The Fantasy Fan January 1934 Read online

Page 3


  The hardest job of an editor is trying to please everyone. As this isan impossibility, all they can do is to please as many as they can.When a majority voice a suggestion, he must take it into seriousconsideration. We find that the underused plots you have mentionedhave been used quite often, except that which is not for sciencefiction, but has been overdone in weird stories.

  "I keep forgetting that each month I am going to receive a copy of_The Fantasy Fan_ so that, when it does come, it is such a pleasantsurprise. As a regular feature, I enjoy Bob Tucker's report on theEnglish stf magazines best of all. 'How to Write a Stf Story' was _so_funny."--Forrest J. Ackerman

  "The November TFF is decidedly improving and I look forward to futureissues with much interest. I wonder how many collectors there are thatcan discriminate between the trash that seems popular and the best inFantasy?"--R. H. Barlow

  "The November issue of TFF was magnificent! What got the cake was 'Howto Write a Stf Story' by Hoy Ping Pong. By the way, Editor, who isthis Hoy Ping Pong? Anyway, regardless of who he is, he seems to behumorously inclined, so let's have more from him. No periodical isexactly good without a touch of humor."--Ted H. Lutwin

  There's no use in concealing the identity Hoy Ping Pong. It is noneother than Bob Tucker, author of the English science fiction series,and more Hoy Ping Pong articles to come.

  "I liked the November issue very much and hope you'll publish more ofSmith's poetry."--Robert E. Howard

  "I was certainly disappointed to hear that the _Necronomicon_, _Bookof Eibon_, and the _Nameless Cults_ had no existence except in thefertile imaginations of Lovecraft, Smith, and Howard. That's notillusion of reality. Anyone could quote books and authors that neverexisted. To me, it is plain fabrication. According to Joseph McCabe,the monks of the middle ages were adepts at it. I must say, however,that it was quite a help in giving an illusion of reality toLovecraft's stories, and Smith's. It won't be now, though, because thecat is out of the bag. But what about 'Yog Sothoth' and 'Sattaquo' and'Thule.' Surely, there must be a legend of some sort to account forthem, or does their ancientness go no farther than 1924? Were theyborn about the same time as _Weird Tales_? I notice that the Illusionof reality has much more force at night than in the daytime."--Carl J.Smith

  It is only an A-1 author that can make you believe that a thing existswhen it really doesn't. Perhaps the cat is out of the bag, at you say,but we don't believe that it detracts from Smith's, Lovecraft's, orHoward's stories one bit. However, weird fans will probably not besatisfied until the aforesaid "fabricators" write up the books _intoto_ that they have created in their minds. Smith is now workingon a chapter of "The Book of Eibon."

  "I was pleased to receive your clever little 'Fantasy Fan' andconsider it highly entertaining and useful and well worth the dollar Ienclose for a year's subscription. From time to time I noticed in thereader's columns the uprise of little pamphlets, but never gave themserious thought. This one you have sent me startled me intoappreciating that the fantasy fans are an energetic lot.

  "My eulogies and praises to the incomparable Clark Ashton Smith forhis 'Kingdom of the Worm.' He has the magic of words that makes greatwriters. We like to honor the memory of Poe as the father of the shortstory and the fantastic type of fiction, but Smith surpasses him.

  "Enclosed you will find a little story of mine that I tender yougratis--let us say as a Christmas present, for use in TFF. I wrote iton the spur of the moment one day, as the idea popped into my mind andrefused to depart."--Eando Binder

  We thank Mr. Binder, an author of note, for his excellent story. Itwill appear in an early issue of TFF. The theme used is a brand newone, and we believe will make a big hit with all lovers of weirdfiction.

