.isSg3 Relatively speaking, nothing IfiMiia would have changed. Matter would still be matter. But what would this greatly expanded matter be to those whom you left in their more condensed, or less empty space or- — . . . concede that there might actually ne some reality to his "heaven" and that rather than floating on a cloud to travel about after death, he would use an improved model, more exotic "taxicab" or even a "flying saucer"; the scientifically minded won't consider the "unproven" or the "documented", won't enter the area of philosophy, will shun with horror any hint of occultism; the military man ivbn't aim his hardware at a phantom, nor admit that his atom bomb might not even annoy a UFO pi- lot. We could go on and on with the factions who react negatively to any concept that challenges their pre- conceived notions. Yet it is not at all true that I am advocating ANY of the concepts I have already advanc- ed. I am not asking anyone to ac- giving up my identity and becoming sorts. All of them with a view to- cept "spirits" or "life after death" "at one" with some hideous nothing- ward providing material with which or invisible "islands in the sky". ness called Nirvana, where all to stimulate thought that might re- I don't attempt to postulate other progress ends because it IS the end. sult in some concrete conclusions, worlds existing in mysterious other Or you are telling me that eclectic or lead to some productive research dimensions, fourth or fifth or nine- materialism is the only reality, and that might solve even the mystery of ty-second. I don't point to such that each of us ceases to be at the the UFO. things as "vibrational levels" or moment of death, and that life is I have even delved into ancient "concentric spheres" of reality. one vast futility, or the final ult- imate of the stymie factor. history, mythology, legend and lit- I don't ask you to believe any - erature for clues

thing ! I do ask you to challenge I exist, you exist, the flying And I have been totally stymied! everything . saucers exist. But WHAT are all these things? That is all we should Now for the final touch! I'm Consider] What is it that you consider our own reality, and our going to paint myself with my own are asking me to accept? You are — relationship to everything else that brush! I am one of the who saying that there are space ships 50,000 is real. Therefore, we must consid- "has been there". Not really, not visiting the Earth in enormous num- er what there is about up to consid- in Shaver's caves because my own in- bers from super civilizations many er— and refuse to limit it to a terpretation of my experiences does light years away (a minimum of 4 and physicality of matter that is limit- not depend on Shaver's method, de- as many as thousands). You are ask- ed to what we can touch, see, smell, duction. He heard voices, ing me to believe that these machin- could hear and taste. not see anyone standing beside him es have been visiting here for thou- to do the talking, on the surface of sands of years, and yet have never Let's use this super-civiliza- the Earth; he looked dropped even one loose nut where we tion we are developing, our elec- up and saw no- thing but empty air; so he deduced can pick it up and use it as proof. tronic instruments our genius at , that the only place left was down. You are asking me to stretch credu- research, our science, our past ex- Beneath his feet. Finally he had lity to the incredible point of ac- perience, and research the UFO prob- an experience, was led into dark cepting that in the immense numbers lem from ,a realistic, materialistic caverns, met real live tero, flesh of possible star and planet systems stance, and find out what it is that and blood like himself (when he in the total galaxy, literally thou- we are talking about. We have e- pinched himself it hurt) and did sands of separate civilizations con- nough investigators who have amassed , not question the evidence of his centrate their attention on the most thousands of clippings, thousands of senses although he KNEW that the insignificant and remote and even reports of sightings, thousands of eight years of his cavern experience impossible to find speck of dust in fuzzy photos of blobs of light and coincided with the eight years the entire cosmos. You are asking formless shapes in the sky; all of of his of his incarceration at Ypsilan- me to locate the. UFO anywhere, but which accumulated junk is totally ti. Even the hospital psychiatrists where they are actually seen—pure- worthless. What has all this prov- state that he was "out of his ly locally, in our own atmosphere, ed except what was positively deter- mind" (that his body was at the limited heights attained by mined in the very first few months there, but the personality was our own aircraft. of the flying saucer phenomenon not— it was some- where in a different world which that there was something being seen Or you are asking me to accept they could only call imaginary, — that we could not identify- --but was be- that the evidence of my own experi- cause of their own there whether we could explain it personal stymie ence is nothing, that I am suffer- factor) or not? Why should we have more of ing from delusions, hallucinations, the same? Over the past 30 years I Occultists and am incapable of deciding that would say he was "out have published a tremendous mass of of his body", that he was my own brain is functioning ration- an "astral material in such magazines as FLYING traveler". ally. Renowned psychologists such It makes no difference SAUCERS, or SEARCH, or MYSTIC, or what we call it as Carl Jung write books talking a- — his was an exper- AMAZING STORIES (a fiction magazine) ience as real bout group fantasies becoming common and convincing as any I have also made available countless saucer sighter, that to all of us through a sort of uni- or more myster- books, such as OAHSPE, THE SMOKY ious personage, the versal mind, suggesting that there "contactee" who GOD, A JOURNEY TO THE EARTH'S INTER- claimed to have been taken aboard a is no such thing as individuality. IOR, paranormal books, strange the- space ship, gone to Venus Mars Thus do some of the religionists ask or or ories, mysterious experiences of all Saturn or whatever. (Witness Betty me to believe that my final goal is 66 and Barney Hill, Adamski, and numer- . ,

ous others.) set them apart from the ancient civ- "most important expedition in the ilizations, such as the Yes, I've has similar experienc- Egypt, Maya, history of mankind!" I well rememb- China, the Middle Ages, because they es. But I have not been subjected er the newsreel I saw in a theater were seen and recorded then also. to happenstance — I have learned to after his flight to the north pole, We must consider the mysteries make these things happen to me de- of which showed a terrain with lakes, lost races, the ruins of Stonehenge, trees hills liberately. Do you want to call , and valleys , but most Baalbeck, them self- induced delusions? Fine! Tiahuanaco, the Carolines, astounding of all, a huge mammoth, the Great Pyramid of That is what they are! That is the Gizeh and many lumbering along below the plane. I only available "textbook" definition others have the confirmation from many of of them. And that's where the sty- We must consider that the flying my readers, the older ones, who re- mie factor operates — the unwilling- saucers are native to this planet. member seeing that same newsreel. ness to reduce the textbook factor If we demand that they be alien, It is not in existence any more, and to its proper status, 501 of defini- there is no longer any mystery— on- the files of the newsreel (either tion, leaving us with 50% of non- ly the question of who they are and Pathe or vitaphone) contain no such definition. The other side of the their intentions toward us. film today. coin. The second side to any ques- But this sort Before I go into my personal ex- enough of of tion. The alternate. The other periences, thing— I want merely to point out possibility. let me mention a few sig- nificant statements attributed to that famous people have entertained the belief that our planet holds During my life I have experienc- important world personages : How ed hundreds of things like this, and .many of you remember the time Win- mysteries that we can only describe I have published many of them. I ston Churchill met in London with as paranormal, paraphysical, and ev- will mention one or two now, at the Senator Wiley of Wisconsin, around en occult. We have Churchill and risk of being repetitive, so that the early '50s? Wiley came to tell Admiral Byrd both claiming "lands you will understand what it is that Churchill of an amazing discovery, in the sky". We have a famed mili- I am trying to convey, and that it that there was evidence of something tary man stating that there will be has an equal basis in favor of its intelligent in our atmosphere, per- an invasion from somewhere other acceptability and its area of con- haps even of invisible "lands in the than the .surface of our planet. We sideration. sky", Perhaps all of this is fic- have a senator talking of intelli- tion from the typewriter gence somewhere in our atmosphere. In the past, many people have of some facetious newsman, but one thing is And of course we have all the relig- asked me what these things I am a^ not and that is something Chur- ions pointing upward as the location bout to mention have to do with fly- — chill said to Wiley regarding death. of heaven, or himmel, or paradise, ing saucers. If we accept that fly- or happy hunting He said, I grounds, but not ing saucers are what the general and quote: "When I die, I would like to go further from being specific as to how far up. ^ concept of thim is, namely the idea Earth than 600 miles." And ranging through all this, we that they are space visitors from have the UFO, zipping here and other worlds, then of course none of Think about that one for a there, apparently by the thousands. this applies. But again, if we con- while. What it says is that Chur- cede that, then the UFO problem be- chill considered it possible that As a sort of aside thought, con- comes simply a matter of observation he would live after death, that he sidering those who say the UFO are and record, until they eventually would go "away from the Earth" and from outer space, other worlds, we- prove themselves by actually landing that the distance was measurable. recall the saucer sightings of such and confronting us, or one of them He could go 600 miles, which he did men as Scully, whose saucer occu- crashes and we can mount the saucer not prefer, or he could go further. pants spoke Spanish, and the contac- tee whose UFO pilot spoke German. next to Lindy's Spirit of St. Louis . Further seemed to be better than In which case why are we beating our nearer. He actually placed the geo- Scully's saucerers wore the clothing brains out over UFOs — is there any- graphic area of the place we live common in the Spain of 400 years thing to investigate, anything we after death as in our atmosphere! ago. There are many stories from can do but keep an eye cocked aloft contactees and just sighters, who and be patient? Another great man. General Mac- mention these "earthly" things, Arthur, made a speech in which he hardly applicable to visitors from But if what I have outlined thus said: “We had better think serious- outer space. As the computer would far is a viable concept, then the ly about uniting our armies and report: "It does not compute." flying saucer phenomenon is a multi- preparing to defend ourselves from faceted thing, and is in fact the invaders from space. The next war But in the language of OAHSPE, total reality of our planet and its will be fought in space. 1-' the BIBLE, and ancient legend and inhabitants in all its complexity of nythology, it DOES compute! Yes, These were not his exact words existence. You cannot divorce fly- the saucers belong here, and they I want to point out, but that he ing saucers from politics, or Water- belong to all ages. But for some feared alien invaders seemed to be gate, or wars, or the Kennedy assas- reason, in our present tine period true, and that he also was in pos- sination, or religion, or even the they are assuming gigantic propor- session of some sort Of evidence to price of beans and spaghetti and tions and importance, far more vital cause him to make this prediction hamburgers. We cannot differentiate than in any past era in recorded seems also to be true. between UFOs and occult phenomena, history. or precognition, or telekinesis, or Admiral Byrd, who made myster- When we come to my own personal astral travel, or mental telepathy, ious flights to both north and south experiences, they are of two variet- or the power to bed spoons with the poles, is said to have exclaimed ies those experienced alone, and mind, or the killer who runs amok that he wanted to see again "this — those in whoch other people played for no reason at all or because God mysterious enchanted land in the a part. Now that I have established told him to do it! We cannot di- sky (beyond the pole)." He is also that I regard the so-called para- vorce them from such things as the • recorded as stating in a speech be- physical realms (which are variously Bermuda Triangle, holes at the pol- fore departing for Antarctica on termed "astral", "spirit world", es, strange lights on the moon, one expedition, that this was the or taffy candy. We cannot "higher frequency realms", "differ- 67 ent vibratory levels", "psychic . .

world", "planes of existence", etc.) flying saucer contactee (the first) I asked Howard to open his en- as being just as physical as the I don't fault him for that. There velope. He read off the names; I condition in which we all exist at isn' t too much difference between was 1001 accurate in my list. All present, it should be easy for you him and Richard Shaver, and hundreds Howard did was to stare at the sheet, to think of them all as "matter", of other paranormal persons. mutter: "Some kind of trick!" and as material as the bones in your after carefully tearing it into lit- I have been a "dreamer" all my head. And it should be easy also tle bits, throw the paper into the life. Sometimes it has been diffi- to think of them as existing in wastebasket. cult, in consulting time, in geographic location, and my memory, to sort out awake experiences from But I was there! No matter if . interpenetrating each other (just things that happened while you call it astral travel, clairaud- as steam— the invisible superheat- asleep. Several times I have been embarrass- ience, precognition, mental tele- ed part— interpenetrates the atmos- ed in recounting an experience, only pathy it makes no difference. It phere; or radio waves or radar or — Adam- x-rays) to have the realization come to me made me a believer in George that it hadn't actually happened, ski. He had really been to a place Perhaps the first example that but was "only a dream". However, I he called "Venus" and talked to is most pertinent to the flying learned to control my awareness in space people. Not the real Venus saucer mystery is the classic (to my dreams, and began to look for as we know today because space prob- me!) case of George Adamski. In means of confirmation of the facts es have been there and proved it not 1943 he sent me a book manuscript in a dream even while I was still at all as Adamski describes, but a which was a story of Jesus Christ asleep. Such things as asking oth- "material" place somewhere above the coming to Earth in a space ship with ers involved in the dream to suggest surface of the Earth, perhaps no a message of peace and hope for man- some proof that I could look for af- more than a hundred (or Churchill's kind. I rejected it because it was ter awakening to prove that the 600) miles up. not a science fiction story suited dream was no figment of my subcon- Another dream I had puzzled me. to AMAZING STORIES, of which I was scious imagination. I found myself on a typical disc- then the editor. In 1952 Asamski During the I shaped flying saucer, but it was published that same book, almost second World War, a number different in one important aspect word for word, with the exception of had of significant "dreams" from the popularly described flying some added material that described I came to realize that what was really happening was saucer. Later, when visited by two how he and Williamson and several what the psy- chics chose to call astral travel. FBI agents in my office, they_ noted companions met and conversed with a I would go places, witness events, a plastic model on my desk, fashion- Venusian in the desert (in 1952) and and come back with a provable recol- ed by Kenneth Arnold. All at once the changing of Jesus Christ to a lection of them. The most interest- one of them leaned over, picked it Venusian, and the space ship to a was up, turned it over and set it down UFO (specifically a mother ship and ing the battle of Savo Island, in the south Pacific. The morning again. "You've got it upsidedown," its "scouts”) . George Adamski was he said. actually a psychic. He possessed after that battle, the Navy Depart- ment announced that we had lost five the ability to leave his body and He was right! And once more a destroyers in a night encounter with travel astrally, and learned some- dream had proven itself. the Japanese Royal Navy. I could thing vital to him. I say this be- confirm that, because I had dreamed Another dream concerned my bro- cause I am convinced of it, not be- it all I seemed to be in a command ther, killed in Luxembourg during cause he or anyone else ever told — center, somewhere in the war theat- the war. It had bothered me, be- me. He then got his message across, er, and heard the reports cause I had to have the answer to first attempting it in the guise of all as they came in. Names of ships, numb- several questions. One was, what a- fiction, then as actual fact as a er of men lost, details of the sink- bout the money he had asked me to ings. But that morning, arriving at check on, which he'd given to his work, I found Howard Browne shaking father, to give to his intended his head in alarm over the account wife? FACg of the battle in the news- I morning T, F£E>, IT Another was how he had died. I Sn'T- HJORXIW^. 0VT paper. He felt it tragic and dang- f The War Department had given no in- erous that we had lost five destroy- YOUR MFCj-flLOMADlA formation. JUST tpOESNJ T inter- ers. I asked him to get out a sheet of paper, then I dictated the names face umth Mr Acute This was probably my first de- of additional ships sunk, number of PARAnoiA AUWoKe. / liberate attempt at "astral travel". men lost on each. I mentioned the Mean... it was fvn when I asked (who? Shaver's "tero"?) to MEMPHIS, the MILWAUKEE, the HORNET THEY WERE AGAINST be taken to whatever place my broth- ys, and others. Then I asked him to BUT NOW , Fl'ERYgbPY” er was now, granting that there was r seal the sheet in an envelope and ASrAf WST You life after death, so that I could file it away for future reference. find out from him what I wanted to Eight months later Secretary of know. Briefly, some hours after the Navy Knox released the true going to sleep, I was awakened by a losses in that battle, and explain- "person" who said: "We are ready." ed that it had been kept secret be- Instantly I found myself standing cause the Japanese fleet, had its in the morning sunlight (about 9 AM) admirals known our actual losses, on a dusty road, before a small would have known that there was "schoolhouse", made of simple poles, nothing to prevent them from steam- open on three sides, with rough ing on to Guadalcanal and sinking wooden benches. Lined up in front our troop transports waiting there, of this primitive building were a- poised for the invasion of the Phil- bout 18 persons, male and female, of lip ines. Had this happened, we varying ages. One of them ran from might well have lost the war. the line toward me. It was my bro- 68 ther, dressed in khaki shirt and pants, and shoeless. He was de- electronic hardware that our space pirate it, print a new edition and lighted to see me, and wanted to age has generated, and begin to go sell it anywhere in America , without play "tag". I was bewildered, but after concrete MATERIAL facts in all owing Richard Geis a penny of royal- I did so for several minutes. Then the ranges of matter we already know ties. An absurd situation, but one I got his attention and asked about exist beyond the SEEN, and in the which a court recently upheld in a the money. He shrugged his should- far more potent and real realms of case where a movie had been pirated ers, said it didn't matter—he said the UNSEEN. after some obscure judge in the Mid- "Dad spent it." I asked him how he West had found it obscene.' The Wizard of Menlo Park is re- had died. He told me his left leg puted to have spent some time work- had been blown off at the hip while ing on a "telephone" to contact the ((I suppose there may be' a clip- he was repairing a communications dead. Whatever mystic bent suggest- ping service subscribed to by cer- line under a barrage. Then we re- ed it, at least I think he was on tain unethical publishers which sumed playing tag until it seemed it the right track in turning to elec- would keep said publishers aware of was time to go. He again took his tronics and gedgetry to achieve his which new titles are now available. place in line before the school and end. ( (It also strikes me that it is I found myself back in bed, wide not beyond the realm of possibility awake, my thoughts awhirl. (Check- There is no doubt that the UFO for a publisher to instigate a local ing the time later I found that for phenomenon is real. So let's define prosecution of a valuable book, with Luxenbourg, 9 AM was correct!) reality as material and begin search- legal pirating in mind. A quid-pro- More than a year later, after ing with something other than our quo might be arranged easily with a the war was over, the Catholic eyes and ears and nose. Next time small-town D.A. who had ambitions priest who had been with my brother you photograph a UFO, turn it over for higher office and would be amen- when he died, visited my father, to a computer for enhancement, and able to the publicity such a prosecu- who then came to see me. As he gave maybe we'll finally get a picture as tion would bring, plus the arranged me the Silver Star and the Purple conclusive and convincing as the re- subsequent monies that would be don- Heart that had been awarded posthum- markable photos of Mars sent back by ated to his campaign. Not that I ously, he began to tell how Dave had our Viking Landers and turned over think MOUTH GIRL is a candidate for died. But I interrupted and told to a computer that is neither schiz- such a deal, hut a textbook, perhaps him the complete details of the ev- ophrenic nor imaginative nor a prac- which deals with sex... or a sexual ent. Bewildered, my father asked tical joker. If there is a subatom- reference work...)) -- if the priest had visited me also. ic universe, and it is adventuring into our universe, it might be a I said no, and to prove to him that 'Personal news... I'm still work- good idea to go at it with every- I was telling the truth, I added: ing on a book about marriagd with thing we've got. "Dave told me you spent the $2000, my wife (we're hoping it will make but he says it is all right." Thus far, we've let the stymie us rich enough to buy furniture as I have been in that "enchanted factor lick us! well as pay the rent!) and am still land in the sky" many times, I have ************************************ the science fiction editor at Condor seen and ridden in the flying sauc- Books, for what that's worth. (It's ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED FROM P. 41 ers, I have talked first-hand with not worth much in money, but I love hundreds of departed friends and the job.) Condor publishes four relatives, I have been given dozens books a month, distributed national- # of proofs, and I have wound up fac- LETTER FROM CHARLES PLATT ly. It's growing. An ambitious en- ing the most tremendous "stymie fac- February, 1978 terprise, starting a mass-market tor", the ridicule that has stymied paperback company from scratch, with- many a UFO researcher. I understand 'On quite another topic, which out much capital. There are only 4 fully why some researchers invent may interest you personally--did you full-time employees. But it seems such "excuses" for clamming up and know that material that is judged to be working. I've found it hard dropping out of research as "the men obscene is unprotected by copyright to acquire good books for $1250 a in black", the FBI, the CIA, or law? I was talking to a publisher's shot, and embarrassing as a writer whatever evidence of paranoia you lawyer recently, who told me that to offer such meager money to other can suggest. on the principle that the law will writers; but it's working out, and never protect an illegal act or in- in a few more months there should I will continue to be stymied stitution or situation, copyright be enough "cash flow" to allow larg- until today's researchers abandon law will not protect a work that er advances. their silly collecting of newspaper has been banned from sale--even if the - clippings, interviewing saucer sight ' I offered to buy a whole-page ban is local, applied under the re- ers, scoffing at contactees, staring advertisement (for Condor) in the cent local-community-standards ob- out into space billions of miles and Lunacon program booklet. But it scenity rules. So this means that hundreds of light years, and in- seems the Lunacon people still re- if, say, MOUTH GIRL is judged obsc- stead begin to use the sophisticated member the alleged role I had in the ene in Texas, anyone can immediately pieing of a couple of years ago. They didn't even answer my letter. Guess they don't want our money. Guess they don't want me to go to their convention either. Sniff.'

