Astonishing Stories

Astonishing Stories: A Pulp Gem in the Golden Age of Sci-Fi

Imagine a world where science fiction was not just a genre but a beacon of imagination and innovation, shining brightly during the tumultuous years of World War II. Astonishing Stories, an American pulp magazine published between 1940 and 1943 by Popular Publications, was one such gem. But what made this magazine so special? Was it just another run-of-the-mill publication, or did it hold a unique place in the annals of science fiction history?

The Birth of Astonishing Stories

Frederik Pohl, a young and ambitious editor at 19 years old, was tasked with creating two new magazines: Astonishing Stories and its sister publication, Super Science Stories. The first issue of Astonishing Stories, dated February 1940, marked the beginning of a journey that would see the magazine navigate through the challenges of wartime scarcity and financial constraints.

The Budget Battle

Pohl’s budget for each issue was a mere $405, which included $275 for stories, $100 for art, and $30 for a cover. This limited budget did not deter Pohl from securing contributions from notable writers like Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein. How did he manage to pull off such feats with such meager resources? The answer lies in his shrewd management of the magazine’s finances.

Cost Cutting Measures

Pohl reduced costs by eliminating letter columns, using ads from other magazines to fill space without expense, and reusing artwork. These measures allowed him to stretch his budget further, ensuring that Astonishing Stories could still offer quality content despite the financial constraints.

The Editor’s Vision

Pohl’s vision for Astonishing Stories was clear: he wanted it to be a platform where emerging writers could hone their craft and established authors could share their visions. His first issue featured stories by John Russell Fearn and Isaac Asimov, setting the tone for what would become a respected publication in its own right.

The Editor’s Evolution

After nine issues, Pohl was replaced by Alden H. Norton but rehired as an assistant. Despite these changes, Astonishing Stories continued to publish well-received material and maintain a loyal readership. The final issue in April 1943 came about due to wartime paper shortages, marking the end of an era.

The Legacy of Astonishing Stories

While not considered one of the leading titles of its time, Astonishing Stories published some good material. Historians comment that the low pay did not significantly impact the quality of submissions, and Pohl’s efforts as an editor were recognized for their contributions to the genre.

The Training Ground

Pohl himself acknowledged mistakes but also highlighted the magazine’s role in training writers like Asimov. The first year saw stories that had been rejected elsewhere due to low pay, while later issues featured higher-quality work from well-known authors. The magazine was pulp-sized with 112 pages and a cover price of 10 cents.

International Editions

A Canadian edition appeared in January, March, May 1942, published by Popular Publications’ Toronto branch. This version ran to 96 pages and featured new paintings and interior artwork. The covers were replaced with new designs, making the Canadian edition distinct from its American counterpart.

Conclusion

Astonishing Stories may not be remembered as one of the best science fiction magazines, but it played a crucial role in nurturing talent and providing a platform for emerging writers. Its legacy lives on through the stories that were published within its pages and the impact it had on shaping the future of science fiction.