Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, Issue 45 — page 158: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION of the same thing: a different time means a different space. But you do seem to have put your finger on a fallacy about invisible men—unless, of course, they are existing in some other plane of vibration or space; which, we suppose they would have to be in order to be invisible. WRITING SF Perhaps science fiction should touch upon space and other worlds atmosphere, but I feel that its greatest scope, and the most subtle, lies in the neat, psychological story that emphasises human weak- nesses. I have always found these stories most . provocative. For the thinker—and science fiction caters for this type of reader—the psychological story gives plenty of food for thought. Laurence Cann, 6 Jesmond Park West, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 7. You know what Freud would have said about you! Emphasising _weaknesses, indeed! Why shouldn’t the story emphasise human strength? And need it be psychological to do either of these things? As you know, 157 we are fond of psychological stories, but we'd hate to see science fiction restricted to that type. But many thanks for your views all the same. PASSABLE Have you read the load of slush in a recent issue of an American science fiction magazine? I refer to the article surveying British Science Fiction. According to the author, British science fiction is “occasionally passable’ and Hamil- ton science fiction is considered to be “‘occasionally quite good.”” The author claims, too, that the covers of British science fiction magazines are “‘lurid.”” Heck, aren’t they satisfied with “‘winning’’ the last three wars without trying to start another with British science fiction ? Michael P. Ward, Nostell Priory, Wakefield, Yorks. Calm yourself, Michael, it doesn’t matter! Your Editor, when he was in America, met the author of that article and she admitted that she had based her remarks on very old material. Can the Americans help it if they are out of date? comicloooks.com