# LETTER FROM DAINIS BISENIEKS February, 1978

'In the Soviet Union they still 69 claim the privilege of publishing ' ' ' ' . . ' ) ) anything originally issued before # LETTER FROM BUZZ DIXON 'Kindly inform Karl Edd that a the USSR signed the copyright agree- great many medical discoveries did Mid- February, 1978 ment without so much as a by-your- have their roots in folk medicine. leave. They will usually add a pre- 'Geez, you change format and di- However, when (or if) my daughter face explaining that, in spite of rections for SFR like other people gets chicken pox I'm not going to certain errors, the author is a change their underwear.' lie on the floor and let chickens right-thinking person and an enemy run over her to lure the disease '( (About once a year?)) of oppression as it is practiced in away. As Asimov pointed out (in re- the capitalist world. The preface gards to foxwort/digitalis) there will, like as not, contain one out- 'You've set a new mark, however; are millions of folk cures, and the fight lie. But I don't think the this is the first time anybody's law of averages says some have to readers are entirely stupid. changed direction in the middle of be right. (Some are dreadfully a zine. wrong, too. In medieval England 'I can't wholly agree with Bob diarhea used to be "cured" by not Shaw about style. Many kinds of ( (What do you think of the giving the victim any food or water. stories are best told in unobtrus- zig-zag this time?)) And people wondered why they died ive styles, yes. There are books I 'Seriously, I'm looking forward by the thousands instead of getting have read and re-read (I couldn't to issue #25. Regardless of si'ze, better. ‘ have done so if they had been badly ) printing type, format, or whatever, written) yet not a phrase echoes in (Was that Cure one promoted and SFR will always be one of my favor- ( my mind afterward. But in high fan- given by the then establishment phy- ite science fiction fanzines. (Err, tasy, especially, words should have sicians... or was it truly a folk one thing, though, try not to change a music that carries meaning--sorrow cure? Folk medicine is usually the size. My SFR collection already or exaltation--as much as their lex- accumulated knowledge what works. looks as if it has hiccups) of ical meaning does. It 's like opera The medical profession on the con- 'Ever issue of SFR is a delight, , I can remember passages of Tolkien, trary, down through the ages, has #24 no exception. You've reached Eddison, Le Guin, Dunsany, Kenneth remarkable stupidity that rare plateau, Dick, where it's demonstrated Morris; not Poul Anderson or C.S. and and treat- hard to tell which particular issue an affinity for fads Forester. ments based upon greed. ) is better than any given other. The quality is so consistently high as 'As to LUCIFER'S HAMMER being to make minor differences virtually made into a movie, I doubt it^ First unnoti cable.* of all, it isn't a hardcover ffest- seller. Second, there are several ( (Purrrrrrrrrr But serious- similar films already in planning, ly Buzz. I have never ever been # LETTER FROM DAVID TAGGART , filming, or near completion. Warn- satisfied with an issue. Maybe with February, 1978 er Bros /Columbia has been looking a ten thousand dollar budget....)) . into the possibility of combining 'Too bad you missed seeing DAMN- 'Raleigh, N.C. passed a law mak- Anthony Burgess' PUMA with a remake ATION ALLEY in the theaters. There ing it illegal for a store to sell a of WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE; George Pal is one line in that movie that will "preponderance" of sexual material. is still trying to get NBC interest- make it unforgettable to anyone who The porno book stores promptly went ed in a six-part mini-series based has ever seen it: George Peppard out and bought copies of the GIRL on H.G. Wells' IN THE DAYS OF THE announcing to Jan-Michael Vincent SCOUT MANUAL, ten-year-old magazin- ; meanwhile NBC has a two-part that, "Salt Lake City is infested es, and Charles Dickens' works to made-for-TV movie being filmed in with killer cockroaches!" sell alongside their regular titles. Phoenix as I write this called A As long as the porno is 49% and the FIRE IN THE SKY (about a comet wip- 'Paul McGuire is a good review- non-porno is 51% the law can't touch ing out Phoenix) starring Robert er. I went right out and bought them. Culp; and Warner Bros, is nearing Anthony's A SPELL FOR CHAMELEON af- completion on METEOR in which a 5- ter reading his favorable review of ((What would happen to a women's mile-wide breaks up and it. Damned if he didn't tell me ex- shop that specialized in sexy lin- takes out large sections of Europe, actly why the book was good and why gerie and bedwear?)) Russia, Hong Kong, and New York. I'd like it. 'Dino de Laurentis may have Starring Sean Connery, Natalie Wood 'You think Elton Elliott read trouble getting FLASH GORDON off the and Karl Malden, directed by Ronald anything but the bacover before he ground. Filmation, a studio spe- Neame from a script by Sterling reviewed Chalker's MIDNIGHT AT THE cializing in cartoons/live action TV Silliphant (the latter two being WELL OF SOULS. Or is it that, as I for kids, has a two-hour FLASH GOR- responsible for THE POSEIDON ADVEN- have long suspected, that former DON animated film near completion. TURE, that most metaphysical of dis- fans are exempted from such literary Filmation has done some incredible aster movies) (and relax, METEOR is standards as character, plot, style, work in the field of TV animation, not being produced by Irwin Allen), and coherence when they write? most notably the stunningly smooth the plot is based on actual NASA/DOD animation of Tarzan and Batman on contingency plans for handling a 'Added evidence that STAR WARS/ their TV shows, but they suffer from large space object which appears to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS have brought more very bad stories and a dreadful lack be on a collision course with Earth money to the sf field: I was down of imagination. Dino probably (something Niven and Pournelle for- watching TV in our company dayroom couldn't get backers for his film got about or were ignorant of in last week, when this book advertise- since Filmation' s FLASH GORDON will their book) . ment came on. I thought it was for be out before he could begin produc- some horror/satanist novel at first, tion on his version (not to mention ((I wonder if there is a collec- but then they gave a few details of a sequel to FLESH GORDON which pre- tive unconscious Signal in this spate the plot, and I thought, hey, this miered at the recent Cannes film of disaster entertainments . . .mean- is SF, apd then I thought, hey, festival but hasn't reached the ing that We sense a social/economic this sounds familiar, and then they states yet) disaster coming, and these films are flashed the title on the screen-- a surfacing of that presentiment? ) Joe Haldemen's MINDBRIDGE. 70 'Say, I like Neal Wilgus. Any- ) ' ' ) )' ) ' ' ' ,

body who can write a poem which is # LETTER FROM MICHAEL MOORCOCK # LETTER FROM LELAND SAPIRO funny, dirty, and about science fic- tion has something going for him. 20th February, 1978 20 February, 1978 Of course, Neal will never be recog- nized as a poet in these modern tim- 'Thanks for the latest issue 'I regret seeing the Roger El- es. For one thing his poem rhymes which I was glad to get. I told wood controversy resurface again, if and is understandable. Worst of all, Ian Cavell I didn't want any money for no other reason than my having it's humorous.' but I'd be glad to have a few is- to say things I've already said 3 sues for a while, if that's O.K. or 4 times in the fan press. Glad to see a cheerful letter from > ( (True. And it is said that the 'About a dozen RQ items- -includ- Fritz, whom, by the by, I praise a last resort of the incompetent is ing two by Ms. Miesel--have been re- lot in my forthcoming critical book free verse. God forbid that the printed in books and promags without on . To my mind he's basic appeal of poetry the rhythm any fuss at all, since the mag gives the century's best (and last centu- and rhyming be honored and that reprint rights to anybody that asks— ry's for that matter) and it's good poets learn that discipline. ) as you can verify from Alexei Pan- to see his reputation growing all shin, Kris Neville, , 'I can't see how politics will the time. affect one way or another the conven- Dale Mullen, Tom Clareson, etc. tion. After all, the early fans had etc. To spell it out, if a pro pub- a go around with communism and noth- lisher sends me a release form I ing happened there. # LETTER FROM DON WOOD sign it, and if an amateur reprints something without asking permission, 21 February, 1978 ((Politics was behind the famous I cause no trouble. But Elwood was "exclusion " at the first Worldaon. ) a pro who failed to ask, and hence 'PERSONAL COMPUTING Magazine is another category. 'And might not a Jehovah Witness actively looking for science fic- in fan protest Heinlein's blood drives tion dealing with computers. We 'Concerning the letter (describ- on religious grounds?' would greatly appreciate your publi- ed in SFR) sent me by Ms. Miesel, I cizing PERSONAL COMPUTING to your did exactly what she did with my ( (Yes, a fan might. ) readers as a market for SF. (We al- last letter to her, i.e., I forward- 'Let Harlan have an opportunity so publish non-fiction dealing with ed it to a lawyer. If she wishes, to talk on ERA. Perhaps some sort small home or business computers.) Ms. Miesel can regard this aj a re- of con watchdog should keep anti- lease of her RQ reprint rights or 'Manuscripts (up to about 5,000 ERA forces from heckling him at non- as a promise to sign any such re- words) should be sent to Fiction Ed- ERA realted activities, but lease form sent me by a publisher. itor, PERSONAL COMPUTING, 1050 Com- 'Y'know, this is really ridicu- (If Ms. Miesel will re-read her own monwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.' lous. Who really gives a rat's ass letter in Larry Downs' AY CHINGAR fans what a bunch of crazy "sci-fi" she'll understand why I want no dir - think? I'll bet the anti-ERA forces ect communication with her.) in Arizona don't even know there's a if LETTER FROM JOHN MILLARD world con Phoenix in 1978. 'Again — to repeat the repeti- in March 10, 1978 tion--when I had that original ((Well, let's hope you're right. SEAC0N 79 threatening letter sent to Elwood I Buzz. ) 37th World Science Fiction Convention knew nothing of the standard indem- Brighton, England. 23-27 August, 1979 nity clause, by which a publisher can sue if he is sued. Some SFR Agent in Canada readers won't believe a fan editor John Millard could be so ignorant- -but I was. # LETTER FROM GRANT CANFIELD 18-86 Broadway Avenue This letter was the origin of the February 28, 1978 Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1T4 story circulated by Roger Elwood (and, I'm sorry to say, Sandra Mie- 'You will note that this letter 'I've made a serious mistake. sel) that I was suing the article's is on my agency letterhead for SEA- The drawing I sent you which you us- author. ed on page 51 of SFR #24 (Victorian CON '79, the 1979 Worldcon. I 'As Damon Knight wrote me, all bicycle/balloonist) should never would be pleased if you would put a this trouble would have been avoid- have been sent out at all. It was note in the next issue that Canadians ed if I had just had the courtesy a sketch leading up to the design can purchase their Memberships from to drop Ms. Miesel a line before of a logo for Pennyfarthing Press, me in Canadian Dollars, but all communicating with Elwood--or if she a publishing venture of Michael Kur- Cheques or Money Orders should be had taken five minutes to notify me land, Alva Rogers and others. The made payable to me, NOT to SEACON. after selling him her article. But final design was not exactly the The heading is a Rotsler design with she didn't and I didn't... same as this illo, but it was close all thanks to him. enough to make the relationship ob- 'I don't know why you think RQ vious . is dead, since you're familiar with delayed fan schedules. Actually, 'My stupidity in sending out mag was sent to press last week. I that illo was that publication of admit to saying the same thing a- the logo--or near logo--could jeo- bout a year ago, but then I couldn't pardize Pennyfarthing's rights to pay printing costs in advance and that design. Fortunately, you pro- so had to ask for the magazine back. tect all your contents in SFR assid- But SFR RQ subscribers should send uously with copyright, reassigned me COA notices to insure getting to contributors, so in this partic- this issue. ular case no harm was done. But there could have been. So I apolo- gize to Pennyfarthing for my negli- gence in this matter. ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 74 - AN INTERVIEW WITH URSULA K. LE GUIN

Conducted By

MARK P. HASELKORN

I have heard it said that many authors must wait until their deaths to achieve greatness since it is only after any potential disagree- ment from the authoritative voice of the creator is removed that the ac- ademician will go out on a limb Oops. Her voice was warm with his "definitive" evaluations. understanding but I felt myse!If As foolish as this statement sounds pushing against a wall. Neve:rthe- to those of us so wrapped up in pop- less I pushed on. ular culture, it nevertheless cap- "You seem involved lately with tures some of the trepidation with the short story (her latest novel, which I faced my conversation with , was published in ters who do things since generally today's first lady of science fic- in novels 1974) and ORSINIAN TALES both styl- it is the male characters tion and fantasy- -Ursula K. LeGuin. istically and thematically seems who are the doers. She could not I am, after all, a newly minted more realistic than your previous actually say why she had so often had male doers, and added that her Ph.D. , fresh from the slightly work. Is this part of the concrete THE OF THE HERON, cracked mold of academia, and for direction and are you currently latest work, EYE published) does have a fe- four years I had been involved with finding this form more fitting or (not yet protagonist. Mrs. LeGuin' s work both as reader fulfilling than the novel?" "No. male and teacher. This double role had THE DISPOSSESSED simply took a lot Gradually it was dawning on me. given my trips to Gethen, Anarres out of me and I haven't worked up We discussed how her most recent and Urras, to Gont and Havnor, a the energy again for a larger work. work, VERY. FAR AWAY FROM ANYWHERE double edge. On the one side, I had In fact, the ORSINIAN TALES is a ELSE (Atheneum) , was a further ex- built up a system (doctoral work mixture of some older and some new- ample of her writing being based on does that to one) --even once stating er stories. I won't tell you which immediate interest. It is not sci- in a review of THE DISPOSSESSED are which--I'll let you guess". ence fiction; rather it is about two that "LeGuin' philosophy. .. is a s We continued to lovers in an unnamed city, which she finely constructed mystical exis- Stuck again. message revealed is actually Portland, Ore- tentialism grounded firmly on basic talk and time and again the gon (her home) . This makes four came across. Her human values were human values". On the other side, universes in her work- -the science gut, based on life experience rath- I had always come away from her fiction universe of LEFT HAND OF er than some kind of system. She work with the profound feeling of DARKNESS and THE DISPOSSESSED, the did not think of herself as a sci- having communed with a wonderful hu- ence fiction writer. Her writing Earth-Sea , the imagin- man being, an optimistic yet insight- country of ORSINIAN came from inside; all the classifi- ary European ful, wise and natural woman. Now city, Portland cations were simply for the market, TALES, and now a real Ursula K. LeGuin was to be my first for the publisher who needed labels Then serious interview and, as I dialed it finally struck home. the works. Even here her the California number of her equal- to sell She was talking about STAR WARS humanity and empathy came through- ("It's worth standing in line for. ly talented mother, . Theodora Kroe- she not resent this classifica- ber, both sides of my carefully con- did It's perfectly silly as far as plot having a structed LeGuin world--the intellec- tion. Publishers were goes--the plot is 1930's pulp, but rough time too. In fact, she felt tual system and the "personal" re- that isn't what matters".), when I was lationship- -suddenly seemed built fortunate that the things she used the pharse, "sci-fi". be mar- on a foundation resembling that of interested in turned out to fit into the the San Andreas fault. ketable because they science fiction slot. "Don't say sci-fi. That's a Our talk began. In a search put- down word". I can still remem- I felt something subtly chang- for stability, I grasped at the ber the sound, her voice lowering ing within me- -a shift in my attit- straw of my academic roots. "In into an almost motherly tone of hurt ude and role for this discussion. THE WIND'S TWELVE QUARTERS you say, and concern. What was it? Mrs. LeGuin went on, 'the progress of my style has been telling me that she had been doing "Really, do you think so?" away from open romanticism' towards of "existential soul-searching 'something harder, stronger and more a lot "Everybody in the business does. recently about her tendency to use complex'. Could you comment furth- It's science fiction or S.F " Now male protagonists --Shevek, Ged, Gen- er on this direction?" "Not really. I knew. She was no interviewee and ly Ai. Many women had questioned I don't really analyze my own writ- I was no interviewer. Deep down I her about this and she was quite a- ing. I've learned to write by writ- had known it all along- -the intel- ware of the need for female charac- ing and basically just write what lectual, systematic side of my Le- I feel." 72 Guin world had been a reflection of - " - -

my life and situation, not hers. On her recurring use of "scien - posed to the intellectual fire that Her work was essentially concerned tist on the fringe" characters can be brought out into the, open with two areas --the fulfillment of (Shevek, Guennor in THE STARS BELCW , and talked about? Once you do your the self and the breaking down of even Ged as wizard/scientist) and genetic research and create a mut - the powerful barriers and walls (so- their relationship to the large ant virus strain, we can't then talk

cial, political and mental) that se- questions of science and human val- about it . . . :

parate those selves. In talking to ues : "...or the atom bomb. Very re- her, I too had suddenly broken down "Well, perhaps you should not cently, yes, but on the other hand, a wall- -the barrier of my education- take my scientists too seriously. what about the artists in the 18th “ al past. It was time to ask what I mean, you're quite right that Ged and 19th centuries who did precede really was on my mind- -and to lis- is the same type of person- -they the political thinkers, such as ten. could just as well be artists. The Marx. You can change the world that fact is they are intellectuals on way too. You can change it and On the feminist urge to equalize the fringe and whether they are do- there's no going back. You get a for past injuries : ing science or art- -you see it does few guys like Rousseau and you "This comes down to whether or not really matter to me- -it is bas- change the world as much as any gen- not one is an activist in one's dai- ically the same sort of job. They eticist could. You see it is^ the ly life. After all, whether I'm are intellectuals and they are crea- same question of responsibility. writing about the future or not I 'm , tive people and they're not in step It is the responsibility of the cre- using metaphors. In THE DISPOSSES- with their society. That is really ator." SED, I present one world (Anarres) what I am writing about." where the whole battle has been What to do ? fought. It's over with, it's won, But isn't the scientific fringe "Obviously, there is something they're there and I don't have to potentially more dangerous than the wrong with the scientist who simply worry about this. I would say that artistic intellectual fringe ? develops things as if he were a temperamentally the trouble with "Yes, except remember that I piece of machinery, but how are you over- compensating to make up for am of the generation that grew up going to solve the problem? You can past injustice --it's perfectly nat- with Robert Oppenheimer as one of not do it just by legislation, and ural, it's perfectly human, it's the major scientific figures--the a course in values is probably go- inevitable- -but it partakes of a guy who was absolutely central to ing to leave them sleeping quietly ". kind of vengeance which I don't inventing the atomic bomb but who think gets any of us anywhere. You took moral responsibility for it-- And your work as a step towards know, I've been stepped on for twen- and the dilemma of people like Op- dealing with this problem ? "I think that what anybody in a ty years so now I'm going to step penheimer was something that I be- on you for twenty years. When peo- gan to notice already as a teenager. position of responsibility, whether ple say that seriously, it strikes It is one of the major moral dilem- it is political or scientific or artistic or simply familial (--what me as rather self-defeating". mas of our time, I think- -the consc- ience of the scientist; also, the they need, what we need) to take the On the other hand : conscience of the artist. In this word from feminism, is to have our "There are some recent antholo- country it's easy to be an artist- consciousness raised. So many ar- gies of feminist literature or fem- you can say what you like. But if tists and scientists are not even inist science fiction and the editor you are in Russia and you're writ- aware that there is a problem and, says, 'Now we'll have only women ing stuff that doesn't quite agree of course, that's the dangerous writing the stories'. What's hap- with whatever the Socialist Realist thing. Or they shut their eyes. pened is that some men are taking line is at the moment, you are con- This, is certainly one of the func- female pen names. This strikes me sidered an extraordinarily danger- tions of all art- fiction, poetry, as very funny and just sort of right ous person. It seems to me you're painting, music, whatever else- -it . . . this is okay . Now you know what in the same boat. You're playing sharpens one's consciousness and, it's like. I don't think it does with fire, one way or the other, therefore, also one's conscience. harm to anybody. That sort of com- and I'm interested in these people You get so you don't take these pensation I think is great. The who play with fire." things for granted any more". trouble is it sometimes gets mixed up with sheer vengeance and so you But again, isn't there something Then your work isn't a conscious get self-destruction. It's very more irrevocable about the fire that preaching ? hard to generalize." the scientist is playing with as op - "My work has recently gotten a little too far in that direction. I hope it won't do that again. I don't like preachy works." MALB CHA^VIhllST So you're just writing what's rie^r tkawlb^ inside ? "That's what I have always done -2.000 METERS --always, right from the start. And I just happened to be very lucky to have fallen into the science fic- tion pigeonhole. So they knew what they wanted to call me, so I got published.

