Famous Fantastic Mysteries

Famous Fantastic Mysteries: The Enchanting World of Pulp Science Fiction

Imagine a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, and every page you turn is filled with wonder and mystery. That’s what Famous Fantastic Mysteries was all about – a captivating pulp magazine that brought readers into a realm of science fiction and fantasy from 1939 to 1953.

The Birth of an Enchanting Magazine

Wasn’t it magical how Famous Fantastic Mysteries came to life? Launched by the Munsey Company, this magazine was initially a reprint of popular stories from previous magazines like Argosy. But under editor Mary Gnaedinger’s guidance, it quickly became something extraordinary.

The Art of Illustration and Storytelling

Famous Fantastic Mysteries wasn’t just about the words; it was a visual feast too. Finlay, one of its most popular artists, brought the stories to life with his intricate illustrations. The high-quality artwork contributed significantly to the magazine’s popularity, making each issue a treasure for collectors and readers alike.

A Journey Through Time

How did Famous Fantastic Mysteries evolve over its 14-year run? From being launched as a bimonthly in September 1939, it quickly transformed into a monthly publication. The page count fluctuated but remained at 128 pages for most of its life, with occasional experiments like the large digest size in 1951.

The Editorial Shift

When Famous Fantastic Mysteries changed hands to Popular Publications in 1942, it marked a significant shift. The editorial policy shifted from reprinted short fiction to book-length works and some shorter pieces that had only been published in books. This change helped the magazine maintain its relevance during wartime.

The Canadian Connection

Interestingly, Famous Fantastic Mysteries also had a presence in Canada through All Fiction Field, Inc., which began reprinting issues from February 1948 onwards. The Canadian edition was slightly longer and continued to be published until the end of the magazine’s run.

A Legacy of Great Stories

What made Famous Fantastic Mysteries so special? It featured reprints by notable authors like George Allan England, A. Merritt, and H.G. Wells, as well as original short fiction from Arthur C. Clarke, Henry Kuttner, Ray Bradbury, and C.L. Moore. The magazine’s commitment to quality content ensured that it remained a favorite among science fiction enthusiasts.

Notable Contributions

Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘Guardian Angel,’ which appeared in the April 1950 issue, was later turned into the first section of his novel Childhood’s End. This story is just one example of how Famous Fantastic Mysteries contributed to the development of science fiction literature.

The Last Issue and Beyond

How did Famous Fantastic Mysteries come to an end? The magazine ceased publication in 1953, just before the last of the pulps. However, its legacy lived on through anthologies like Famous Fantastic Mysteries: 30 Great Tales of Fantasy and Horror, edited by Stefan R. Dziemianowicz, Robert E. Weinberg, and Martin H. Greenberg.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of science fiction history, Famous Fantastic Mysteries stands as a testament to the enduring power of imagination and storytelling. From its launch in 1939 until its final issue in 1953, it captivated readers with its blend of classic reprints and original works.