  "The November issue was a gem all the way through, and I am certainlylearning a lot of facts about fantastic fiction that are quite new tome. It answers numerous questions that I have had in mind for a longtime. I think the comments by the readers constitute a most absorbingpart of your magazine, especially when they are by contributors andold fans that know the 'ropes' well. Understand that I am acomparative beginner in the absorbing game of chasing fantasticliterature. It is quite noticeable that the trend is turning even moretoward the fantastic than the pure science fiction, which, it wouldseen, has been on the wane for some time. I am not a science fictioncrank, however, and have several good tales in my collection. They arenot interplanetary, though, but ones approaching closer to thefantastic.

  "The poem by Clark Ashton Smith was enormous; yet, more than that. Ido not think one could describe it. 'The Other Gods' by H. P.Lovecraft added just the right atmosphere to TFF. The mention ofUlthar in this story recalled a story by the same author named 'TheCats of Ulthar.'

  "As Mr. Ackerman's collection continues to pile up, it seems that inspite of mania to judge literature, he certainly does a thing up rightwhen he starts.

  "The discovery that the now famous book 'Necronomicon' is entirelyfictitious was a considerable shock. Too bad that such a volume is notavailable to all lovers of fiction pertaining to the black arts andkindred subjects. I had even thought seriously of sending to the StateCollege Library in quest of a copy in English! I wondered at the timeif it had yet been translated. Why not have Lovecraft write such abook? I am sure it would sell well. I enjoy reading the denouncementof Mr. Ackerman."--Duane W. Rime

  As Dr. Keller says, it doesn't matter whether a reader praises Forrestor condemns him, so long as they say _something_. We, also, were onthe verge of sending someplace for the _Necronomicon_ in English.

  "Lovecraft's 'The Other Gods' and 'Supernatural Horror in Literature'are a treat for which I am sure every reader is grateful. 'True GhostStories' is very well presented and Barlow's 'Annals of the Jinns'very capably upholds fantastic lore. Smith's 'The Kingdom of the Worm'recalled to my mind Donald Wandrei's 'The Worm King', a poem whichI read in _Weird Tales_ years ago. While different in essence oftone, these two carry the same eery quality. Although your variousdepartments have not yet swung into full stride, great promise isindicated.

  "I have a suggestion for Mr. Tucker. If his English connection willsupply him with sufficient information, a column or so on ArthurMachen and Algernon Blackwood might introduce two very worthy writersof weird tales to your readers."--Chester D. Cuthbert

  We have on hand for early publication, several articles on the worksof the great writers of the past. Watch for them. To our readers: Howdid you like Mr. Cuthbert's story "The Sublime Vigil" in the February1934 issue of _Wonder Stories_? Watch his progress! We predict that inless than one year he will be one of your favorite authors.

  "Glad to see the December issue. All the stories art excellent and thedepartments are as interesting as usual."--H. P. Lovecraft

  "I have received the November TFF and would say that it is the mostsatisfactory issue so far. 'The Other Gods' is indeed a masterpiece ofprose poetry, filled with imaginative overtones. Barlow's secondAnnals of the Jinns is memorably touched, and the sense of atmosphereconveyed is remarkable in view of its brevity. Hoy Ping Pong's articleon how to write scientifiction is most amusing.

  "Re the origin of the word 'weird,' which you attributed to EdgarAllan Poe. I believe that Poe was perhaps the first to employ thisadjective in the modern sense of eerie or uncanny or bizarre; butyou will find it used in older writers, such as Shakespeare, witha special application to witchcraft or sorcery. The three Fatesof classic mythology were spoken of as 'the weird sisters,' andthe root-meaning of the word has reference to fate or destiny. Asa noun, it is still sometimes used in the latter sense; and it alsomeans a prediction of prophecy. The word itself is of Anglo-Saxonorigin, and is related to the old German _wurt_ and Icelandic_urdhr_."--Clark Ashton Smith

  In my filler concerning the origin of the word "weird," you willremember that I said that its meaning the bizarre originated withEdgar Allen Poe. I had in mind the other meanings as I wrote it.Undoubtedly, if Edgar Allan Poe had not used it, the word would not bepopular today.

