Astounding Science Fiction, Vol. 62, No. 6, February 1959

by John W. Campbell Jr. (Editor), Murray Leinster, Calvin M. Knox

162 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1959

About the author

John Wood Campbell, Jr. was an influential figure in American science fiction. As editor of Astounding Science Fiction (later called Analog Science Fiction and Fact), from late 1937 until his death, he is generally credited with shaping the so-called Golden Age of Science Fiction.

Isaac Asimov called Campbell "the most powerful force in science fiction ever, and for the first ten years of his editorship he dominated the field completely."

As a writer, Campbell published super-science space opera under his own name and moody, less pulpish stories as Don A. Stuart. He stopped writing fiction after he became editor of Astounding.

Known Pseudonyms/Alternate Names:

Don A. Stuart
Karl van Campen
John Campbell
J. W. C., Jr.
John W. Campbell
John Wood Campbell

Reviews

[Robert Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love the old Syfi descriptions with tubes and gear works for all the spaceships and computers.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this because of the cover illustration of a pirate with a slide rule in his mouth instead of a knife! The beginning of 'the Pirates of Ersatz' was pretty good and I will continue reading it (it is serialized).
I also enjoyed 'Hi Diddle Diddle!'. It reminds me of the problems with motivation and control of engineers by people who do not understand science and engineering challenges. Another example of how these problems have been around for along time. Sadly, this was not a story that my father marked as having read. It's interesting to experience reading some of the same stories that he read.