Yet the content of your work is

so topical--even faddish : "After all, if you're j.ust writ- ing out of what you want to write- of course you're interested, if you're anything like an ordinary person, which I am--you're interest- 73 ed in what everyone else is interest ' ' '

ed in, so it comes out sort of top- meetings, readings, parties, etc. # MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY REPLIES ical- like. And whether it's the that are held in Berkley- -otherwise Viet Mam war or whatever, that's known as "Berzerkley" at Greyhavens-- February, 1978 what's obsessing us all at the mo- we've got another one this weekend. ment, so that's what you write ab- is doing a reading 'Actually I don't see it as a out. This doesn't happen to the of his new story, "The Horror Out problem-most of my readers complain very great artists--the real top- of Time", which will be in an up- because the books aren't long enough, not because they are too long. „ flight guys are sort of beyond that. coming F8SF.) I'm pleased to see he As But I'm sort of ordinary." gave it a good review, and most of for detail, this is what most read- ers feel that they want--at least his comments are good--and I agree the ones from whom I get any feed- Ordinary? No, and recently ? with them. But there is one crit- back . "I just got through my first icism of the book I have to make. time teaching a seminar in contem- It is a very long book (the later 'I'm sure that if I ever get too porary science fiction novels at UC DARKOVER novels seem to be getting self-indulgently bogged down in at San Diego. That was really ex- longer and longer) . Part of the writing for myself and for my few citing. I teach writing workshops reason it is so long is that MZB rabid fans, Wollheim--who is an old but I have never taught science fic- seems to have run into a problem pro and very keenly attuned to mar- tion courses, so we did this seminar with her writing--there really is ketplace values--will let me know and those kids were terrific. Did so much the readers want in detail about it without pussyfooting. Ac- I learn a lot. I think it was a big on DARKOVER and so much she has to tually I think I am myself too old a fake because I didn't teach them tell — including, perhaps, telling pro for that. I write much MORE de- anything." it to order the ideas in her own tailed stuff for myself--she should mind. She gets somewhat bogged ask one of my intimates who has read It must be wonderful to feel down with detail--it's almost as if you have made your place in the QUADRILLE, the soap-operalike novel she can't decide between plotting which I wrote for myself before mak- and putting in all the background ing it into an adventure story for "Boy, like I should be down on details, dealing especially with my kneebones thanking God." the publishers. If some people feel such things as laran- -the telepathic this is too much detail, well, that No, we should, for what surer and other "psi" gifts of the Darkov- is a matter of taste--one can't sign of greatness could there be ans. This book really does a lot please everybody and I long ago de- than the increased awareness of self with this, and it does almost inter- cided to please, in this order, my- and society one experiences in read- fere with the story that is happen- self, my publisher, and my fans. ing or talking to Ursula K. LeGuin. ing (and I think MZB is a superb As for the super fast windup, well, ************************************ storyteller. At the last event at ever since BLOODY SUN, readers have Greyhavens that I attended, she read, been commenting about this in my ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED FROM P. 71 among other things, a segment of books--one person put it well; "I STORM QUEEN, the next major Darkover felt it would take her two hundred novel which takes place during the pages to untangle all these compli- Ages of Chaos--i.f the segment is a cations, and yet, looking, I could # LETTER FROM AMY FALKOWITZ valid example, that is going to be see there were only about thirty one heckova good book!) Anyway, pages left. Yet she made it work..." February, 1978 FORBIDDEN TOWER suffers from a cer- When I am plotting, I try to plot a tain amount of overwriting- -such complex knot that will come untied 'The one thing I think I really faults as much with one enormous yank on the thr- enjoyed the most this issue was the too detail, charac- ters repeating themselves almost eads. Obviously I can't always suc- interview with Bob Shaw. Somehow word for word, ceed. But one writes largely as this was one of the most coherent in two very different sections one must, and provided my publisher and interesting interviews you've of the book, and then a rather too-fast ending, as if MZB and my fans continue to pay for the ever run, and I applaud you for it. suddenly realized she'd gone on for so doing, I shall continue to please I found that somehow Bob came across almost two myself. When sales figures prove I as serious and sincere in his answers hundred pages of detail and had only am going in the wrong direction, to the interviewer. Maybe it was around 100 left to ac- tually then I shall probably move back to just that Mr. Coveil asked the right tell her tale and wind it up. Even with these flaws, though, less detail, but FORBIDDEN TOWER has questions. But I found the interview outsold everything else I have ever highly readable, informative and it is a good book. written, and sold out its first thoughtful. Some of the people you printing in two months, so I must be have interviewed have seemed to be doing something right. I like Amy putting on a show--not giving honest and I am not indifferent answers, kidding around, as if they to her maybe had criticism, but if I listened to ev- nothing important to say tt LETTER FROM RICHARD E. GEIS erybody I would never get any writ- or felt "why should I bother?" Shaw TO MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY seemed to be just the opposite--he ing done. Maybe my next book will February, 1978 seemed to care about what the inter- please her more. viewer was asking, and seemed to 'Enclosed is part of a letter; want to say honest answers . And I ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 94 the marked parts I intend to print have to cheer his answer to "serious in the next issue of SFR. Do you purpose"--the idea of having a brain have any comment? The tendencies and an imagination- -and that it's and problems she discusses are real criminal not to use it. Thanks for --as Phil Farmer demonstrated rec- a really worthwhile interview. ently with THE DARK DESIGN. Do you

' I have one comment on Paul Mc- feel you are falling into a subtle Guire Ill's review of MZB's THE FOR- trap? BIDDEN TOWER. (I am a DARKOVER fan - a "Friend of Darkover"--! attend the 74 . .

Naturally, we shall soon be de-' SPROCKET TO ME!!! luged with imitations of STAR WARS, and we haven't even begun to really hear about them. There's SPACE PROBE, THE EYES BEHIND THE STARS, SF, Fantasy and Horror Film News STRATOSTARS, AND THE AS- TRONAUT, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN SPACE DWARFS (Disney, no less), OV- ERLORDS, WAR IN SPACE, RISE AND FALL OF THE GALAXY EMPIRE, FLASH GORDON BY BILL WARREN and BUCK ROGERS, as well as the se- quels to STAR WARS itself. 's script is to be directed by Irvin Kershner, who has mostly directed comedy- dramas like THE FLIM When Dick Geis asked me to do was announced long before the novel FLAM MAN, THE LUCK OF GINGER COFFEY this column, he said he wanted news. was published. It's simply a coin- and A FINE MADNESS; I suppose he's This isn't always easy to come by; cidence. Not so coincidental, how- expected to give dimension to the oh, I could go through issues of ever, is the in-production TV movie, characters. The effects for the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER and DAILY VARIETY A FIRE IN THE SKY, in which a comet next two STAR WARS pictures are ex- --and I have- -but the best news hits Phoenix. It's based on a Paul pected to be filmed simultaneously. comes from people in the movie bus- Gallico short story, but like so AIP is nearing completion iness I run into from time to time. many TV movies, is obviously being on Like John Landis. John's one of made in hope of cashing in on METE- STARCRASH, the first STAR WARS real ripoff to be released (unless TV's those people I met through Forry OR'S expected big profits. Ackerman; he directed (and played) GALACTICA comes along first). I've seen some stills and SCHLOCK, and more recently directed Among feature-length cartoons they look pro- mising; you can often tell a lot a- THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE. He just in various stages of production are bout science fiction and horror mov- finished NATIONAL LAMPOON'S ANIMAL Bakshi's LORD OF THE RINGS, as well ies from HOUSE which is due out in August. as two from Disney, THE FOX AND THE stills, but since this is. an Italian picture and their He?s pleased with it. It was shot HOUND and THE BLACK CAULDRON, an ut- mostly hell, on location in Eugene, Oregon, but terly different sort of thing for effects men are sloppy as this a stinker. Marjoe Gort- is inexplicably set on the East the studio. I've also heard that a may be ner is the star. coast. John's always full of news, feature cartoon of DRACULA, with a and this time it was about himself. storyboard by , is in Ah, but the most interesting production, He's signed a contract with Uni- but this may have been STAR WARS ripoff died aborning. scrapped. versal to direct a 10 million dol- Most interesting- -not most promising lar version of A CONNECTICUT YANKEE Gene Corman (Roger's brother) For one brief, giddy moment, Roger Corman announced to his staff that IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT, which he announced he was going to film Ray they would do their own version promises will be faithful to the Bradbury's play LEVIATHAN, but I CHRONICLES was the planned book. He's also doing another fan- doubt that this will get off the (SPACE title) for a tried to tastic film for the same budget, ground. Stanley Kubrick returns to and while he but other than its being shot in fantasy with a film of THE SHINING, find some little boy who could England, he wouldn't say any more based on Steven King's mostly-good build models to make some for his movie. He decided the $500 he bud- about it. novel. An odd item is THE CHOSEN for work would be a lot (ex HOLOCAUST 2000) already com- geted model He did say that he signed Rick , pleted and about to be released with of money to a little boy. He was Baker, the young makeup master, to a new ending; it's going to have a dirt planet- -Vasquez work on the year-and-a-half project an amalgam of science fiction and occult horror, Rocks and Bronson Caverns --as well for its duration. I hope this makes and stars Kirk Douglas and Simon as a water planet- -Beach Dickerson's up for Baker's losing the job to do Ward. Also POPEYE, swimming pool. However, cooler heads the incredibly elaborate makeups re- a live-action musical prevailed and the project was drop- quired for LORD GREYSTOKE, the to star Dustin Hoffman as Popeye and Lily Tomlin as Oyl. ped. faithful- to- the-book version of TAR- Olive This is not ZAN OF THE APES. Carlo Rambaldi, a joke. Now that I am a Real Movie Rev- iewer, having in the who created the awful giant robot Asimov's THE NAKED SUN starts been quoted rerelease ads for PHANTCM OF THE ape in De Laurentiis' KING KONG, got shooting soon; I wonder if this that contract; this is not a hopeful will mean the reactivation of the sign. (Rick played KONG in almost dormant CAVES OF STEEL project? every shot.) That was announced some time ago sreve MCipUE'eM ? star and was to have starred Paul Newman Frank Langella is going to re- WARS Hl~T SO "SKr wF HAVE- and Jack Nicholson (Peter Cushing peat his stage success in a new, A. 2.0 MU- FOR--. starred in the BBC-TV lavishly-produced version of DRACULA, version) Harlan Ellison says he's basing his to be directed by John Badham. I script of I, ROBOT on the structure hope it's as good as the recent of CITIZEN KANE-. If three-part serialization of the nov- De Palma's THE FURY turns out el shown on PBS, with Louis Jourdan to be profitable, he will probably finally film his long- as the Count. I thought that was delayed excellent version of THE DEMOLISHED MAN. I hope he doesn't use the ter- Some people have hinted that rible script Fox had a few years aga AIP's production of METEOR is some- thing of a ripoff from Niven and Poumelle's LUCIFER'S HAMMER (also

scheduled for filming) , but METEOR ) - .

PARADISE a year ago, I've been get- enes, and while the production de- like a fiend at the brassy daring ting invited to advance screenings. sign is excellent, some of the set shown. By this, dressing is unconvincing. But from the time you read some of It's scary in spots. Girdler the point at which a gleaming black these will have been released. I really knew how to do sudden shocks head emerges from a tabletop, the suspect a couple may never be re- Even if he can't build scenes to film takes off with a whoop and does leased, but, by god, they do exist. climaxes and had no clear idea about not slow down until the extravagent, I saw them. where to point his camera, he sure exuberant climax. Among these phantoms is PLANET as hell knew how to knock you tem- OF THE DINOSAURS. This looks like The film is as brisk and breezy porarily out of your seat. There it was made by ambitious STAR TREK as anything I ' ve seen in quite a are three or four such shocks in the fans who hired Ray Harryhausen buffs while, and it's simultaneously scary film, and there have been directors to do the effects. A tritely 111 and funny. The latter two character- (William Castle, for one) who did Assorted Group crashlands on a prim- istics are, to me, very important. not manage to come up with that many itive planet and they have to battle Too often the makers of horror mov- in a full career of trying. ies are reluctant to include comedy dinosaurs to survive. The biggest THE EXORCIST tried so hard to in their product, apparently fearing surprise is that the planet does validate itself intellectually, to that once the audience starts laugh- not turn out to be Earth. The dino- prove that it was more than a mere, ing at the right things, they'll saurs are beautifully sculpted, and common horror movie, that it was an keep on laughing at the wrong thing. they do move rather energetically. Art Film just like them guys make (THE EXORCIST is a case in point; Not all of them are believable, how- over in Yoorup, that it became dull, it scrupulously avoids having humor ever (some move wrong, some seem too hyper-serious, solemn. It wasn't occur near the elements of horror, light) and the blending of live-ac- fun on any level; it was oppressive resulting in a film almost totally tion and effects is variable. The and brutal, trying too hard, as if devoid of humor, and one that's film is painfully amateurish in seriousness equals Art. THE MANI- writing, directing, largely dull. THE MANITOU is any- acting and and TOU, thank heaven, has no artistic thing but dull is also rather dull. I suspect it . pretentions whatsoever. It's not may never see the light of day. In I think this policy is short- spoofy, it's not a comedy- -it's a a way, that's too bad, because a lot sighted. Horror movies always teeter straight horror film with some com- of reasonably talented people strug- on the edge of humor since, after edy in it. There's the real threat gled together. to put it all, they deal in such outlandish of death (and worse) hanging over FOES is about the Close Encount- topics. The real trick is to use the characters in the film, and the er (not a ripoff of that, though) the horror and the humor to support penalty of failing to wipe out the that some people on a small island each other. They can occur in the mean, chuckling old evil spirit is have with what looks like a stain- same scene, but the element of hor- too awful to contemplate. Great less steel flying saucer. There's or must be treated seriously in and fun. Please see it. a virtue to the film, though it's of itself. The figure of menace can I could go on at great length even be funny as long as it always not easy to spot: The human beings about THE MANITOU. It's one of the going on, remains a figure of menace. In THE don't ever know what's most entertaining pictures I've seen which credible me. The MANITOU, you're always kept off-bal- seemed to in a while and it saddened me con- effects and the al- ance by the humor and the horror is are mostly poor siderably to learn that the director, vivid and imaginative enough to func- iens are unconvincing towers of a man who had made only junk until tion as it should. light. The film is excruciatingly this film, was killed in a helicop- dull and banal and I cannot imagine Something that appealed to me ter crash not long after finishing film of a distributor picking up a very much was that the film seems it. this nature that is so totally lack- basically American in tone. Almost I've been very interested in the ing in anything really interesting. all horror movies are European in odd career of Brian De Palma. He their sensibilities; they are deriv- made some strange independent pic- THE MANITOU is something else. ed either from the Germanic school Wow, tures in the 1960s and later estab- is it something else. Basical- of the 1920s or from the Hammer films ly, I loved it. On one level it's a lished something of a reputation of the late 1950s. The vastly-over- of THE EXOR- with GREETINGS and HI MCM. After predictable imitation rated EXORCIST is just a big Hammer some abortive attempts to crack the CIST, the plot structure is damned movie. THE MANITOU, on the other near identical to that of Blatty's big time, he made what has become hand, is quintessentially American one of my favorite movies, PHANTOM novel, but the treatment by director feelings surface details; in all and OF THE PARADISE; this also didn't William Girdler makes it something it's set in Frisco, the most Ameri- altogether different. I could hedge do well, though it has a cult fol- can of all cities and the star is my dumb but en- lowing. After that, he made OBSES- bets and say it's a ultraYank Tony Curtis. The approach tertaining movie, but that isn't fair SION and CARRIE in quick succession; is also utterly American. It's to the film. The plotline i£ silly, the former did reasonably well, brash, confident, smart but not in- that's ancient Americ- and the latter took off like a rock- for sure: An tellectual, and unafraid of its ef- an Indian man is physically et. De Palma had Done Arrived. So medicine fects. It does not overreach, it reborn Susan Strasberg's back. 20th Fox gave him John Farris' script on does not pummel the audience. If Tony Curtis plays her spiritualistic of his novel THE FURY, a moderate you give the picture a chance, it star-name cast (Kirk Douglas, John charlatan boyfriend, and Michael An- of you; will eventually catch hold Cassavetes), and a big budget and sara is a contemporary Indian med- it's a film, rather very likeable told him to go ahead. Unfortunately icine man. himself. the like Tony Curtis And he did. It's not a perfect film; far climax is so outrageously cheeky, from it. It takes almost too long so naked in its swiping from other Overall, the film is pretty to get going and the director's source, and has such a stunning- bad, despite having some good se- habit of panning down or across er--set, that I was in a state of quences within it. De Palma him- something to introduce scenes is constant delight, clutching my head, self did his work well enough, des- tiresome. There's a pointless abun- bouncing up and down and giggling pite too much moving camera, but he dance of San Francisco location sc- 76 is trapped by a bizarre Sci-Fi treat- . . ,