  "I had intended to write sin
ce I received the first copy of TFF, butcircumstances made it impossible. I wish to compliment you on themagazine. It is not perfect, of course--But it is different and thatis a blessing indeed."--Louis C. Smith

  Send in your letter to "Our Readers Say," fans. We want your opinions,criticisms, and suggestions. Do you think that too much space isdevoted to this department? If so, we'll cut it down.

  ADVERTISEMENTS

  FIRST PRINT of A. Merritt's "Moon Pool." The most valuable edition ofany science fiction book. What am I offered? Ted Lutwin, 315 HendersonStreet, Jersey City, N.J.

  CLARK ASHTON SMITH presents THE DOUBLE SHADOW AND OTHER FANTASIES--abooklet containing a half-dozen imaginative and atmospherictales.--Stories of exotic beauty, glamor, terror, strangeness, ironyand satire. Price; 25 cents each, (coin or stamps). Also a smallremainder of EBONY AND CRYSTAL--a book of prose poems published at$7.00, reduced to $1.00 per copy. Everything sent postpaid. ClarkAshton Smith, Auburn, California.

  BACK NUMBERS OF THE FANTASY FAN--September, 20 cents; October,November, December, 10 cts. (Only a few Septembers left.)

  IF YOU HAVE any copies of _Weird Tales_ dated 1923-24-25-26-27, thatyou would like to part with, please communicate with the Editor.

  * * * * *

  Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been correctedwithout note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text havebeen retained as printed.

 


