Scientific Detective Monthly

Scientific Detective Monthly: A Pulp Magazine of the Past

Imagine a time when detective stories and science fiction were not separate genres but intertwined in one fascinating magazine—Scientific Detective Monthly.

The Birth of a Genre-Bending Magazine

In 1930, Hugo Gernsback, the visionary behind Amazing Stories, launched his next venture: Scientific Detective Monthly. This magazine was more than just a collection of stories; it was an experiment in merging two popular genres. By asking ourselves, ‘What if science and detection were inseparable?’ Gernsback created something unique that would challenge the boundaries of storytelling.

A Unique Blend of Science and Mystery

The first issue featured tales by renowned authors like Arthur B. Reeve and S. S. Van Dine. These stories combined scientific knowledge with mystery, creating a narrative that was both educational and thrilling. Gernsback believed in the power of science to entertain while also informing his readers. He wrote an article for Writers’ Digest, explaining how ‘science’ stories could be written, predicting that these tales would shape the future of detective fiction.

The Evolution of a Title and Content

As the magazine evolved, so did its title. In June 1930, it changed to Amazing Detective Tales, only to close down with the October issue. But that wasn’t the end; Wallace Bamber took over in 1931 and produced additional issues under a new title.

The Merging of Genres

Gernsback’s initial vision was clear: Scientific Detective Monthly would feature detective stories with occasional science fiction elements. However, the magazine soon shifted focus to gadget stories about detection methods, reflecting a broader interest in technology and its applications.

The Challenges of Genre Blending

Despite Gernsback’s innovative approach, Scientific Detective Monthly faced challenges. The title change from ‘Monthly’ to ‘Tales’ and then ‘Stories’ reflected the magazine’s struggle to find its niche.

The Impact on Future Magazines

Gernsback merged Science Wonder Stories and Air Wonder Stories into Wonder Stories, citing concerns that readers might associate the magazine with science. This decision led to a change in title, but also in content, as the focus shifted away from scientific elements.

The Legacy of Gernsback’s Experiment

Gernsback sold Scientific Detective Monthly to Wallace Bamber in February 1931. Bamber continued publishing under the title Amazing Detective Stories, but the magazine struggled to appeal to fans of either genre.

A Failed Experiment?

The first few covers did not advertise author names, possibly due to existing science fiction readers’ familiarity with them, while non-fiction readers were discouraged by lurid cover artwork. The lack of sufficient fiction meant the magazine failed to attract a broad audience, ultimately considered a ‘fascinating experiment’ but unsuccessful.

Conclusion

Scientific Detective Monthly was more than just a magazine; it was an attempt to bridge two worlds and create something new. While it may not have succeeded in the long term, its legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring power of blending genres and pushing creative boundaries.