ment of ESP. The actors look lost, Romero's big hit was NIGHT OF He is also, as I said, sexually re- and there are so many leads we don't THE LIVING DEAD, a picture I thought tarded; until the time shown in the know who's important. At the end, had no virtues beyond being malevol- film, he's never had sex with an the last survivor (Amy Irving, ently relentless. It made a ton of "awake" person, which suggest necro- 's current girlfr- money, and Romero has recently made philia in a nicely nasty way. iend) seems to have been left alive a sequel (DAWN OF THE LIVING DEAD) The film deals with Martin's mostly by chance. but his next three after NOTL, life in the town and with his rel- THERE'S ALWAYS VANILLA, THE CRAZIES ationship with his relatives and Farris has no idea of structure and JACK'S WIFE got no distribution or with the lonely housewife who se- shape to a plot. Things proceed and so died. He went back to dir- duces him. She has mistaken his in fits and starts, or at least seem ecting TV commercials and document- stupidity and shyness for gentleness to. At the end of the film, you're aries, but apparently couldn't stay and he appreciates this; he has no suddenly aware that actually, des- away from the Big Screen. pite many events, nothing has hap- thought of drinking her blood. Occa- pened- -you' re still at square one. In 1967, he made a film called sionally, he phones a call-in radio The events weren't leading to any- MARTIN; until now, it has gone with- show and talks with the scoffing thing, except perhaps John Cassavet- out a distributor and to a certain host. Other than this, and other es' death, certainly the most spec- degree, I can see why. It's about than the related sub-plot of the re- tacular death scene in movies. (He a modern-day, essentially rational- bellion of Cuda's granddaughter, extravagantly and messily explodes.) istic vampire and is moody, intel- there's no structure to the film. Quite unlike De Palma's other thril- lectual and amusing. It's certainly It doesn't point toward a climax and lers, there is no resolution what- not your standard gore opera, and the film meanders. It does not soever. Almost all the important it's hard to imagine what kind of stroll, however. ad campaign would lure in the aud- cast members are dead, so the film There's one sequence, so nearly simply iences that would like the film. I stops; we cannot speculate as set-piece that it made me think to hope something can be done, because what is going to happen to the that it was the justification for I think it's excellent. I was quite survivors (nor are we made to want the whole picture; it's nothing less to) since the information we have surprised by this high quality, ex- , than stunning. Martin has chosen a is skimpy pecting nothing but the worst from and confusing. (Why did new victim, whose husband is out of her eyes glow Romero blue?) town'; he sneaks into her house, makes ESP is used in such a confusing There are flaws to the film; his preparations, and bursts into fashion that it becomes clear the there's a terrible musical score, her room- -to discover her naked in writer believes it's shorthand for obnoxious and depressing, and the bed with a stranger. What follows Miracle. The girl and the boy in film is almost as shapeless as THE is funny, exciting, surprising and the film are supposedly equal in FURY. There's no progression to the terrifying. A brilliant scene. ability, events, and no sense of culmination but we certainly can't tell John Amplas plays Martin, and what those abilities or climax; like THE FURY, it just amount to. this is apparently his first film Telekinesis? ends, though much more satis fyingly. Well, yes, sometimes-- role. He's slender and childish- but at the end, though the boy has But the bits and pieces that make looking, with a vapid expression learned to levitate himself, he up the film, including the writing, that makes you realize why no one falls to death. his acting and directing, are so en- outside his family could possibly We can see, time and again, what grossing, expert and entertaining suspect him of being a murdering a ghastly the is De Palma was getting at, but the in way that film a vampire. shapeless success script and inconsistencies Occasionally, we get hints that prevented him from bringing any- Romero had the amazing audacity Martin i_s as old as he claims, be- thing across. I hope that he gets to create an entirely new mythology cause there are (too many) black- a better script next time. I’m for vampires, which strips away all and-white scenes showing Martin in completely convinced he's a fine the elements of superstition (an period costume being chased by men director for this genre. idea constantly reinforced in the with torches. These scenes should film) except, I At the same time this film is perhaps, longevity. be diminished. say perhaps because Martin ap- coming out, Disney is releasing RE- though Romero (who has a perfectly- TURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN, a satis- pears to be around 20, he claims to acted cameo as a worldly priest) factory sequel to ESCAPE TO WITCH be 84. He occasionally gets the seems to have intended some sort of MOUNTAIN, which also involves kids shakes and has to drink blood, which correlation between the degeneracy with ESP powers. This time, the he obtains almost like a rapist, of Martin and the degeneration of alien boy has been kidnapped by bad- drugging his victims, then drinking their blood from the Pennsylvania town. They both dies Christopher Lee and Bette Dav- cut wrists. He al- so generally has sex them seem to be in a kind of twilight is (Bette Davis?!) and is enployed with while they are drugged. is phase, the autumn of their lives. in a scheme to hopefully conquer He treated the This is made clearest in another ex- world. sympathetically. I said this is an The plot is as shapeless as citing sequence, in which Martin that unusual film. of THE FURY, but it's more en- pursued by police, runs into the tertaining and satisfying. The film In the film, Martin has come to middle of some sort of criminal con- has a to it bit more vinegar than a dying Pennsylvania town to live fab- -followed by the cops. There's Disney films of the past and involv- with his arrogant, elderly cousin, a violent shootout, and the fright- es some real threats villainy and of Cuda, who has decided to save his ened Martin, who started it all, is death. Children should have a won- soul and then kill him. Martin is the sole survivor! derful time; I enjoyed it myself. apparently passed around from rela- tive to relative like a hot potato; I don't know if this film will be released, and it's certainly not As I said, I think De Palma is he refuses to be institutionalized. to everyone's taste (it's very gory a fine director of fantasy. But Martin is slightly retarded, except for one thing) but it's an audacious then again, I was convinced for a when it comes to acquiring blood, , experiment that shouldn't go unseen. long time that George A. Romero was when he becomes a cunning predator. I liked it and was deeply impressed. a rotten director for the same genre. 77 ************************************ ONE IMMORTAL MAN

A SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL mm BY RICHARD E. GEIS jisawK-'

Part One

CHAPTER ONE

Vik Kunzar winced at the sudden, stabbing, alarm pain in the tip of his middle finger, left hand. He slid his big black arm away from the naked brown body of The young Empress Punia, automatically damping the nerve response. The pain was intrusive and important. It would flare again in a few sec- ’Mm onds, but muted. He shifted to the edge of the oval, spongy, purplish plant that had been genetically adapted to serve as a bed. She opened wide, dark eyes. "What's the matter?" His fingertip pulsed again. It contained a microreceiver', set in bone, connected to a nerve. He padded, naked, across the golden carpet of fuzzy, intertwined hairlike tendrils that sprouted from the floor. Slipping on his white leafcloth toga he positioned its suckers in his armpits. The living cloth glowed with life.

He said, "I have something im- portant to do. I'm sorry."

Punia sat up. "I arranged to be free until dawn." She was pet- ulant, feeling cheated. She smil- ed the small, superior smile of the young and eager. "Are you feel- ing your age, Masil?" Vik reflectively glanced at him- self in the nearest mirror. His ebony face was lined. His kinky hair showed many, many coils of white. It was convincing. "Government business." He pick- ed up her garments from a gourdchair and took them to her. He leaned ov- er and kissed her. "Next time I'll wear yoni smooth." your y g . s .

He meant it. Punia was his penetrate like a younger man. . .or wood-panelled, carpeted room sixty type: young, slim, big-breasted, like you! But... he told me you're feet below ground. Before entering

and eager. He had taught her all seventy- three. . .and he's only six- the doorless room he spoke one word: there was to know about lovemaking ty-eight." "Olympia." Unseen automatic laser since her twelfth birthday. He had guns switched back to secondary even maneuvered Emperor Ndola into "When did he tell you my age?" alert. choosing her as Empress. "Two nights ago at dinner." Vik went to a silvery console Vik smiled down at the girl. Punia 's eyes dilated with anger. and noted the label under the sin- Power and sex and danger kept him "He's bringing that yellow girl to gle glowing ruby light among dozens going. It seemed that more and the table now. That mouth special- set in the panel. He switched it more of each was necessary as the ist. I've head that she can take a off. generations rolled past. man deep into her throat. They teach them that in the East, from The periodic, muted sting in his fingertip ended. She insisted on another kiss. when they're five and six years Her hands caressed his deep, well- old." Vik sat in the worn, deep-cush- muscled chest, his hard belly, his Vik nodded. "For hundreds of ioned silvery console chair and thighs. "Can't you be First Min- years now." He smiled. "How the thought for a long moment. His ister only during the day?" Her Chinese have changed." finger idly traced a small manu- featherlight touch trailed the facturer's plate. length of his organ under his toga. "He said. . .when he mentioned KZAR MICROTRONICS "You're so young below the neck." your age— are you actually seventy- three, Masil?— that it isn't natur- Denver, U.S.A. Vik controlled the natural surge al for a man your age to be so well- 2116 of blood. He pulled her to her preserved. . .even if you did come His deep, dark eyes focused on feet. She was small, five feet one, from the Nubian Nile where they the plate. He smiled and shook his and he was a giant at six feet five. grow so big." head, murmuring, "The good old "Dress. I'll see you down the ." bole." "He's jealous." days. . He stood and left the panelled She slipped on her imported or- "No, he values you. He said room: Sensors in the tunnel "watch- ange silk chemise, and then the you were the most able of all his ed" him leave. The lasers warmed furred leafcloth robe. She let the ministers because of your knowledge primary suckers hang free of her nipples; of history. No other man in the again to alert. she didn't want to glow as she rode Empire knows as much about the world Vik went back up to his bedroom. her lion through the forest city to and its peoples as you." He took off his toga. the gargantuan palace trees. Vik opened the secret door and Naked, he pulled a comer of the She followed him to the curving let her out into the groomed maze living rug free of the floor. The wall of striped moss drapery that of hedges that enclosed most of the hundreds of tiny suckers made minute hid the mottled, twenty- foot trunk. base of the massive tree. He led popping sounds, leaving dot- like "Masil, is it about the weather? her to his lion pen nearby within green marks on the raw boards that And the northern tribes?" the tree grounds. The vast branch- had fused together and grown solid- es swept out and out for hundreds which had in turn "No." He pulled the drapery ly to the joists, of feet. All land under a tree's cemented themselves to the broad aside and pressed a spot in the dis- branches belonged to the owner of rested colored bark. An oval door appear- limb upon which the bedroom the tree; a large Junto tree was an ...or from which it grew. ed and rustled inward. estate. The tree supported thirty- two "Quebo said the ice would drive Punia joined her waiting lady all parasitical rooms with attendant the white ones south into our in the shadows. Vik personally led territory plant furnishings, glowleafs of var- in the next few years." their saddled lions to them. A ious colors , and hollow water and "He's right." Vik led the way moment later the great cats glided sewage vines. down a narrowm curved stairway. The away with their riders. The night Vik lifted a small trapdoor in rough-walled passageway through the guards at the gate would let them the floor and lifted out an unlock- solid, dense pink wood was lit by pass without question. Masil' ed killed-wood chest from the two- glowleaves suckered to tiny veins sexual exploits were known by his cavity. the of sap. Vik had to stoop and move servants and a few of his tree foot deep He opened slightly sideways. force. They did not know the ident- chest and reached in for a soft, ity of the visitors. lion hide holster. He strapped it Punia wanted to probe further. to the side of his massive left Her pride was hurt by his abrupt Vik walked quickly back to the thigh change of plans for the night. But secret passageway in his tree. she knew enough not to question him Within, as the outer door rustled He took a chamois -wrapped re- the The too closely; there would emerge a shut and seated tightly, he pressed volver from chest. gun was very old well oiled and cold ruthlessness of manner, a ter- another spot in the curved, axe- but been made rifying remoteness in his dark eyes, hewn wall. cared for. It had by that hand and ancient machine over two frightened her. She avoided A rectangular section opened. provoking that response hundred and fifty years before, by He entered a second passage that the steel guildmen in F' Derick in When they reached the bottom of sloped down .and to the left. He the north-west Sahara where the the passage he asked, "Has Ndola carefully closed that door behind last deposits of iron had been jeal- changed toward you lately?" him. His fingertip continued to ously guarded and gradually used pulse every few seconds. millenium. She frowned. "I don't think over a so." Her face was sickly in the The passageway left the root and faint green leaflight. "He doesn't became a tunnel. He came to a Vik armed the gun with hand-

command me to his bed as often. . loaded ammunition. Guns were rare but he's really old and he can't 79 and expensive. Most were rusted . . museum pieces — in the few museums home trees, the parasitic plant, He could hear a voice — no distinct remaining. Ammunition was the prob- furnishings. . .had warped both words. Another voice, more tenor. lem. Shell casings were priceless. animal and human genes in a vain And... a groan? Both voices were attempt to maintain "civilization" He rarely used this any- angry, insistent. on the face of a planet exhausted more, but tonight it would be good Vik carefully tried the sliding, of mineral wealth. . .and had broken to have in reserve. The revolver under the waves of white -skinned killed-wood door latch. The door slid into the pliant holster and he barbarians fleeing the long- dying was peg- locked from the inside. tied the flap shut with a quick re- ruins of Europe as the ice, decade lease knot. He returned the chest The windows, then. He sheathed by decade, crept inexorably south- to its hiding place in the floor his knife. ward. Now the Congo empire of and took a jewelled, razor-sharp Ndola was the only center of cult- Standing on the solid, carved knife with matching sheath from a ure and learning and law on the railing, he tested the gutter vine decorative wooden hook on the wall African continent with his weight. It bowed slightly over the bed, strapping it to his but the suckers held. He curled left leg below the knee. Vik was not surprised to find his fingers into the leaf- choked the gate locked. He walked slowly Then he stepped into a loin trough and swung out into space. along the vicious fence, searching protector of leather and rubber, The vine bowed downward even more for a break. The sensitized thorn adjusting his large genitals in the with his full two hundred and forty vines .stirred at his nearness and cup. He slipped a dark red silk pounds. The sucker fibers screamed lashed at his form. He found a ten- tunic over his head and finally faintly but held. foot wide length of the fence lying cinched a wide, heavy-buckled belt limp, paralyzed by a sweet- smelling Vik hung facing the wall and tight around his waist. swiftly his fluid he knew about. Very few oth- slid gripping hands Vik left his tree by way of the ers in Kinshasa had a working know- along the oily rim of the vine. His and secret passageway in the trunk. He ledge of it. fingers dug into bird droppings exited the grounds by way of a tun- tiny, rotted corpses as well as the Vik stepped carefully through nel under the high, poisonous thorn broad, sticky tree leaves. the still vines and approached the hedge that bordered his treeland tree. There was a dayglow of light As he approached the nearest and began to run, effortlessly, from the oval, transparent membrane oval window, steadily increasing north, weaving between the huge tree areas of the office came into view: windows of a large room fifty feet homes in the darkness. His bare desk, a series dayglow up the trunk in a major limb room- the of bright feet slapped quietly on the smooth, cluster. leaves slowly burning in a Urge leaf- cushioned ground. glass surgery lamp, the killed- He ignored the small hydraulic Pale glowleaf path signs dotted wood cabinets of records — one elevator. The cage was up at the the park- like between- trees areas, drawer open. The M drawer . Shelves cluster, anyway, probably locked. patches of colorless moonlight of herbs, jars of medicinal roots For a moment he paused to study the penetrated the acres of overhead and bottles of fluids. A man's tree's ramps and stairs, then took foliage shadow cast on the blond wood in- the narrow, spiral, servants' stair- terior paneling from another bright Only a few people were out in case that followed upward under the lamp deeper in the office, to the the wide, intertwining paths that more elaborate, inlaid ramp. right snaked between the trees, for he He went slowly, pausing often lived in the exclusive, upper-class Vik hung silently beside the to listen. He freed his knife of residential area of Kinshasa, the window and carefully made sure of its sheath and carried it lightly imperial city. his right-hand grip on the gutter. in his upturned hand, ready to He let look with the left and low- Vik avoided the lion- riders, throw or fight. ered his arm. This angled his body, who were easy to see, as were the Emerging onto the wide, main allowing him to see almost all the white skins of lower caste slaves porch that semi -circled the tree interior of the doctor's office sent out on unknown midnight er- trunk he passed several ramps and while reducing the risk of being rands. He was hard to spot, impos- inside. doors and approached the doctor's noticed from sible to follow; a black ghost who office. The windows continued to loped tirelessly north toward the Doctor .Kiambi was strapped to a glow with light. down, city's slightly less exclusive Sta- treatment table. He lay face lee Pool suburb. The porch ended at the office gagged, naked, his old brown scrawny body writhing in agony. door. The only way to look into a A Vik ran two miles. He slowed window was to edge out from the long, thick eater snake had been in- to a walk as he approached his des- into Two thirds railing by hanging free from a serted his anus. tination, a squat tree home of mod- it was coiled his jerking, slippery gutter vine at the cornice. of around est two- hundred foot spread and ten- flailing right leg. The other third foot bole. If he slipped it would mean a was deep in the old man's intestines fall of fifty feet to the decora- Two men watched Kiambi' s thrash- The glowleaf sign at the gate tive marble set in the ground a- ings. They wore tunics similar in of the surrounding living thorn round the base of the tree. fence read: DOCTOR KIAMBI, 742011. design to Vik's, but of coarse green All residence and government and And he would be vulnerable if cotton. They were of the Lualaba business trees in the city were discovered out there, spying. tribe—brownish yellow skin and registered by number and the cur- wide fleshy lips and noses. Vik pressed his ear to the ex- rent owner. pensive, inlaid office door. The Ndola was a Lualaba. The trees dated from the last deep squares and wedges of varicol- One man knelt beside the table, surge of highly specialized tech- ored woods had grown together; the near Kiambi 's head. He had a belly nology five hundred years before, door lived, fed sap from the five on him, and thick legs. He spoke in when the Egyptians had flourished tough but plaint green plant hinges. a low, wheedling voice. The other yet again. They had concentrated man stood with hands on hips, grin- on genetics, had developed the 80 ning. A long knife in a thin green . — .