    Astounding Stories, March, 1931 Read onlineAstounding Stories, March, 1931Astounding Stories, February, 1931 Read onlineAstounding Stories, February, 1931Futuria Fantasia, Spring 1940 Read onlineFuturia Fantasia, Spring 1940The King's Daughter and Other Stories for Girls Read onlineThe King's Daughter and Other Stories for GirlsUncanny Tales Read onlineUncanny TalesMasters of Noir: Volume Two Read onlineMasters of Noir: Volume TwoWitty Pieces by Witty People Read onlineWitty Pieces by Witty PeopleSylvaneth Read onlineSylvanethSpace Wolves Read onlineSpace WolvesHammerhal & Other Stories Read onlineHammerhal & Other StoriesThe Fantasy Fan, March, 1934 Read onlineThe Fantasy Fan, March, 1934Astounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930Astounding Stories,  August, 1931 Read onlineAstounding Stories, August, 1931The Burden of Loyalty Read onlineThe Burden of LoyaltyReturn to Wonderland Read onlineReturn to WonderlandAnthology - A Thousand Doors Read onlineAnthology - A Thousand DoorsThe Fantasy Fan, October 1933 Read onlineThe Fantasy Fan, October 1933Astounding Stories, June, 1931 Read onlineAstounding Stories, June, 1931Southern Stories Read onlineSouthern StoriesAstounding Stories of Super-Science, May, 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science, May, 1930The Fantasy Fan December 1933 Read onlineThe Fantasy Fan December 1933Adventures in Many Lands Read onlineAdventures in Many LandsThe Fantasy Fan February 1934 Read onlineThe Fantasy Fan February 1934The Fantasy Fan November 1933 Read onlineThe Fantasy Fan November 1933Astounding Stories,  April, 1931 Read onlineAstounding Stories, April, 1931Fame and Fortune Weekly, No. 801, February 4, 1921 Read onlineFame and Fortune Weekly, No. 801, February 4, 1921Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930Astounding Stories of Super-Science January 1931 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science January 1931A Monk of Fife Read onlineA Monk of FifeAstounding Stories of Super-Science September 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science September 1930Astounding Stories of Super-Science July 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science July 1930Astounding Stories of Super-Science, June, 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science, June, 1930Astounding Stories of Super-Science, October, 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science, October, 1930Astounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930The Fantasy Fan January 1934 Read onlineThe Fantasy Fan January 1934The Fantasy Fan September 1933 Read onlineThe Fantasy Fan September 1933Astounding Stories of Super-Science February 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science February 1930Astounding Stories, May, 1931 Read onlineAstounding Stories, May, 1931Strange Stories of Colonial Days Read onlineStrange Stories of Colonial DaysGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol IX Read onlineGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol IXAstounding Stories of Super-Science, December 1930 Read onlineAstounding Stories of Super-Science, December 1930Evolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo Universe Read onlineEvolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo UniverseGood Stories Reprinted from the Ladies' Home Journal of Philadelphia Read onlineGood Stories Reprinted from the Ladies' Home Journal of PhiladelphiaDragons! Read onlineDragons!Murder Takes a Holiday Read onlineMurder Takes a HolidayLegacies of Betrayal Read onlineLegacies of BetrayalSTAR WARS: TALES FROM THE CLONE WARS Read onlineSTAR WARS: TALES FROM THE CLONE WARSStrange New Worlds 2016 Read onlineStrange New Worlds 2016Lippincott's Magazine, August, 1885 Read onlineLippincott's Magazine, August, 1885Golden Age of Science Fiction Vol X Read onlineGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol XHot Stuff Read onlineHot StuffSanta Wore Spurs Read onlineSanta Wore SpursParanormal Erotica Read onlineParanormal EroticaTangled Hearts: A Menage Collection Read onlineTangled Hearts: A Menage CollectionSweet Tea and Jesus Shoes Read onlineSweet Tea and Jesus ShoesThe Journey Prize Stories 25 Read onlineThe Journey Prize Stories 25Wild Western Tales 2: 101 Classic Western Stories Vol. 2 (Civitas Library Classics) Read onlineWild Western Tales 2: 101 Classic Western Stories Vol. 2 (Civitas Library Classics)(5/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume V: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories Read online(5/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume V: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories(4/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume IV: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories Read online(4/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume IV: An Anthology of 50 Short StoriesTen Journeys Read onlineTen JourneysThe Boss Read onlineThe BossThe Penguin Book of French Poetry Read onlineThe Penguin Book of French PoetryGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol VIII Read onlineGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol VIIIHis Cinderella Housekeeper 3-in-1 Read onlineHis Cinderella Housekeeper 3-in-1The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction - July/August 2016 Read onlineThe Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction - July/August 2016PYRATE CTHULHU - Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos (vol.2) Read onlinePYRATE CTHULHU - Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos (vol.2)Tales from a Master's Notebook Read onlineTales from a Master's NotebookApril 1930 Read onlineApril 1930New Erotica 6 Read onlineNew Erotica 6Damocles Read onlineDamoclesThe Longest Night Vol. 1 Read onlineThe Longest Night Vol. 1The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume VI: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories Read onlineThe Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume VI: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories(1/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories Read online(1/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction: An Anthology of 50 Short StoriesEye of Terra Read onlineEye of TerraONCE UPON A REGENCY CHRISTMAS Read onlineONCE UPON A REGENCY CHRISTMASNexus Confessions Read onlineNexus ConfessionsPassionate Kisses Read onlinePassionate KissesWar Without End Read onlineWar Without EndDoctor Who: Time Lord Fairy Tales Read onlineDoctor Who: Time Lord Fairy TalesGotrek and Felix: The Anthology Read onlineGotrek and Felix: The AnthologyWESTERN CHRISTMAS PROPOSALS Read onlineWESTERN CHRISTMAS PROPOSALSThe Journey Prize Stories 27 Read onlineThe Journey Prize Stories 27The Silent War Read onlineThe Silent WarLiaisons Read onlineLiaisonsEllora's Cavemen: Tales from the Temple IV Read onlineEllora's Cavemen: Tales from the Temple IVEllora's Cavemen: Tales from the Temple II Read onlineEllora's Cavemen: Tales from the Temple IISome of the Best From Tor.com, 2013 Edition: A Tor.Com Original Read onlineSome of the Best From Tor.com, 2013 Edition: A Tor.Com OriginalUrban Occult Read onlineUrban OccultFractures Read onlineFracturesThe Stories: Five Years of Original Fiction on Tor.com Read onlineThe Stories: Five Years of Original Fiction on Tor.comThe Penguin Book of Modern British Short Stories Read onlineThe Penguin Book of Modern British Short StoriesMortarch of Night Read onlineMortarch of NightThe Portable Nineteenth-Century African American Women Writers Read onlineThe Portable Nineteenth-Century African American Women WritersThe Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume VII: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories Read onlineThe Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume VII: An Anthology of 50 Short StoriesHoly Bible: King James Version, The Read onlineHoly Bible: King James Version, TheEight Rooms Read onlineEight Roomssanguineangels Read onlinesanguineangelsDarkNightsWithaBillionaireBundle Read onlineDarkNightsWithaBillionaireBundleCasserole Diplomacy and Other Stories Read onlineCasserole Diplomacy and Other StoriesHow I Survived My Summer Vacation Read onlineHow I Survived My Summer VacationAlfred Hitchcock Presents: 16 Skeletons From My Closet Read onlineAlfred Hitchcock Presents: 16 Skeletons From My ClosetLords, Ladies, Butlers and Maids Read onlineLords, Ladies, Butlers and MaidsThe B4 Leg Read onlineThe B4 LegEllora's Cavemen: Tales from the Temple I Read onlineEllora's Cavemen: Tales from the Temple I2014 Campbellian Anthology Read online2014 Campbellian AnthologyThere Is Only War Read onlineThere Is Only WarObsidian Alliances Read onlineObsidian Alliances12 Gifts for Christmas Read online12 Gifts for ChristmasScary Holiday Tales to Make You Scream Read onlineScary Holiday Tales to Make You Scream25 For 25 Read online25 For 25The Plagues of Orath Read onlineThe Plagues of OrathAnd Then He Kissed Me Read onlineAnd Then He Kissed MeStar Trek - Gateways 7 - WHAT LAY BEYOND Read onlineStar Trek - Gateways 7 - WHAT LAY BEYONDLaugh Your Head Off Again and Again Read onlineLaugh Your Head Off Again and AgainThe Balfour Legacy Read onlineThe Balfour LegacyGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol XI Read onlineGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol XI(3/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume III: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories Read online(3/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume III: An Anthology of 50 Short StoriesShas'o Read onlineShas'oAstounding Science Fiction Stories: An Anthology of 350 Scifi Stories Volume 2 (Halcyon Classics) Read onlineAstounding Science Fiction Stories: An Anthology of 350 Scifi Stories Volume 2 (Halcyon Classics)Twists in Time Read onlineTwists in TimeMeduson Read onlineMedusonThe Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction - August 1980 Read onlineThe Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction - August 1980The Journey Prize Stories 22 Read onlineThe Journey Prize Stories 22The Book that Made Me Read onlineThe Book that Made MeAngels of Death Anthology Read onlineAngels of Death AnthologyAsk the Bones Read onlineAsk the BonesEmergence Read onlineEmergenceBeware the Little White Rabbit Read onlineBeware the Little White RabbitXcite Delights Book 1 Read onlineXcite Delights Book 1Where flap the tatters of the King Read onlineWhere flap the tatters of the KingThe Journey Prize Stories 21 Read onlineThe Journey Prize Stories 21Tales of the Slayer, Volume II Read onlineTales of the Slayer, Volume IIGlass Empires Read onlineGlass EmpiresGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol XII Read onlineGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol XII(2/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume II: An Anthology of 50 Short Stories Read online(2/15) The Golden Age of Science Fiction Volume II: An Anthology of 50 Short StoriesFairytale Collection Read onlineFairytale CollectionAngels! Read onlineAngels!Golden Age of Science Fiction Vol XIII Read onlineGolden Age of Science Fiction Vol XIII