Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition, April 1948

This April 1948 British edition of Astounding Science Fiction (Vol. VI, No. 3) features several science fiction stories. The lead novelette is "Aesop" by Clifford D. Simak, concerning a transformed world where robots have created a peaceful society for animals—wolves, bears, and other creatures now coexist under robot governance and vegetarian feeding stations. The story introduces mysterious "Websters," humanoid entities who inhabit this world, and follows characters Joshua and Ichabod (robots) while depicting animals living by strict non-violence codes. A critical moment occurs when Peter Webster, curious and inventive, constructs a bow and arrow from wood and cord, then fatally shoots a robin—violating the world's foundational rule against killing, with shocking consequences. Other stories include van Vogt's "The Barbarian," Kahn's "Command," Coppel's "Age of Unreason," Yamin's "The Dreamers," and Leinster's "Time to Die."