Discovering Satellite Science Fiction: A Journey Through Time
Satellite Science Fiction was more than just a magazine; it was a portal to the future, a gateway into the minds of some of the most influential science fiction authors of its time. From October 1956 until April 1959, this digest-sized publication served as a beacon for readers eager to explore the unknown realms of space and imagination.
The Birth and Growth of Satellite
Leo Margulies’ Renown Publications brought Satellite Science Fiction into existence in October 1956. Initially, it was a digest-sized magazine packed with a novel and short stories, much like a treasure chest filled with both gold and jewels. But as the years progressed, something changed. In February 1959, the format shifted to letter-size, a move that would prove to be as significant as changing the sails on a ship in the middle of an ocean voyage.
Notable Authors and Their Contributions
The magazine was home to some of the most celebrated names in science fiction. Philip K. Dick, Algis Budrys, Jack Vance, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and L. Sprague de Camp all contributed their masterpieces. It’s almost as if these authors were the stars in a constellation, each one shining brightly to guide us through the dark skies of imagination.
Tracking Down Lost Gems
Margulies went above and beyond by tracking down a previously unpublished excerpt from H.G. Wells’ ‘The Time Machine.’ It’s like finding a hidden treasure map in an old, dusty attic, leading us to places we never knew existed.
The Rise of Paperbacks
As paperbacks began to gain popularity in the mid-1950s science fiction market, Margulies saw this as an opportunity. He included novels in every issue of Satellite Science Fiction, much like adding a new chapter to a story that was already captivating readers.
Original Novels and Reprints
The magazine featured original novels such as ‘The Man From Earth’ and ‘A Glass of Darkness,’ with revised versions appearing as paperbacks later. It’s like taking an old, beloved toy and giving it a new coat of paint to make it shine even brighter.
Quality Over Quantity
While the quality declined after the first two issues, there were still notable mentions. Hal Clement’s ‘Planet for Plunder,’ J.T. McIntosh’s ‘One Million Cities,’ and Jack Vance’s ‘The Languages of Pao’ stood out like beacons in a foggy night.
Reprints and UK Novels
The magazine also featured reprints of UK novels, including John Christopher’s ‘The Year of the Comet.’ It’s as if these stories were waiting to be discovered, just like hidden messages in bottles washed ashore after a long journey.
Magazine Format and Content
Satellite Science Fiction prioritized novel-length works, leaving little space for other stories or non-fiction features. The omitted material from the magazine was reprinted in the August 1958 issue, much like a puzzle piece that finally fits into place.
Book Reviews and Letters
In February 1957, Sam Moskowitz began a book review column. Later, he revised these articles for his book ‘Explorers of the Infinite.’ In May 1959, Margulies introduced a letter column, which proved to be the last. It’s as if the magazine was saying goodbye to its readers with a final note, much like a ship setting sail on its last voyage.
Format Changes and Final Issues
The format changed at the start of 1959, dropping full-length novels and adding a ‘Department of Lost Stories.’ The June 1959 issue was never distributed but would have contained Philip José Farmer’s story ‘The Strange Birth.’ It’s like a dream that was almost realized but never fully experienced.
Satellite Science Fiction was digest-sized for the first 14 issues and letter-size for the last four. In Tymn, Marshall B.; Ashley, Mike (eds.). Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Weird Fiction Magazines. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press.
As we look back on the pages of Satellite Science Fiction, it’s clear that this magazine was more than just a collection of stories. It was a journey through time, a voyage into the unknown, and a testament to the power of imagination. In a world where science fiction continues to inspire and captivate us, Satellite Science Fiction remains a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets creativity.
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This page is based on the article Satellite Science Fiction published in Wikipedia (retrieved on November 30, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