scabbard swung from his iron-vine of his intestine deeper and deeper, "North. . .where you were first belt. consuming his body's wastes, ever seen." hungry, seeking more... Soon the Vik brought his left hand up to "Interesting phrasing. Did he snake would eat its way through the grip the gutter again. He swiftly say it that way?" wall of the narrowing, twisting edged further out until he was hang- flesh tunnel and would gorge on "Yes." ing opposite the oval window. He liver, kidney.... swung his legs up, planted his bare Vik stared thoughtfully at the feet on each side of the window, "Who ?" Vik impatiently twisted man. "Do you believe I'm seventy- bent his knees, kicked himself out- the man's broken finger. three years old?" ward closed his feet and ripped The man's plump face rippled "No! The way you moved! The through the transparent membrane. with pain. His wide lips drew back way you fought!" Vik twisted as his big black in a grimace. He shook his head "Yes... I've waited too long body cleared the oval frame and he as he hissed for air. His chest this time." Vik drove the point landed on all fours beside the desk. convulsively fought Vik's crushing of his knife into the snake's spine, He uncoiled, knife in his left hand, weight. just behind the tubular head. The and with terrifying grace and power Vik undid the man's belt and squirming body went limp. He threw leaped for the astonished, standing strapped his feet together. Then it into a comer. "Where are the man. he cut the man's tunic free and doctor's servants and slaves? They The man was a trained profes- with it tied his wrists behind his would have heard all this." sional; to clear his own back. he managed "We locked them in the trunk knife the second it took long in Then Vik stood, grasped the end room." him. He was too slow. Vik to reach of the purple, diamond-back eater He was beginning to crouch, "Thank you." Vik moved around only snake with his powerful right hand into defensive behind the heavy agent, knelt, hook- to bring his knife and slowly, calmly, pulled the position, when Vik clamped a vise ed a powerful arm under the man's three- foot length from Kiambi 's grip and slammed the fleshy chin, lifted on his wrist body. The scaly inches emerged jewelled knife full into his stom- sheened with blood. The agent's chest pumped with ach, angling up to spear the keen sudden terror. He wheezed, "You blade into his thudding heart. When the snake's round, wet, promised . ..." suctioning mouth was free, gleaming The man grunted with the blow with half-hidden rows of shark- like Vik squeezed off the voice and and lurched backward, turning, teeth, Vik looked to the bound fat drove his jewelled knife cleanly falling, his wide mouth loose, man. "it's still hungry. You've between the man's ribs, into the flared eyes staring with fading got a lot to feed it." He nudged heart. The body convulsed for an amazement. Blood spumed from the the man's heavy gut. instant, then subsided. Vik said wound. quietly, "I lie often." His prisoner was pale with fear. knife free an Vik pulled his He looked over and looked into instant after the savage thrust, "Who sent you here?" Kiambi 's pain- ridden eyes. "I'm knowing from long experience the "You'll kill me anyway." sorry. I warned you fifty years man was already dead. The body ago this time might come. You've crumpled heavily to the orange carp- "No, not if you tell me the been very well paid. You've had a et. truth." long, good life. I cannot leave The other intruder had almost The man's eyes seemed riveted you alive. Quebo would take you... three seconds. He was older, how- to the snake's undulating, red- and you'd talk. Kunzar must remain ever, and slower. He was pulling a rimmed mouth. Then his gaze dart- a myth, a dream. ..a wish." spring-powered dart gun from a ed to the body of his dead compan- " leather bag beside the table when ion. He said, Quebo ." He picked up the dart gun and Vik slapped the gun away. The Emperor's Defense Minister. sent the bolt thudding into the old man's brain. Vik did not waste time. He In that instant the tip of Vik's brough his hand back and across the Vik took a deep breath. He middle finger, left hand, came alive jowled face. The man's head jerked smiled wryly. "I'm getting too old with a throb of pain. Automatically sharply sideways from the blow. His for this sort of thing. damped the nerves. He said to mouth leaked blood. Vik almost he the agent, "Why is he investigating casually pushed him down onto his picked up the fat agent's me?" He back and sat crushingly on his leather bag and took out the sheaf chest. His knees pinned the man's "I wasn't told. He wants your of papers he knew would be inside " flabby arms. Who sent you?" medical records. He wanted me to —his medical history as Masil; a Without waiting for an answer, make the doctor talk about you. . series of medical examinations show- your knowing there would be no informa- about past." ing his nearly perfect health through the decades, except for re- tion, not wanting to play games, "And what did Kiambi tell you?" Vik seized the man's right hand and curring stomach trouble (faked— in "Only what the records show." calmly, viciously, snapped the lit- the record for credibility) tle finger. Vik glanced at the old doctor. Vik flipped the pages until he Kiambi lay limply, an occasional brown stain The man gasped. His eyes dilat- came to one with a tiny spasm wracking his body. He con- He ed with pain. He labored to on the lower right comer. tinued to moan into his gag. The slipped breathe. His breath wheezed and he sliced off the comer and snake writhed and twisted in Vik's small plas- swallowed blood. He said nothing. the bit of paper into a grasp. Vik said, "Where else is tic envelope he took from a slit in Beside them, on the table, Doc- Quebo sending agents to investigate his belt. He returned the envelope tor Kiambi continued to shudder and my past?" to its carrying place. moan into his tight gag. The eater r ' >- snake was following the soft tube 81 The "stain" was a mic . . " . mitter, alarm-keyed to light and amber grass carpet, taking down his pens, pleasure huts, stone banks en- motion. words on a square paperleaf with an circling bank-owned business trees inkstick. Real paper was available Vik continued to feel the timed but it was too expensive for casual The largest bank, The Congo throbs of diminished pain in his note- taking. Trading Conpany, was controlled by finger which meant another micro Masil Investments. alarm had been set off somewhere. . Vik noticed Caiungo, his first as- probably in Abu Hamid where his sistant, enter the large room. Cai- He turned and walked up the birth record was planted along with ungo knew he had Vik's eye. He ramp to the next level, slowly, that of the plague deaths of his pointed toward the ceiling and jab- limping, and absentmindedly massag- fictional parents. bed once. Emperor Ndola wanted ing the fingers of his right hand Masil. Nodding, Vik continued giv- as if they were arthritic. When Was this just a security check ing the Messenger instructions for he entered the outer offices the or an investigation into the pos- — the east central provinces. In clerks and lower officials spread sibility that he could be the myth- five minutes he was done. their hands, palms up, and bowed ical immortal man on Earth? one their heads. As the Messenger left, with the Vik his medical records put secretary, Vik asked Caiungo, "What The Emperor's Private One, a back into place in the file cabinet does he want?" graying, stolid man in a living to- and closed drawer. He went to the ga with gold threads woven between the window and peered cautious- "Quebo's alone with him. I tom the pale yellow fibers, smiled and ly out, listening. don't know. High Policy, I suppose. said, "Quebo is with him, eating a No staff allowed." He checked the sections of the little. Would you care for some- tree, porch and stairs he could see. "No word from the vines?" Vik thing? Yemena wine? An Indian With his knife ready, he unpegged referred to inter-office rumors, cake?" the door and opened it a crack. leaks and paid informants. He had Masil 's favorite foods were Satisfied, and dis- people in the staffs of every min- he slipped out known and stocked. appeared into the night. ister, even that of the Emperor. . and they had a few in his entourage. "No, nothing now." Vik was Palace intrigue always existed in mildly surprised when the Private power centers. The trick was to ac- One by-passed the usual private con- CHAPTER TWO cept it and play the game well. ference rooms and led him through to the Emperor's personal quarters. "Maybe that Quebo wants to break The next day Vik sat in an enor- your monopoly of glowleafs. Empire mous sea-green sofa- lounge in his defense requires — The man opened a gold- leafed palace tree's office, and dictated door for him. Vik limped into a to a series of Messengers. Vik nodded sharply. "He's want- luxurious wedge-shaped study he ed that for ten years. Tell Dikwa visited maybe five or six times a Messengers were men of great to snoop for special agent activity. year. The multi-windowed outer integrity and astonishing, eidetic Quebo is up to something." wall provided a view of a third of memory. They were all members of the city. The transparent membranes one widespread family whose "memory Vik left his office its priv- by flexed from the breeze outside. At gene" traced back to the work of ate exit and emerged on to the or- this height the tree swayed very the Egyptians. They were a guild nate, high ramp that curved up to slightly. and a clan; they never married out- the Emperor's throne room and office side the family for fear of losing cluster. This giant-among , Ndola and Quebo sat close to- the gene. The males worked for center tree of the five sacred pal- gether on a curving, purple ,. living governments, the females for private ace trees, soared upward into the sofa. They were both small men: business where they could keep a sky, a living tower that dominated Ndola wrinkled and skull- like, with home and raise their children. They the empire city. sharp dark fox eyes, his thin old often carried a pouch of documents, body stick- like in the layers of The palace trees had stood for but most of the empire's provinces red silk toga; Quebo still strong half a millenium. Long ago their and client chiefdoms depended on and firm in a green military tunic major branches had been spliced to- their total recall and inviolable with gold piping, a woven gold belt, gether to make the grove into a honesty. self-important with diamond and jade single, joined entity. Ramps and rings on every finger. It meant death. to harm or ser- bridges linked the trees at various iously interfere with a Messenger branch- cluster levels. Slave-power- Ndola turned his lean head and whether he was on duty or not. At ed, counterweighted elevators rose smiled. He said, "Masil." He spoke attempted bribe was instantly re- and descended. a fraction off-tone, a fraction too ported. The last instance of a late, and Vik easily caught it. Vik looked up Messenger violating his trust had at the clear blue sky... at the sun, for instant. The "investigation" was known occurred more than a century before, an He enjoyed and approved by the Emperor. and he had been publicly beheaded the feel of the after- noon warmth. August, and the temp- by members of his inner family. Ndola gestured. "Sit on my erature was only about 75°. Reports left. Wine?" A bottle of dark red Messengers could not be tortured told of the glaciers creeping south Yemena sat with other wines, cakes, for information; when their pain of the Alps now, and claiming at meats, fruits, sweets, and cheeses level reached a certain point they least half the Black Sea... now call- on the low, wheeled, killed-mahogany died. They were very cautious peo- ed the Ice Sea. cart before the sofa. A deaf-mute ple. Accidents and disease killed Vik looked out over the masses servant stood ready to serve. He them easily due to their low pain of green foliage knew all the ministers' preferences. tolerance that hid all but occasional spots of ground. There Quebo lifted a palm in greeting Vik wore his purple First Min- were broad, crowded lanes and paths and casual respect. "These melon ister's robe of office, as usual, down there: markets and shops, lion pods are exquisitely ripe, Masil. and his gold pendant. A male sec- Try one." retary sat cross-legged on the deep 82 . . " — . " Vik limped to the sofa. "No, my social and complicated. The whites He fisted his bony, veined hand. stomach is hurting again. When he are fanatics. They are driven by a "My wilted stem grows to a tree be- sat next to the Emperor he seemed a new religion." His eyes lanced at tween those cunning lips. That black giant by comparison. The sofa Vik. dancing tongue of hers...." groaned softly as his weight pressed Vik continued flexing his right Quebo nodded. "Fantastic skill. down on its cushions. hand. "The Kun-Zar Quest, I know. I was ten years older by morning." Vik abstractedly flexed his I've seen the analysis. It's val- Ndola laughed. "Yes, yes. She right hand. "Every few years I have id." can wither any man even old Kun- to go to the mineral springs of Tuk- — Ndola' s eyes widened. "You ad- Zar!" He fox- glanced at Vik. uyu for a few weeks." He closed his mit Kun-Zar exists?" "You'll see. I'll send her to you eyes and smiled with memoiy. "Soak tonight, Masil. She'll swallow your in that hot, soothing, bubbling Vik smiled. "No. I mean the big black pole and you'll live in water, and drink it hot, day after whites' religion. They believe one the valley of the Sun Goddess for a day " of their ancient rulers, Kun-Zar, while." was an immortal and did not die, Once away from the empire city, but left for the south—Africa Vik debated for a few seconds on the way to the Mitumba Mountains, and that they must follow him, and then decided not to attempt a Masil's small entourage and armed seek him, and find him in the prom- refusal. He smiled widely and in- escort would be set upon by a ruth- ised land. They believe he's here clined his head. "Thank you. High- less band of cutthroats and Masil, in the warm belt, waiting for them, est One. Tomorrow my servants will First Minister to Emperor Ndola, and when they find him again he'll find me too weak to be of use to the would be taken, would disappear. . rule them as before, with infinite Empire." heard of would never be seen nor wisdom, and peace and plenty will Vik was sure the little Chinese again. come to their favored race." girl would be required to find out Vik had staged such exits many certain things about him. It would times Quebo nodded. "Yes, that's what drives them south into our lands. be a pleasant, challenging evening. Ndola and Quebo exchanged glanc- Kun-Zar. Not just the pressure of es. The Emperor nodded. "This body new migrations from the north, nor Ndola cackled, but his laugh of mine is falling apart, too. Ev- the cold. It's no that cold in the ended as he pressed his right hand ery day I live in pain." He press- Sahara, and there is room in that to his abdomen. "She'll be thfcre. ed his lower gut. "Pain that only vastness for all the people in the Now what about those crystal slabs hemp and zizu can tame for a while." world. But they know he's not from the ruins of Nork? They're He laughed. "But I don't leave my there." the key to my tomb." work. The Empire needs me. You, Ndola said, "And, Masil, from Vik said, "They're at the temple too, Masil." all your learning and knowledge of now. Work will begin tomorrow. Cai- Vik said, "There is nothing ancient times... is it possible that ungo has arranged a triumphant cere- critical. Caiungo and my staff are this god, this Kun-Zar, does exist?" mony for tomorrow. The survivors of able to function without me, easily, the expedition will be honored by "No. He's a convenient myth, a for two ten- days." your presence and will present you creation of the white priests and with the twenty slabs they managed Ndola didn't argue. He slipped chiefs, to move their tribes, to to save. Cacola will make a speech off on another subject. "Quebo has justify their migration and their recounting his man's adventures just given me reports of white trib- invasions and slaughters. They crossing the ocean to the Ice Lands es coming down off the Jef-Jef Pla- must think of themselves as a spec- of America." teau. They're being forced south ial people, and therefore all other by waves of savages from still fur- peoples are lesser, and may be kill- Quebo growled, "Incredible that ther north." ed without remorse. Dehumanizing old map was accurate, and the crys-

your enemy is a common technique . . tal still there." Vik nodded. "All of Europe is and necessity." virtually uninhabitable now, even Vik replied, "The older the map in summer. We can't blame them." Quebo said sharply, "The Egyp- the more likely its accuracy. An- tians have a belief in an immortal cient books in my library tell of a Quebo said in his rough voice, man, a superman who lived, disap- huge structure, five times taller "We have to stop them. They're peared, and lived again and again. than this tree, constructed almost tough and hungry and vicious. They believe he founded their great entirely of blocks and slabs of a They 're slaughtering our people in civilization and then disappeared kind of crystalline plastic. Imper- the Mourdi." about four hundred years ago." vious to wear and temperature. It Vik looked out of the windows branch to expect some "You've been reading the ancient isn't a long and followed the brown curve of a there. The survivors leaves." to still be wide tree limb. "Give up the of the Bio-War weren't capable of— fourth cataract and fall back to "A myth is often based— Ndola suddenly clutched at his the Khartoum line. That can be de- Ndola shot a warning glance at belly and bent over. He gestured fended with five thousand less men. Quebo. "Enough of this. Let's get sharply at the slave. "Pipe!" Send them home to rest to act as some work done. I want to spend part of our reserve, and send five The slave began swiftly to pre- some time this afternoon with my thousand of our present reserve to pare a pipe of hemp and chalky zizu sweetmouth girl." defend the Mourdi." powder. He mixed in a heavy portion Quebo grinned. Vik smiled. of the addictive, pain-killing drug. Ndola pursed his thick lips. His keen old eyes shifted to Quebo. Ndola smirked. "Ah, Masil, Que- Ndola bent over further. He bo can tell you how good she is. I keened with intense pain. He whis- Quebo traced an old scar on his " sent her to his tree for a night pered, I don't want to die!" thigh. "That is the obvious mili- last week.” He laughed delightedly. tary move. The problem is more Vik said deliberately, "Every than military, however. It is also 83 man must die." a

Ndola swivelled narrowed, agony- The president asked, "Why are The ass screamed and stumbled, filled eyes to him, and the wrinkl- you concerned about the future of his shaggy brown coat suddenly rip- ed, bony old face showed naked hate the Congo Shipping Company that far pled, running blood. The cart's and raw envy for an uncontrolled in- ahead?" left wheel came off its axle and stant. "You know I have an heir in In- the fragrant load of violet werzi grapes was Then the slave handed the Emper- dia. It's for him and his son and spilled. Someone threw Mongo powder or the pipe, lit, ready, and the old his son... And I'm doing my little into the muzzle of the rear lion. The cat recoiled man sucked in air and smoke greed- bit to ensure trade and civiliza- and plunged away. ily. He held the mixture in his tion will continue. It's a hobby." away his Private lungs and waved The pattern of people below, A quick, muscular young man in hurriedly entered the One who had most of them going home, seemed a tattered jungle tunic raised a room, concerned. normal. His prize lion, Copper Tom, dart gun and aimed at Vik from ten feet. He was surrounded wedge There were eyes and ears in waited with a groom and two of Vik's by a of other young men dressed as beg- these walls, too. personal guards. gars and lower-class laborers. That did not surprise Vik. The Vik added, "Set up an automatic Vik had only few Emperor lived with at least two loy- company policy directive: buy all a seconds in which to try to escape the attack. al watching him and whoev- tidal lands as they become avail- The wedge of men was surging clos- er he was with, day and night, dur- able. But the continental shelf if er. He shifted to throw himself ing sleep, even during his times of you can, now. Put in a formal buy ' off to his lion's left side and use passion. Every wall in the palace application and I ' 11 see if Ndola Copper Tom as a shield, when his trees was riddled with peepholes will trade worthless sea- covered Private One's mount, a dun- colored and listening points. land for pure gold. One hundred milled emperors per mile." female reacting to the stink of fear and excitement and the scream- Now, obviously, Quebo and Ndola The secretary made notes on his ing press of people, closed the strongly suspected him of being Kun- pad of white leaves. space and bumped hard against Vik's Zar. They were not fools. They left leg. The Private One was as had a plan, a sequence, which was Vik's Private One was servant, wild-eyed as his cat. in operation. They had to be sure tree-keeper and friend. He said, before they acted. "Borus told me you'll have a lovely For a precious instant Vik lost one for company tonight. Nimbus his balance and his coordination. Vik relished the contest, the soup, water buffalo steak and Iona The knot of attackers was within danger. seeds for dinner?" five feet of him. The secretary He shifted to a more comfortable had fallen from his saddle; >he Vik nodded. "Private. You position the sofa. The cushions crouched and coiled. on serve." small mount wheezed. His movement caused tilts The men leaped over it, pushing in other cushions. Ndola swayed The cage bumped down on its mar- closer. and sucked loudly on his pipe, and ble platform. A slave opened the Vik wore a ceremonial dagger. said, "Leave me. Tomorrow...." His door for them. But he knew his best course was to eyes closed. The Emperor's face was Three minutes later Vik was get clear. relaxing. astride his huge cat. The golden- He bellowed, "TOM! LEAP!" Vik rose and limped to the door. maned beast ambled through the Quebo showed a palm and let him crowded lanes and streets of the But the great cat had no space, leave first. haphazard ring of shops, huts, took too long to crouch for the buildings of all kinds, tents and spring that would take it over the Later that afternoon Vik left cart merchants that encircled the braying, kicking donkey and the his offices and took the long ele- walled grounds of the palace trees. lead guard's lion. vator to the ground. He was accom- panied by his own Private One, a Vik was in the center of his The guard was off his mount and personal secretary, and the presi- small party. He was Masil, First lunging with his precious antique dent of his shipping company. Minister, a magnificent black giant sword to defend Vik— but it would in these times of smaller and small- be too late. At the last split sec- Vik had never liked the swaying, er men as each generation passed. ond Vik lashed out with his own raz- creaking, killed-wood cage, the dead He enjoyed the awe and respect in or-sharp dagger and laid open the rope vines, the pulleys or the six- most of the faces of the people. face of an attacker. A grotesque man gang of white slaves who manned He enjoyed the rumors that, he was slab of raw cheek flapped away from the clacking, ratcheted windlass. the secret emperor, that Ndola was the jaw bone, but simultaneously It was too easy to have an "acci- only a front. the man with the dart gun fired at dent". point-blank range. Suddenly the attack began But his rank and his limp made — sudden clot of men, a braying, mad- Pain exploded in Vik's right a long walk down the ramps and dened donkey, goaded by thorn whips, thigh. The dart buried itself a stairs out of the question for a sent plunging with his loaded fruit hands -width below his hip joint, man of his proclaimed age. cart into the diamond formation of the green and red feathered shaft Vik watched the basketed count- Vik's company. protruding from his toga, pinning erweights rise toward their descend- heavy purple brocade to his Vik was the center. The target. the ing cage. He said, "Schedule the thigh. The material soaked up the extension of our docks in Zuccra The lead guard's lion whirled, rapidly welling blood. and here, out to the six- fathom nearly throwing its rider. The sec- depth at low tide. The ice will retary's small female mount hissed Then Copper Tom's great bunched claim enough water in the next hun- and slashed reflexively at the ter- muscles released and Vik was carried dred years to make our present docks rified animal. A donkey will never upward by that tremendous surge of willingly get within ten feet of a unusable." He automatically scann- animal power. . .soaring for an in- as lion. ed the palace grounds the cage credible second. . .barely able to sank below the giant lower branches. 84 shift his weight to stay in the sad- — die. During that bound, Vik auto- youth's shocked words. "Send a mes- CHAPTER THREE matically "disconnected" in input senger for Doctor Choma. Get the from the nerves of his damaged elevator down." Vik was lying naked on his soft, thigh. Taleg, a big, muscular black living bed, a thick towel under his leg, the dart still in his thigh, And he realized the trigger man man in rich dark blue leathers and hadn't intended to kill. There had gold command necklace, sprinted when Mwanza entered the room. "Sin- gida is here." been time and freedom for a shot to around the comer of the pens. He the stomach or heart, even for a was followed by a ten-man troop of The Emperor's personal physi- less sure head shot. But the gun estate guards — five swords, five cian! had been fired directly at his bowmen. His steady eyes flicked at Vik thought few seconds, then thigh. There had been no hesita- the pinned, blood-stained toga, the a contained tion, no shifting of aim. The dart dart still solidly embedded in Vik's a wry smile. "Naturally. Bring him had travelled less that a foot. leg, the small trickle of red that in and stay to observe. If Doctor was dampening the hard-packed earth Choma arrives while Sin- Copper Tom landed, snarling, in gida is here, have him sent up." next to Vik's wet, goldcloth sandal. the midst of scrambling, howling, Vik knew the purpose of Sin- terrified people. Vik bent low in- Taleg snapped, "The big yellow- gida's very prompt be to the clean, abundant yellow name. cushioned chair!" He pointed to visit had to "Home !" three of the guards and waved them to examine him as closely as possi- ble, to the pos- toward the master gardener's hut. confirm or rule out The mighty lion uncoiled again sibility that Masil was immortal and bounded through a narrow gap Vik said, "Draw forty men from was Kun-Zar. The attack in the mar- in the crowd. dense, hysterical the Kwa orchards. I want them here ket ring also served this second No... this Vik felt the grating of the by midnight. He didn't have to tell purpose. more likely was dart's saw-tooth ironwood point Taleg to double the hedge security the primary reason. Vik mentally was against his thigh bone during the and send out undercover scouts. But saluted Ndoia. The old man ride. Blood flowed down his leg if the Emperor was ready to move still as cunning and shrewd as ever. And now, dying, totally desperate. in spite of his constriction of the against his First Minister a company main vessels. of crack private guards couldn't After a few minutes, Singida en- hold against Quebo's massed regu- tered, followed by a slave who car- Copper Tom loped toward the home lars. ried his heavy leather medicinp tree by the direct route, the one bags. Singida was a deceptive, usually travelled to and from the Vik explained to Taleg: "We were placid, fat man whose breasts jig- palace compound. Vik steered him ambushed in the market ring. Send gled with his belly beneath his off into side paths, to avoid pos- some men to see about Uvira, Mwanza gold- fringed orange robe. He wore sible secondary ambushes. The gi- and Isiro and the two guards. I a diamond ear pendant signifying his ant trees loomed in sunset splendor. want Caiundo here. I want Luishia royal appointment. He avoided any approach to the date and Gombe here at morning sun." of his tree ground. He neared the Dambo had run off. Vik saw a His slave was a middle-aged tree from the opposite side and lean, tan messenger on a fast Walla white man with a neatly trimmed urged Copper Tom to a full -speed lion riding toward the arched, kill- beard. Vik spotted the small end- run at the fifteen- foot high poison- ed-wood gate. A guard opened a less chain design tattoed on his ous thorn hedge that surrounded smaller door within the gate and the cheek. It was the symbol of the his land. rider and his mount squeezed out. whites' Kun-Zar Quest religion. The man stared intently at Vik. "Up, Tom!" Other guards stood ready at the gate's arrow and spear ports. Singida stopped and looked down The great cat soared in a fan- at the deep-fibered living carpet. tastic leap. No other lion of those The large elevator creaked down "Beautiful. A new strain? I've bred and gene-altered for size and from Vik's private cluster. From heard about your experimental gard- strength and obedience could have the hut the guards brought the mast- ens." done it with Vik's weight on his er gardener's pride and only real luxury his back. — massive, deeply cush- "I'll gift you with one, for ioned chair. your fee." The green- tipped rows of thorn spikes stirred as Copper Tom clear- Vik sank carefully into it. His Singida laughed and approached thigh was ed their highest tips by a foot. aching. the big, purple bed. His smiling The landing was silken as the cat's He was carried into the elevat- eyes darted and flicked at Vik's muscles and bones absorbed the or. Sahara slaves loaded more ston- large black body. He wheezed shock and transferred speed and mass es into the counterweight basket and slightly. "Oh, no fee." into motion continuing forward oh pulled . him up As he was carried in- The slave opened the bags. the deep, tightly woven grass. to his bedroom he caught glimpses of Singida continued, "I was with Three gardeners working in a Mwanza, his Private One, and the the Emperor when the news reached new, oval bed of plump Cabon ferns others straggling in through the him. He sent me to you instantly looked around in astonishment. Vik gate. They had not been hurt. with an escort of a dozen of his motioned them back to work. He Ndoia and Quebo did not want to inner palace guards. The lions they rode to the gloom of the pens and have it appear that an organized at- have! My poor Zingu could barely dismounted carefully. tack had been mounted against Masil and his band. They did not want keep up." Dauibo, the over-eager assistant the people to suspect the truth, for Singida examined the oozing to his Private One, came running Masil was very popular. Their at- wound and dart without touching down a ramp, his light blue servant tack had only the effect of confin- them. "The paths nowdays! Those tunic flapping, his gold authority ing Vik to his tree for a while. An damned Egyptians!" bracelet gleaming as he passed effective, ingenious house arrest. through a thin shaft of orange sun- Vik said, "Those who attacked light. were of our race." Vik impatiently cut off the 85 "Yes, traitors, hired assassins. . —

