Amazing Stories, July 1949

About this issue

This issue comprises eight science fiction and speculative stories alongside expository articles on historical and philosophical topics. Fiction includes Richard S. Shaver's "Exiles of the Elfmounds," depicting a battle between men and elves at Da Derga's Hostel in ancient Ireland; Lee Francis's "Coffin of Hope," featuring three people awakening from thousand-year suspended animation to face post-atomic-war conditions; and David C. McGowan's space opera "Decoy in Space," involving pirates and a female decoy. Rog Phillips contributes "The Shortcut," based on a premise about three hidden cities. Additional stories include "Why the Sky Is Blue," "And the Rockets Came," "The Mystery of the Cat's Back," and Guy Archette's novelet "Rendezvous in Space" about spacefaring dangers. Non-fiction pieces examine Einstein, ancient philosophers, and various scientific subjects. Editor Raymond A. Palmer discusses science fiction conventions and Shaver's ongoing "mystery" material.