Gold will buy anything." He took gently and I keep my body exercized. lieved. He unwrapped his scalpel, Vik's pulse. But I ache and pain in my joints. sprinkled its blade with Zizu and That's where my age is." heated it above a candle. Vik had speeded his heartbeats from his normal fifty per minute to He knew Singida was testing his Dambo opened the bedroom door. eighty-six. He consciously elevat- skin for dyes and artificial color- "Physician Choma is here." ed his pressure when the phy- ing on Ndola's orders. But his blood — Singida appeared surprised. He sician applied a cuff and poit tube pigmentation was now natural and — began to speak, stopped, and his to his upper left arm. The pointer had been for over five hundred normally wide eyes narrowed. "Isn't surged the dropped and years. However, Vik would net allow up to 190, Kiambi your physician?" hesitated at 120. an extremely close examination of his face. There were very tiny Choma is young and quick, skill- Vik asked, "Still high?" signs of plastic surgery required ed and near." "It could be because of your ex- to alter his lips and nose to full "Of course. He is of Egyptian citement and shock." negroid legitimacy. It would take ancestry, isn't he?" "It's usually high anyway." a sharp eye spot the almost invisi- ble scars, but if Singida knew what Vik shrugged. The Zizu in his Singida made notes on a pad. "I to look for, and if Vik fell asleep blood was filling him with euphoria. hope stand pain. I'll have you can as a result of mental exhaustion. . He wanted a woman. His desire was to cut to free the dart." It was imperitive he remain alert becoming obvious. He said, "A fine while Singida was present.. doctor is a fine doctor. I sent "I want you to use Zizu powder." for him before you arrived." The physician finally opened a "I raises the blood pressure packet of Zizu and sprinkled the Singida shrugged in return. too much. It affects the mind." wound liberally. "It will be a mo- "Of course." "Not that much." ment. You'll feel very little when Choma entered. A small, thin, I cut, but..." He smiled widely. "Very well.” Singida personal- intense man in his early thirties. "You know Zizu." ly rummaged in his bags. He took He was followed by a slave, a blond, out small bottles and packets. Vik felt the powder dissolving, blue-eyed youth who carried his "I'll have to test for skin reaction being absorbed. The deep ache in bags. The slave was astonished at ." . . .allergies. . his leg faded. He began to feel a Vik's size. golden euphoria and a tickling, Vik wanted Zizu to dull the Singida greeted Choma warmly. itching glow in his genitals. pain. He was putting too much con- For a moment, the two physicians centration and mental energy into Zizu was an aphrodisiac as well conferred in a far comer of the manipulating his body processes. as a disinfectant and pain killer. bedroom about the cutting that had If he had to damp nerves and dimin- to be done. Then they returned. He replied, smiling softly, "I ish bleeding during the cutting of They worked together well. Choma know its reputation. But I don't his thigh he'd be exhausted. An deferred to Singida, who did the envy Ndola's need for it, even if irresistible need for sleep would delicate flesh cutting. Vik watch- the erotic aspect brings him some overwhelm him. He had been through ed alertly. His right thigh from pleasures." it before. his hip to near his knee was nearly Vik heard the faint creak of dead to sensation. And Zizu had some interesting the elevator. Choma was arriving. side effects. Singida used his scalpel with Singida made a face. "Yes, I skill slicing deep into muscle to Finally, Singida produced from — have to permit him massive doses. free the dart's head. His hand was inside his robe his priceless, anc- The strains of his sex life and steady and knowing. ient scalpel. He opened its velvet blood pressure may kill him before and leather case. Choma swabbed and used small the cancer." springwood clamps on tiny arteries. As Vik watched, amused, Singida Vik asked casually, confident- swabbed the skin around the wound Singida said, "Remarkable lack ially, "How long does he have?" with a series of acid solutions . He of bleeding." rubbed Vik's left forearm with vari- "Not much more than two months. Choma joked, "That's the Zizu ous substances powders, oils, and He— " Singida realizeed he had — all his blood is in his pole." pastes. He clucked and hummed as blundered. "The Emperor is a tre- he worked. He said, "You have a mendously strong-willed man. He Within five minutes the dart magnificent body, Masil, for your will not permit himself to die. I was removed. Singida dropped the age. It's incredible..." His eyes have seen cases where such powerful short, bloody shaft into a draw- drifted enviously to Vik's heavy minds arrest disease and even con- stringed cotton bag. male organ, then to the backs of quer it. Ndola may outlive us both. Vik said, "I want that." Vik's hands, to the underside of My estimate is highly uncertain. I Vik's chin, to Vik's abundant grey- should not have mentioned it. It "I was asked to retain it for ing hair, to the comers of Vik's is of course highly confidential." study. It might lead to those who eyes. "I'd like to look at your He frowned at Mwanza. He did not attacked you." teeth." worry about his white slave, who, "I'll return it to Quebo soon." after he had been trained, had been "My teeth do not matter now. deafened. Singida blinked and hesitated. Tend to the dart." He handed the bag to Mwanza. He Vik said happily to Mwanza, "You Singida seemed fascinated, how- looked sharply at Vik but said noth- do not hear our words." ever. "Remarkable muscle tone and ing more. especially youthful skin. No loss His Private One replied obed- Choma had stitched the wound. of elasticity." He pinches and iently, "I do not hear your words." His full lips quirked as he sprinkl- prodded. Singida did not look much re- ed on more Zizu. He applied a Vik said impatiently, "I am of dressing or clean, white cotton and long-lived people. I eat intelli- 86 covered everything with a rubbery. porous, adhesive membrane peeled He had been careless and he had areas, and maybe even carry on Sin- from Jop tree scabs. seriously underestimated Ndola and gida 's experiments in her own way. One tree, skilfully slashed, Quebo. It had been decades since Vik chuckled. It would be an would produce enough membrane to he had been in any serious personal interesting game. He could use her cover ten large wounds per day. Vik danger. He'd settled into a rut of in more ways than one. owned most of the Jop tree orchards power and sex. He'd played the And tomorrow the counter-attack. in the empire. eternally fascinating high finance game again and neglected the little Stories would spread of Quebo 's "How long will I be on my back?" signs of Ndola' s illness and person- stealing vast sums of Army gold, cheating the soldiers of their pay Singida rubbed his wide nose. ality change. He had ignored Que- as they fought the white barbarians. "You can take a few steps a day. bo' s steady accretion of influence The bank would delay certain loans Nothing violent or you'll rip it and power. and payments. There would be leaf- open. No riding, no travel for at The human element greed, the work problems hints of corruption least a ten-day." — , fear of death, and the urge to in high trees , and the word would power in rulers would-be go out again, more insistently, that Choma nodded in agreement. greater and rulers — it never changed and it was Ndola was dying, incapable of rule. Vik set special autonomic fast- always deadly. Shipments of vital war materials healing processes in action. He would be delayed. Ships would miss Vik knew he had to tighten up thanked Singida. "If you will, tides, would not arrive on schedule, his economic empire. It was import- please express my appreciation to certain key guilds would walk off ant that the central bank survive Ndola. I'll be back in the palace government projects. and the plan go forward after his trees as soon as possible. Until disappearance and presumed death. More important, the east coast then I will be in constant contact For the ten millionth time, he wish- with my able assistants." tribes would begin to talk again of ed he were not so damned tall! Why secession and independence. And He said to Choma, "Will you re- had They chosen a six foot five bas- there would be plenty of money be- turn frequently to check the heal- ketball player to become the one im- hind them, many skilled agents, and ing and renew the bandage?" mortal man on Earth? Had the alien many army and navy units would de- average Choma nodded. His was a large, experimenters expected the clare their sympathy with the move- increase over the gen- secret retainer fee. This was the man's size to ment . erations? Instead, after the horror first time he had been called upon That would show Ndola and Quebo of the Bio-War had wiped out the in eight years. how dangerous it was to strike a- world's cows and so many other ani- gainst Masil. The Emperor had to "One last thing provided I mals, mankind began to shrink as — be reminded of the fragility of his stay on my back and stay quiet, is basic nutrition suffered. it medically advisable to indulge rule and the thinness of his power. Now he was a giant. His size the Zizu?" It was a mock question, He was essentially a figurehead. He then and Vik's lips quirked. made hiding after "dying" and held the palace trees because Masil reappearing with another identity and his banks permitted it. In Both doctors laughed. Singida nearly impossible. No wonder there fact, Vik had had Emperor Pemba as- said, "Yes, enjoy the Emperor's fa- was a Kun-Zar myth. No wonder he sassinated in order to put Ndola in vor tonight!" was always fighting the suspicions the palace trees. But agony and women. The doctors left, followed by and wishes of mortal men and rapidly approaching extinction had made the man desperate; what had their slaves, and Mwanza entered He estimated Singida would re- Ndola to lose? with two girl servants who sponge- port Masil probably truly black, bathed Vik. They giggled at his and an exceptional old man. But the Vik realized Ndola should have arousal. They patted him dry with doctor knew what Ndola wanted to been retired years ago. He smiled thick, soft towels and helped him hear... so there would be ambiguity. disgustedly to himself. Sloppy . ease into a pale green silk robe. There wasn't opportunity for enough Stupid . He decided to sleep for an Vik enjoyed himself by caress- tests hour, or until Mwanza announced the ing brown bodies. Warm, arrival of Chen Li. their sleek And Quebo . . . That man was young smooth female flesh always pleased enough not to care much about death. It was full dark when his Priv- him. One of the two, Feshi, a new He wanted to be Emperor and he want- ate One awakened Vik and announced girl, all golden-brown and velvet- ed to bring down kiisil and confis- her presence. A few minutes later skinned, rounded and buoyant with cate the Masil fortune and economic Vik received her. the juices of puberty, flushed and leverage. Quebo was undoubtedly us- licked her lips constantly. Her ing Ndola 's pain and dread of death Chen Li glided regally into the nipples were spectacular little to maneuver the Emperor into con- room. Tiny ring- bells decorated her purple fingers. She squirmed when structing a case against Masil — if bare toes and tinkled with each step he suckled one for a few seconds. not as Kun-Zar, then as a traitor, on the golden, living carpet. She He whispered, "When I'm well, Feshi a conspirator with the Indians . . . the wore a violet spidervine gown that I! northern tribes ... even the Allied clung to her slender, graceful body, She flushed even more and gig- Amazon States. rippled free as she moved, then clung briefly again. The gown glow- gled uncontrollably with the excite- Vik knew all about the process ed softly with life. The purple ment and importance of being desired of public and private manipulation suckers on her nipples were almost by the great Masil. aimed at destroying a man. So Que- as large as her diminutive breasts bo and Ndola had him vined down Twilight was deepening. Glow- themselves. Her straight black hair while they investigated him, while leaves were uncovered. flowed and twisted luxuriously into they made certain arrangements .... Mwanza left with the girls. a smooth knot at the back of her No doubt Ndola' s favorite love- finely modelled head. Jewelled pins Vik lay relaxed. He tuned out slave would try to pry in certain sparkled in her hair. Her features the insistent Zizu lust and consid- were strongly Asian. Her mouth was ered his situation. 87 a delicate rosebud. . . . -

She bowed. "I am proud to be foul. He tried to enter me! He is sleepy, sated, feeling fond of her in the presence of the great Masil.” not interested in my ways." and sympathetic. But he had to disappear soon. Alone. He couldn't "I'm happy the news of my injury "Quebo would never sell you to take along a pleasure girl, even did not keep you away." me. He hates me." one as incredibly skilled as Chen "The Emperor instructed me to Li was desperate. "You are pow- Li. Masil had to die, and he had give you pleasure if you wish, or erful. I have heard that you are to surface, changed, in India. ... more powerful anyone, This to converse , or to leave as you than even current period of his immortal wish." the Emperor. You could acquire me life was finished. if you wished. I can give you the Vik gestured her to his bed. He thought of promising her purest ecstacy. I can..." "I'm zizued to my eyeballs, Li. But freedom at the first opportunity, we'll eat and talk a bit before we She slipped her hand gently, if she would be his informant in pit you against the drug." sinuously, into his robe. Her touch Ndola's private times. She could was exquisitely light and knowing. learn things... But his fast-heal- Chen Li's dark, slanted eyes She whispered, "The Zizu will be my ing process would allow him to move twinkled. She climbed, childlike, ally, not ny foe. The great Masil quickly, normally, in a few days. unceremoniously, on to the big pur- will want me with him forever ." ple bed. She was very siiiall beside And her begging angered him. him. Vik signalled Mwanza. "Take Her self-pity quickly created con- these trays away and you can go to tempt for her. He mistakenly with- Mwanza arranged large fluffy your apartment. Come at dawn." drew his empathy. . distanced . . . and pillows behind her and served tall, looked at her as a mere mortal. thin, blue glass drinks of an amber Vik was sure Chen Li had no liquor. He served cheese and carv- weapon on her body; the loosely wov- Vik said, "I'm sorry. I can't ed fruit, bread arrows and cinnamon en spidervine material allowed no help you." He yawned. fingers hiding place. There might be a She slumped. Her head fell to long, deadly pin in her knotted nass Vik joked with her. He noticed his loins. "Then I am sorry, too. of hair, but Vik intended to check she ate carefully and favored the I must buy my freedom in the worst that out very soon. However, he left side of her jaw. "Bad tooth?" way. I would have lied for you." didn't believe she had been sent to Her eyes flickered. "Yes, but kill him or further disable him. She quickly filled her sweet it will not interfere..." She was another test, another in- mouth with his manhood. Her tongue

vestigator. slithered. . .and she suddenly bit "I'm sure it won't. down hard using her left molars. Mwanza retired. , After a few minutes, Mwanza ent- The pain brought him to instant ered with a serving cart and two bed Chen Li left the bed and, fac- alertness. His big hand crashed trays ing him, proudly removed her gown. against the side of her head. She When she eased off the vine's nip- As they ate, Vik asked, "Are was knocked aside, senseless. ple-suckers the gown faded to a dull you very recently from the Yaan Tem- lilac. Her body hair had been He was bleeding. He had felt a ple of Glorious Sun?" plucked. soft "give" of one of her teeth, Her eyes widened. "Yes, only a and the stab of a hidden sliver of She returned to the bed and cur- year. It is not often that anyone bone. Vik saw bits of hard wax on iously, artfully, opened his robe. this far from my homeland knows of " his flesh. She had injected him Ahhh . the Temple." with a cunningly contrived device. Vik caressed her hair, her small Something was in his bloodstream "I've known other priestesses elicate body, then allowed his sex- now. A strange paralysis was of Yaan... in my travels." ual appetite full satisfaction. He spreading in his body. Vik slowed Chen Li said proudly, "I am of enjoyed her varied techniques, her his heartbeat, but it was too late. the First Order." But her eyes elaborate sensual preliminaries. He cursed and called, "MWANZA!" brimmed with tears. "I am so far In time he was trembling. Chen But his. Private One was probab- away..." Li lay upon him, her slender ivory ly still asleep. No one heard. "I know, homesickness." He thighs spread wide on his massive Vik couldn't move. In a moment knew a special kind of total despair black chest, her warm little hands he was barely able to breathe. He sometimes. Home for him was over a cupped his sack, her rosebud mouth knew the drug now: a secretion from thousand years ago... and no way to engulfed him as her head and should- a rare vine beetle. return. ers rocked to and fro, taking and

taking and taking. . . Chen Li stirred, whimpered, and Chen Li pressed close to him, slowly crawled off the bed. She to his warmth and strength. "I do The hours passed. Chen Li spat several times. She uncovered not like being a slave. I am not practiced her fantastic skills. She a bright, white radiance glowleaf happy. Could the great Masil buy brought him to mind-bending rapture lamp, pulled aside the red drapes me?... and send me home?" time after time. that covered an oval window, and Vik wished she wouldn't beg. It was early morning, before waved the light before the transpar^ But he was used to it; the weak al- dawn. He was nearly exhausted. Yet ent membrane. Then she sat cross- ways used their weakness as a weapon the Zizu kept his organ in high legged on the carpet and did not against the strong. The problem was erection. He had given her the look at Vik. there were so many weak and so few pleasure of his tongue, delighted He heard the beginning cries of strong. her, and had brought her to wrack- an all-out assault. ing climaxes. Now she again wept He said, "Not until the Emperor and begged him to save her, to buy A moment later he heard Mwanza tires of you. But you know he might her, to save her somehow. rush in and saw his servant's face die soon." appear in his field of vision. He Vik wished he could. He was "He has given me to Quebo upon heard Mvanza's questions but could his death! That man is crude and 88 not answer. .

The battle outside at the tree's short, narrow, vine-latticeu wood- The guards relaxed, as did Que- borders and the on grounds was a frame bed. His bladder was full. bo. Singida said, "Yes, she must staccato series of shouts, cries of have gotten in a good, solid bite." agony and rage, the throaty roar of He turned his head slowly to He giggled. disturbed lions the right and saw the heavy killed- Quebo snapped, wood counterweighted door. Counter- "Take your sam- Mvanza understood after a mo- ples." weighted ment, what Chen Li had done, and the on the outside. The door significance of the attack. This slid up and down in deep stone Singida took out his priceless grooves. It was was the end. He turned on Chen Li locked by wooden scalpel and began to cut off a hand- and savagely deflowered her with a pegs that secured the weights and ful of Vik's greyed, kinky hair. also by bars that sank into slots long, curved knife. Her shriek Vik's fingertip, in the stone. middle finger, seemed to tear out her throat. Then left hand, suddenly throbbed twice, he disemboweled her. There was a peephole in the without pain. door. He saw a sudden change of He closed his eyes in despair. Sobbing, Ftoanza light behind the hole as an observ- grunting, turn- Quebo 's agents had discovered the er took his face away. Vik knew ed Vik on his side so his master secret passages. The lasers had his own head movement had been not- could see he had been revenged. fired. The double throb was the ed. The word was on the way to The defenders were quickly over- signal he had programmed be sent. Quebo and Ndola the prisoner is whelmed. — The minipile that ran the computer Mvanza and a few servants awake and tree guards staged a despair- and other equipment was now plung- ing, last-ditch fight outside the The peephole darkened. Another ing into a swift self-destruct high cluster, while Vik lay paralyz- watcher, or the same one returned. countdown program. He hadn’t want- ed, his mind a grim pool of self- Vik lay quiet, thinking. Then he ed it to fall into primitive hands. recrimination, unable to tell them closed his eyes, danped the insist- It, and the other things in that of the secret passage. He closed ent bladder sensation, and let him- room, was prime evidence of his his eyes but heard Mwanza's choking, self sleep. link to the ancients and their sci- frothy cry as an army spear ripped ence. It was enough to prove him He was awakened by voices close up through the Private One's lungs. Kun-Zar The Immortal. to the door to his cell. He recog- He kept his eyes closed and nized Quebo 's rough tones. He did He had thought it better to_ barely breathed as triumphant sold- not move. Eyes shut. have the precious computer and 'al- iers poured into his bedroom and lied equipment and lasers destroyed The pegs and bars were drawn. joked and bragged and pricked his in a mysterious explosion that The door scraped upward. He opened naked body with their spears and would kill- all witnesses . Better his eyes and watched Quebo enter swords and bone knives. that Masil be thought a foreign with three elite army guards, their agent or dabbler in the old ways of swords drawn. Singida He began the process of Slowing. followed Que- war. He shut down his body even further, bo, and he carried one of his medi- retreating into a kind of half cal bags. No white slaves were per- It was out of his hands now. sleep. He was vaguely aware of be- mitted in the prison. The door He had no way to stop the automatic ing moved. Her permitted himself slammed down behind the party. countdown. It didn't matter. But marginal hearing and awareness of he had never thought events would Quebo met Vik's gaze. He sneer- body position. ever get this far out of control. ed. "The great Masil." His mouth was dry. He was taken from his tree. A Vik began to damp all the sur- covered cart. Another room. Lying Singita completed cutting free face -and near-surface nerves below on his back. A long silence. the handful of Vik's dyed, treated the neck. He said laboriously, hair. He put it into a leather "You're clever. But you put too pouch. much dungo juice into her tooth. I can only move my head. I can't Quebo said, "Ndola is still CHAPTER FOUR feel a thing." hoping. He hasn't much time, so he believes in a myth." He surfaced his awareness: acute "So much the better, if true." hearing first. Footsteps on stone, Quebo ordered Singida, "Make sure." "Where is he?" soldier voices. Grumbling lions. Singida hesitated a second, then "At the site of his tomb. Sup- A rat scuttling close by. came forward. Sweat sheened his ervising its construction. Dying glo- Then smell: mustiness. . .straw? fat, round face. He blinked too emperors always think of their A urine-shit smell. The faint, often. He said, "There should be ry." soured aroma of his own sensation..." He took a bone needle body lotion. Vik slowly let his bladder go. from a flat case in his bag and Sight: he opened his eyes a Urine splashed down between the vine abruptly jabbed Vik's thigh wound crack. Dim. ..a stone ceiling. latticework of the crude bed to the through the bandage. Rough cut stone walls. A small straw- littered stone floor. square gap that leaked daylight. Vik shook his head. His body 'Singida recoiled. Quebo laugh- He was in a in didn't even quiver. He felt the cell the palace army ed. The guards relaxed even more. prison. He wasn't surprised. penetration but no pain. Peripher- Two of them slid their blades into ally, he watched Quebo and studied Sensation: the Zizu had worn their scabbards . Vik knew he could the tense guards. off, the beetle drug paralysis had kill them all now, in four or five almost gone. Pain from his thigh Singida jabbed Vik's sack. No seconds at most. But he wasn't wound, from his bitten organ and response. Suddenly he stabbed the sure it was the best move; there from the half dozen or so spear and side of Vik's neck. Vik gasped and would be other locked doors in the knife pricks. He danped the injur- violently jerked his head. The building. ed nerves. rest of his body lay as if dead. His mouth began to taste brassy. He said, "My associates will take He was naked, lying on a too- 89 steps to get me out." " " "

Quebo kicked some dirty straw stone, wood, flesh and bone. A fine The one with the spurting neck art- toward the rivulet of urine creeping rain of grit settled from the ceil- ery had slumped to the floor. His across the floor. "Caiundo is under ing. Quebo, Singida, and the hand uselessly covered the flowing, arrest, along with your other as- guards were disconcerted. surging wound. He watched, dull- sistants in the Ministry. My staff eyed with shock, as Vik took up Que- One guard, sword unsheathed, has taken over." bo 's dagger and plunged the curved alert, stood close by the head of blade into his chest beneath the Vik asked, "Why did you attack?" the bed. A second guard stood un- sternum to his heart. easily by the closed door. He was — "Doctor Singida found your body lean and nervous. The third guard, The third guard was strangling amazingly youthful for your age, sword sheathed, stood alone in the on his own blood. The dagger found and so Ndola " back comer of the ceil, near the his heart, too. Singida said quickly, smugly, tiny window. Singida was unarmed. Quebo watched with fear and "Skin. . .body fat. The fingernails. Quebo wore a ceremonial dagger with hatred. Upper lip. The body hair pattern--" his robe of office. It Was now or never. dead Quebo cut him off. "And Chen Vik stripped the largest guard of his tunic and sandals. Li. She knew men, old and young, Vik exploded into action! tight fit. in special ways. Blindfolded, in a They were a One powerful, vicious kick sent totally dark room, she could tell Singida sprawling into the guard in He checked his thigh wound. an old man's stem and sack from a the far comer. The Jop tree adhesive membrane had young man's. We tested her. She held. There was no blood. The was to drug you and signal if she In a split second Vik was up and wound ached through his nerve- dead- was convinced you were not really, turning, reaching for the most dang- ening mind- set, but he could func- an old man." erous guard whose naked sword was tion. coming up. With a stiff, ruthless, "The Zizu makes any man young." two- fingered jab he ruptured the He pointed at Singida. "Throw "Zizu aside, she wasn't fooled." man's eyes. me your gold pouch. Put your rings pendant in the pouch." "I want to see Ndola!" Vik roared terrifyingly for ef- and fect as he seized the sword and sim- The terrified physician complied "You probably will. I think ultaneously shoved the man at the hurriedly. you're a young man posing as Masil. door off balance. He whipped the I think you and your organization blade around and slashed deep into Vik looked to Quebo. "Tou, too!" killed the real Masil some years the side of that guard's neck. The ago and... Well, we'll find out from severed artery spurted blood toward Quebo bit back words and con- you all we want to know. And if by the ceiling. temptuously stripped his fingers of chance you are Kun-Zar and can live diamond and jade rings. His stuff- forever. . .then naturally we'll want Both guards were screaming. ed these and his heavy gold rank that secret — Quebo bellowed and struggled with chamois the golden scabbard fastener that necklace into the ornate "I am not Kun-Zar!” from his cloth- retained his dagger. pouch he extracted ing. He threw the pouch to the " before we kill you.” — Vik went for the third elite floor at Vik's feet. In the back of his mind Vik had guard, who was barely on his feet been counting seconds, since the after Singida had crashed into him. Vik smiled at the gesture and pulsing signal in his finger. Vik's bloody sword pierced his easily picked up the bag. He tied throat. Vik twisted and pulled it Quebo shrugged. "We'll find the pouches to the pocket sewn into free. The man collapsed, gurgling out. I have teams searching your the inside of the tight uniform. horribly. tree, inch by inch. And after Sin- The bags bulged his groin even fur- gida— Quebo had freed his dagger. Vik ther. expertly hacked, parting the thumb The stone floor heaved sharply Men carried their wealth against tendon. The dagger fell to the dir- and settled back, groaning. The their loins; the constant touch of ty, bloody straw and Quebo went to stone building crackled massively. their money sack against their gen- his knees, clutching his hand. Chips and dust sifted down from the itals was reassuring, a symbolic walls and ceiling. Vik stood alert among the bodies association, and as a practical mat- and the screams. He waited for the ter made theft very difficult. Everyone cringed and looked up heavy, killed-wood door of the cell at the slightly buckled beams and to rise and for more guards to ent- surrounding stonework. er. Vik moved to Quebo, towering ov- There was shouting outside. er him. "Order the door up!" It was what he wanted. Lions coughed. "No. They have orders. If But he heard and bolts Quebo cursed. "We never have more pegs something like this happened— und- ! slide into place. An eye appeared earthquakes er no circumstances. Even if I try at the peephole. Cursing, he lung- to countermand those orders from in- A strange, unfamiliar, stom- ed and sent the sword point through side. Even if you torture us. The ach-roiling terror ruptured Vik's the hole. It scraped into bone and door will never go up." composure for an instant. He really brought an agonized shriek. felt vulnerable now. He hadn't Vik believed him, but lifted He yanked the sw?ord free and this bad a situation for six Quebo roughly to his feet and shov- been in spun around. Quebo was still on And this time it ed him to the door. "Try, anyway." hundred years. his knees. Singida simply cowered end. He desperately He held Quebo 's slashed hand in a could be the and mewed with terror. wanted to keep on living! tightening vice grip. Vik quickly and precisely kill- rumbling thunder of a Quebo panted with the excruciat- Then the ed the writhing, blinded guard. distant explosion filled the cell ing pain. He croaked, "Let us out ! %' The deep reverberation penetrated 90 I'm wounded . I order the door up!" — a

An eye came briefly to the peep- The fat black man screamed, "I Quebo as a shield. He edged out of hole. "We cannot, sir." have to come out first! Don't kill the alcove and, with his back to the " me! " He sobbed and plunged through stone corridor wall, moved I command it!" sideways the cell doorway. to the right, to inspect the two cells there. There could be a nas- There was a hesitation. The Nothing happened. outside guard said, "You ordered..." ty surprise set up by that tough They heard Singida flee hysteri- squad leader. Vik had learned to Vik he a chance. knew had He cally up the stone steps at the end never underestimate such men. tightened his grip Quebo's on wound- of the. short corridor. ed hand. The right alcoves and cells were empty. Still using Quebo as a " "Now our turn." Vik kept low I command it!" behind Quebo's short, solid body. shield, Vik inspected the remaining Another, longer pause. The He stopped Quebo as they moved cells to the left of his own. Empty. guards had to be oging through an through the inset cell doorway. The Apparently all the prisoners had agony of indecision massive stone frame for the door was been moved to allow full concentra- very good protection. tion— on this floor— on the great Vik took a deep, calming breath. Masil. "Listen, out there. If this door is Vik angled his head forward for not lifted immediately, I will cut a split-second look up and down the Vik asked, "Any prisoners below?" off Defense Minister Quebo's sack. stone corridor. "Two. Revolutionaries from Zaka And that is all I will do. Your He spotted a minute movement— province." commander of the armies will be a swiftly moved part of a face — in "If there are soldiers down there woman. The armies will not follow one of the other cell door alcoves. him. waiting to rush me, your death \rill He will be shamed beyond The stairs were to the left. The shame. come first." And it will be your fault for stairwell continued down, too. not obeying his order now. Consid- There was a terrible, rat- infested Quebo said, "Let me live. I'll er what he will have done to you set of unlighted dungeons below. help you escape." afterwards ." They were death cells. "Call them up." Again a " Vik signaled Quebo with Vik whispered to Quebo, Now cruel the Quebo shouted down into the pressure on deeply cut tell them what to do!" hand. torch- flickering darkness of the stairwell. There was no answer. No " Quebo swallowed past the steady, Quebo responded, I command, ov - keen-edged knife at his throat. sound— except faintly, the shriek- er all previous conmands, that this " ing of a man, perhaps now mad. Soldiers ! Guards ! I command you door be lifted!" His face had pal- all to go up the stairs! Now! Now!" ed. Sweat glistened. He spoke Vik tied Quebo hand and foot, through gritted teeth. A squad leader stepped from a using stripd of Quebo's silk tunic. cell alcove to the right of Vik's Then he stuffed a wad of silk into There scurrying, whisper- was a cell. He was tall and battle scarr- Quebo's mouth and tied a gag strip ed messages, then a different, deep- ed. He paced slowly toward Vik and tight. er-voiced, confident guard re- more Quebo, his black eyes shrewdly tak- plied, Quebo didn't mind. This meant "It will be as you command." ing in the status of his commander he would live. The pegs were withdrawn, the and Vik's position and posture. The ironwood bars unslotted. The mas- rock- steady knife. Vik squatted beside him. "Try sive, to keep Ndola from ruining this civ- counterweighted door began The soldier's eyes locked with inching upward. ilization before he dies. I want Vik's for a second. Then he contin- you to succeed him. Fight the whit- Vik moved behind Quebo and mo- ued on, waving soldiers from the re- es hard! Slaughter them! They're tioned Singida forward. The physi- cessed cell doorways. "We go up." nothing but superstitious savages cian was quivering. He thought that was the only ex- now. Realize that you need the uni- "When the door is fully lifted, it. Would Masil then come up the versities. You need the libraries you go out first." stairs with Quebo and demand the and the museums. Don't be too building empty, and then... greedy. Don't be too quick to im- "They'll kill me!" pose your imperial whims. Try to But Vik had helped design the Vik grinned. think beyond your belly, your pole "Not likely. But palace system, and had hundreds of better you than me." He held — and your gold pouch." Que- years before — studied the plans for bo's cut hand in a powerful grip and the military jail. He had posed as Quebo nodded, eyes smiling. said softly, "We will see what hap- a skilled-grade construction worker, pens to Singida. Then, with me Vik snorted cynically. He roll- then. One of thousands of big Nubi- right behind you, holding you like ed Quebo onto his stomach and ex- ans who had been recruited for the this, with your knife in my hand at pertly brought the edge of his left great effort of skilled building as your throat, we will move slowly hand down hard to the top of the out- the incredible, giant trees leaped side. We will see what there man's neck. Quebo slumped into un- is to upward in their programmed initial see, and then you will consciousness. order all the years of amazing growth. guards on this level and from the Vik stood, and with sword and level below up the stairs." When all the soldiers had troop- dagger ready, crept silently down Quebo nodded, still gasping with ed up the stairs, Vik shouted to the stairs to the death level. pain. Flowing blood from his slash- them, "SHUT THE DOOR UP THERE!" There were no soldiers. Two ed thumb stained the back of his The door rumbled shut, sending glowleafs cast a thin green radiance expensive tunic. echoes off the stone walls. Silence. along the short, bare corridor. There were four cells. Their doors The heavy door was up. There was Quebo asked, "Will you kill me?" the sound of guards moving away. were blocks of stone with a small "Maybe." He continued to use hole through which scraps of food Vik motioned the trembling Sin- and rotten fruit were tossed. The gida forward. 91 prisoner in a death cell ate with . . ' . — . . fingers, licked the stone floor ed the stone section down. He fitt- near the hole for every last bit of ed it into place over his head. I HEAR VOICES... food or moisture, and defecated and He was hunched in total dark- urinated into a hole that dropped ness. Insects crawled on him. He BY THE EDITOR through gaps in stone blocks to the found the next lower foot hole in huge main sewer leading to the Con- the vertical stone passage. go. GWI LAN'S HARP and INTRACCM He fought his way down to the Read By The Author, Ursula K. Rats often scrabbled up the awful city's main sewer. Le Guin holes to fight for the food, and Caedmon TC 1556, $7.98 often were torn to bits and eaten TO BE raw by desperate, insane prisoners. CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE I was pleasantly surprised by ********************* *** ************ Ursula K. Le Guin's talents as a The creatures in two of the dramatic reader. In the liner notes cells heard Vik. They set up a she says she has the voice of an wailing, pleading, desperate cry for This adolescent frog, but I think it is water . . Publication. more mature than that . . . She ' s very Vik ignored them. He had at most good as a reader of her work, and another two or three minutes before remarkably versatile. The perform- Quebo regained consciousness and ance she puts on in rendering "Intra- could possibly hear him in the lower com" using five intonations and level three regional accents is fascinat- ing and convincing. Vik wanted Quebo and Ndola to Her rendering of her "Gwilan's search for an escape passage nearer Harp" is of professional calibre. the surface. He needed that extra Her liner notes are a delight time. as she gives an idea of how she re- He crept behind the stairs and acted to the recording studio. felt in the green- tinged darkness Recommended for the grooves of a stone trapdoor. The floor in this comer was covered is Available in Ray Bradbury's THE MARTIAN CHRONI- with decades perhaps hundreds of — CLES- --THERE WILL COME SOFT RAINS/ years of grit. MICROFORM — USHER II. Read By Leonard Nimoy.

He found the angled finger grip For Complete Information Caedmon TC 1466, $7.98 holes, worked his fingers deep WRITE : These are two of Ray's early, through the accumulated dirt, strad- University classic stories, and they will live dled the square of stone, and sucked Microfilms in our literature for a long, long air for the effort of lifting the Internationa! time. The story of the future auto- six- inch thick section. Dept. F.A. Dept. F.A. mated house still functioning after Vik grunted— lifted— exerted 300 North Zeeb Road 1 8 Bedford Row an atomic attack in which its owners Ann Arbor, Ml 48106 London, WC1 R 4EJ more power.... The stone refused U.S.A. England were killed (seared to silhouettes to move. The dirt and grit had form- against the outside of the house) is *********************************** ed a seal — a glue — in the seams. a joy to read for its style and word play, and even more of a joy to hear Vik hunched lower, set himself U LETTER FROM PATRICIA MATHEWS as Nimoy 's marvelous voice — highly again, dug in his fingers, and put February, 1978 trained, skilled takes you through everything he had into one massive — the day . . . through the terrible fire surge of power . Sweat popped on his 'Two out of three SFRs have con- "Usher II", the story of a weal- forehead, on his belly, on his back. tained a complaint/query about "the thy man's revenge — on Mars — against earnest young Radcliffe Again! girid' in the some of a realist society which has publisher's office. outlawed fantasy, is everything you Again ! His thigh ached badly. "Look, they are "girls" because could ask. Nimoy obviously enjoyed The stone moved. It grated as for years job counselors have told himself and relished the stories. he tilted it up on its side. girls that if they are willing to Recommended. start as secretaries A terrible stench flowed up from they could have careers in publishing. They wanted - -THE BANQUET SCENE Read By The the black hole. There was a faint careers. Q.E.D. Author, . sound of water. Caedmon TC 1555, $7.98 'Where are their male counter- Vik closed his eyes in concen- parts, you mean? In business, cal- It may be that Frank Herbert's tration for a few seconds and auto- ling themselves sales writing style doesn't lend itself to hypnotised himself not to notice the reps, junior executives, management dramatic reading too well. He writ- sickening smell. trainees I've met most of these turkeys. Ar- es a prose full of asides and densi- The interior of the hole was rogant ones, in many cases. "Ear- ty... and this scene is long, some- spiderwebbed with filiments of root nest" is a one-down position, which what involved and for best under- systems. There were nests. There is why the channeled Cliffies exhib- standing requires a reading of the were small things that moved and it it. scene- -the book! — before hearing. Too, Frank Herbert is not a pro- scuttled. 'I'll take your Cliffies if you fessional reader. His voice too take my — Vik lowered himself slowly into turkeys. high, and he becomes melodramat- the hole, kicking to clear away the ic, strains his voice too much. clogging network of roots and other ((Err, thanks, but I decline He speaks clearly, but... I constant- things ownership, coming or going.)) ly wished someone more suitable had His toes found an inset step. ************************************ done the reading. Then another. He squatted and tipp- 92 ************************************ - . . THE HUMAN HOTLINE SPOTLIGHT Featured Author: Jerry Pournelle

ft LUCIFER'S HAFMER (with Larry S-F NEWS Niven) is in its 4th printing. Rights to the paperback have been BY ELTON T. ELLIOTT sold to Fawcett for 1/4 of a million It'll most likely be marketed as a mainstream novel.

ft EXILES OF GLORY was one of the books left in limbo when Laser fold- Coming in June from the same problematical as some was done by ft ed. Ace now will publish it. people that brought you Isaac Asim- other publishers. Poul Anderson ov's SF Magazine; ‘a new magazine- will be doing one more short, pos-

ISAAC ASIMOV'S SCIENCE FICTION AD- sibly full-length, novel in the ser- ft His two Laser books, BIRTH OF VENTURES. The first issue will have ies. However, the novel won't be FIRE and WEST OF HONOR, have been a Poul Anderson story with illustra- done for a while. purchased by Ace. tions by . The for- Kathleen Sky is working on a mat is 8 1/2 x 11. More info in the ft ft OATH OF FEALTY (with Larry Ni- Late News Reports. STAR TREK novel entitled VULCAN! ven) is being completed. It is set She is also working on a massive 1200 in the near future and deals with

ft Penthouse Publications is pre- page tome called SHALOM, which will a new design for a city and that paring a new science fiction maga- have 5 major sections and will cover cities' conflict with the surround- zine for December '78 release. Word 500 years. The five sections will ing urban areas. It's set in Los rates are reportedly double what the be called Genesis, Exodus, Leviti- Angeles current SF magazines offer. cus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Kath- leen Sky refers to it as "The Jew- ft He will have an article in the

ft SPECULATIVE POETRY REVIEW #2 ish Dune". first issue of DESTINIES, the new will be out soon with poetry by Le- paperback magazine from Ace, but

Guin, Tiptree, Bishop, Brunner, ft Gordon Ekland and Gregory Ben- has no plans to make it a column. Wolfe, Lafferty, Benford, Disch am- ford will have a novel out in late 1978 entitled THE MAN WITH A MIL- ong others. This info courtesy of ft Speaking of columns, the GALAXY SFR editor, Bob Frazier. LION FACES. is also column will not change. working on the LORD TEDRIC series, (E.E. Smith Adaptations) ft PERSONAL COMPUTING magazine is ft MERCENARY from Pocket Books is actively looking for Science Fiction in its 4th printing. 200,000 copies dealing with computers. Manuscripts ft Randall Garrett is working on in print. (up to about 5,000 words) should be more Lord Darcy stories. He also is working on something he calls MY OWN sent to Fiction Editor, PERSONAL COM- ft The J. Wade Curtis spy adven- PUTING, 1050 Commonwealth Avenue, PERSONAL BOOK OF REVELATIONS. ture novels are being reissued un- Boston, MA, 02215. This news item der Jerry Pournelle 's name by Berk- supplied by Don Wood of the PC Edi- ft Stephen Goldin will have a nov- ley. Dr. Pournelle has no plans to torial Staff. el from Fawcett, MINDFLIGHT, out use the J. Wade Curtis a- this summer. Also done is a STAR gain. # DANCERS IN THE AFTERGLOW by TREK novel from Bantam. TREK TO MADWORLD is the tentative title. Jack L. Chalker will be out from Del ft For the first time GALAXY has Rey in August. THE IDENTITY MATRIX paid him up. They even paid on ac- will be out from Berkley/Putnam in ft Michael Moorcock will have a ceptance for his serial (Sept-Oct) February, '79. Additionally there book coming from Avon titled GLORI- EXILES OF GLORY. will be 3 WELL OF SOULS sequels from ANA. He's also working on a 150,000 Del Rey. The second book is so large word-novel entitled MRS. CORNELIUS that Del Rey will publish it in two BETWEEN THE WARS. volumes, November this year (as EX-

ILES OF THE WELL OF SOULS) and Feb/ ft Scheduled Daw releases : Kate Wilhelm is working on a March, '79 for #3 in the series ft JUNE : new novel. (tentatively titled THE WARS OF THE STORM QUEEN-Marion Zimmer Bradley WELL) which will have maps and ap- , WIZARD OF ZOO- Lin Carter pendices and an intro telling how STAR WINDS-Barrington J. Bayley the well was created (on a vacation) TO KEEP THE SHIP- A.Betram Chandler is there A Youuq- in Washington state. Nathan Brazil JULY: GtEmtle/vw here will not appear in #2§3, but will be PURSUE THE SCREAMING-Anson Diebell WHO FITS THIS LP5-? back in the finale, where his name BEST HORROR STORIES VI-Gerald W. Page will be as well. the title Total THE ISLAND SNATCHERS- George H. Smith wordage 4-500,000. INCIDENT OF ATH-E.C. Tubb He's currently writing full time and working on a Sherlock Hol- ft Alex Schomburg will have 2 F§SF mes set in Arizona. covers in 1978. He also has done a cover for a new series of

ft Ace will be reissuing as much ANALOG novels, plus of the Flandry series as possible, several illustrations in with some rewriting by Poul Ander- ASIMOV'S SF MAGAZINE and son of the earlier stories. How- the aforementioned ASI- ever, whether they'll get all of MOV'S SF ADVENTURES. the Flandry stories together is 93 Damon Knight is currently writ- by passing their hand over it, they ft ALIEN THOUGHTS CONTINUED FROM P, 7A ing two ahort stories. Neither of could tell that it was trash. That them are SF. seemed to be the level of their criticism. publish the first ft Baronet will 3-28-78 Lousy news from George War- What about those authors that books in the ANALOG Books line in SFR: ren in a letter that follows . Also May. announced they were leaving SF be- some awards news from Jon Harvey, cause "trash" like Perry Rhodan was and the Final Ballot listings from outselling everything else (presum- ft Ben Bova has written a novel Iguanacon. And if possible a couple entitled COLONY about the first LS ably their own material) and would small letters. colony; it will be released by Pock- leave no room for "serious writing". I'm happy, of course, to be on etbooks in July as their lead book the final ballot again. But the for the month. It is not going to ACKERMAN: It would appear that they grim reaper is taking the edge off be marketed as SF. He also has a were wrong. Perry Rhodan has at- happiness at the moment. prequel to MILLENIUM entitled KINS- tracted an enthusiastic reaction MAN, due from Dell. all over the world from Turkey to Japan, from France to the Indian Oc- ean. It has in some cases taken on Jeffrey A. Carver has a novel ft the aspects of a cult; I know of # LETTER FROM GEORGE WARREN from Dell, STAR RIGGER'S WAY, due one couple that named their baby in September. He has also sold Dell March 24, 1978 Perry Rhodan. another novel, PANGLOR, and is writ- ' Leigh Brackett died the other ing full time now. (This interview will be concluded day of cancer at Lancaster Community in SFR #26, where we also hope to Hospital at the age of 60, shortly have some word from Jim Baen on the after finishing the first draft of Perry Rhodan situation, and other the STAR WARS sequel script. Burial matters at Ace.) will be in Kinsman in the family plot. You probably know her list INTERVIEW WITH FORREST J. ACKERMAN of credits better than I do; but did you know she won the SPUR award from the WWA in '63 for her novel (FOLLOW THE FREE WIND) about the black moun- SFR: Now that Ace has discontinued A FEW CONCLUDING WORDS tain man Jim Beckwourth? the Perry Rhodan series, what will 'When Ed Hamilton died a while happen to it? I've heard that you I'd like to take this space to back I kicked myself in the for are considering going to a subscrip- say thanks to all the people who ass tion only plan? have sent cards and letters volun- never writing to him, ever, to let teering information and asking ques- him know how much he had enriched my own fantasy life (which is the ACKERMAN: Well, it's a very com- tions. I also would like to thank . thing that fiction writing ev- plicated situation. has those who have .responded to my in- only er has any right to do) through my refused to tell the German publisher quiries . Arthur Moewig Verlag, that they've boyhood. And I wrote to Brackett On the unpleasant side of life: her for her own contribu- decided to quit the series. thanking On February 9, 1978, my best friend, tion to my early life. One of my Wally Dale, died at the age of 20 small treasures is the lady's grac- SFR: Why? of a heart attack. And the sad thing ious answer. I think one might have is that most of the world never knew They say they are consid- liked her. ACKERMAN: him. He was the finest, kindest hu- ering their options, whatever that man being I've ever known. He was 'We fuck around and never get a- means. At least that's what they one of those rare humans who liked round to expressing appreciation to wrote in a letter in response to my and was liked by everybody. And now people for the things they have done query. that pleased us, and the next thing he's gone and it's not fair. I wish you could've met him. He was my you know they are dead on us and we SFR: What's going to happen now? have missed our chance. I went and best friend and I loved him. let Harry Partch--the finest cranky Well, ACKERMAN: the German publish- — Elton Elliott composer of the century, an absolute ers got hold of the January ' 78 Rho- dead end in music but the most charm- ************************************ dan novel and immediately wrote Ace ing musical cul-de-sac one could pos- asking what is going on, Ace didn't sibly hope to explore--die on me a- even send them copies of the last bout ten miles from where I lived, few issues. If this impasse remains and I never took up on the chance and a decision has to be reached by to meet , whom I April the first on this, we will think I would have loved like a fath- probably have to tear up the thous- er. I have made up my mind that I ands of subscription checks that am going to let folks know that I people have sent in. A letter is like them from now on. I am not going out to our subscribers on March getting any goddam younger myself. 16, asking their feelings on the One of these days I am going to take matter. my battered old copy of KING OF PAR- IS and see if I can get it autograph- SFR: What are your feelings concern- ed by Guy Endore; it is the most ing the reactions of SF fan-and-pro- charming historical novel (or is it dom to Perry Rhodan? a biography?) of our time, and a literary tour de force of staggering ACKERMAN:' I assumed from the start dimensions- -a biography of Dumas wr- 94 that they'd sneer. It seemed that itten in the style of Dumas, and as . , . . exciting as THE COUNT OF MONTE CRIS- a Harlan Ellison story? I hope you Best Amateur Magazine: DON-O-SAUR. TO in its way. are pleased. #Marvel had a complete JANUS. sweep of the Comics category.' LOCUS. ' Do you remember a Boucher short MAYA. --published in the very first issue ( (Yes, I am pleased. Also croggled, SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW. of F§SF--called "The Anomaly of the since I consider "One Immortal Man"

Empty Man"? I don't have any idea science fiction, not fantasy.)) Best Fan Writer : Charles Brown. why this was never picked up for the Don D'Ammassa. anthologies (the mystery ones, not Richard E. Geis. the sf ones); it is in its own way # Ron Goulart says, "I agree with Don C. Thompson. as arresting as A STUDY IN SCARLET, you it's about time I did a big im- Susan Wood. and the Dr. Vernet character might portant novel. Maybe this year." have made a superb series character Best Fan Artist : Grant Canfield. --surely he was a lot more interest- Phil Foglio. ing than Dr. Fell or Wimsey or Vance # Final Hugo Ballot for 1977 Achieve- Alexis Gilliland. and allowed Boucher for once to de- ments. Jeanne Gommol. ploy on a story his truly amazing James Shull. knowledge of music...' Best Novel : THE FORBIDDEN TOWER by

Marion Zimmer Bradley. John W. Campbell Award : Orson Scott

( (Obviously Leigh had the cancer TIME STORM by Gordon R. Dickson. Card. when Ed died. You have to wonder DYING OF THE LIGHT by George R. Jack Chalker. if his death and her subsequent de- R. Martin. Stephen R. Donaldson. pression didn't hurry events along. LUCIFER'S HAIMIR by Larry Niven Elizabeth A. Lynn. I'm glad she could complete the 8 Jerry Poumelle. Bruce Sterling. first draft of the STAR WARS sequel by . The Gandalf Awards : script; I hope the final , shooting Best Novella : "A Snark in the Night" Grand Master of Fantasy : script retains enough her vision of by Gregory Benford. Poul Anderson. and be a kind capstone form to of "The Wonderful Secret" by Keith Ray Bradbury. a tribute, to her life and skills Laumer. Ursula K. Le Guin. and beliefs.)) "Aztecs" by Vonda McIntyre. Michael Moorcock. "Stardance" by Jeanne § Spider Roger Zelazny. Robinson. Book- length Fantasy : A SPELL FOR # JON HARVEY REPORTS: "In the Hall of the Martian CHAMELEON by Piers Anthony. The British Fantasy Awards, 1977 Kings" by John Varley. LORD FOUL'S BANE by Stephen

Novels : SPELL A FOR CHAMELEON Best Novelette : "Ender's Game" by R. Donaldson. by Piers Anthony. . THE SHINING by . 2. "Prismatica" by Samuel Delany. OUR LADY OF DARKNESS by by Fritz Leiber. "The Ninth Symphony of Ludwig Fritz Leiber. 3. MY LORD BARBARIAN van Beethoven and Other Lost THE SILMARILLION by J.R.R. Tol- by Andrew J. Offutt. Songs" by Carter Scholz. kien. "" by Rac- Short Stories : "In the Bag" by Ramsey Campbell. coona Sheldon. #540 nominating ballots were receiv- "Eyes of D. Vinge. 2. "The Flight of the Umbrella" Amber" by Joan ed.

by Marvin Kaye. Best Short Story : "" 'Final Ballots will be sent out 3. "The Lady of Finnigan's by Harlan Ellison. in PR #4, which should be in the Hearth" by Parke Godwin. "Lauralyn" by Randall Garrett. mails around the first of June. The "Dog Day Evening" by Spider Rob- ballots will have to be received no Films : CARRIE (Brian de Palma) inson. later than July 31 in order to be DEMON SEED (D. Cammell) SUSPIRA (Dario Argento) "Time-Sharing Angel" by James counted. Only members of Iguanacon Tiptree, Jr. will be eligible to vote in the fin- Small Press : FANTASY TALES #1 "Air Raid" by John Varley (as al balloting. Attending memberships by David Sutton § Stephen Herb Boehm) are $20. until July 1, at which time Jones they go up to $25. (also, at-the-door Best Dramatic Presentation: CLOSE 2. CHACAL #2 price) supporting memberships are ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. ; by Amie Fenner. $7. at all times. Memberships may "Blood! The Life and Future Tim- 3. DARK WORDS - GENTLE SOUNDS be purchased from Iguanacon, P.0. es of Jack the Ripper" by Robert by Jon Harvey. Box Phoenix, AZ 85001.' Bloch and Harlan Ellison. 1072, Artwork : STEPHEN FABIAN for "The . Jim Corrick End of Days" in CHACAL #2. STAR WARS. Gay Miller 2. FRANK FRAZETTA for Front WIZARDS. HUGO SUB-COMMITTEE Cover of DARK CRUSADE by Karl Edward Wagner. Best Professional Artist : Vincent Di Fate. 3. JIM PITTS for Center Spread Fabian. of WARK #9. Stephen Frank Kelly Freas. Comics : MOENCH/PLOOG for "Weird- Rick Sternbach. world" in MARVEL PREMIERE 38. . 4-4~78 Final entry. I thank all of 2. GOODWIN/STARLIN for AVENGERS you who nominated me (and Alter) and Best Professional Editor : James Baen. KING-SIZE ANNUAL #7. Ben Bova. SFR for the final Hugo ballot. 3. CLAREMONT/BYRNE for "Star- be in your hands again in Terry Carr. We'll lord" in MARVEL PREVIEW 11. late June or early July, God and the Edward L. Ferman. 'A few comments about the above: George Scithers. postal service willing. Would you believe that your story, Take care of yourselves "One ImniortaT Man" rated 5th, after 95 BACK ISSUES SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW #16 An Interview with Jerry Pournelle; THE ALIEN CRITIC "The True and Terrible History of SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW Science Fiction" by Barry Malzberg; No Other Back Issues Are Available "Noise Level" by John Brunner; "The Literary Masochist" by Richard Lupoff; "Whatever Happened to Fay $1. 25 per copy Wray?" by Michael G. Coney; "The EACH ISSUE CONTAINS MANY REVIEWS. Gimlet Eye" by Jon Gustafson; EACH ISSUE CONTAINS LETTERS FROM "Plugged In" by George Warren. WELL-KNOWN SF & FANTASY WRITERS, EDITORS, PUBLISHERS AND FANS. SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW #17 An Interview with George R. R. Mart- THE FOLLOWING LISTINGS ARE OF in; An Interview with Robert An- FEATURED CONTRIBUTIONS ton Wilson; "Philip K. Dick: A Parallax View" by Terrence M. THE ALIEN CRITIC #5 Interview Green; "Microcosmos" by R. Fara- with Fritz Leiber; "The Literary day Nelson; "Angel Fear" by Freff. Dreamers" by ; "Irvin Binkin Meets H. P. Lovecraft" by Jack Chalker. SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW #18 An In- terview with Lester del Rey; "Noise Level" by Brunner; Short THE ALIEN CRITIC #6 Interview John "A One For the Boys in the with R. A. Lafferty; "The Tren- Back Room" chant Bludgeon” by Ted White; by Barry Malzberg; An Interview with "Translations From the Editorial" Alan Burt Akers; "The Gimlet Eye" by Jon Gustafson. Marion Z. Bradley. ***BACK ISSUE ORDER FORM*** SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW #19 An In- $1.25 EACH THE ALIEN CRITIC #8 "Tomorrow's terview, with Philip K. 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