Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition, May 1945

About this issue

This issue of Astounding Science-Fiction (British edition, May 1945, Vol. IV, No. 10) contains four fiction pieces. The featured short novel is Theodore Sturgeon's "Killdozer!"—an account Sturgeon drew from construction experience. The narrative opens with pre-human history: an ancient civilization warred against sentient electron-beings inhabiting metal, until mutual destruction left one survivor. This alien consciousness, dormant within neutronium for eons, lies buried on a Pacific island where modern construction crews begin an airfield project. The excerpt shows foreman Tom Jaeger and crew chief Chub Horton directing eight operators and mechanics—including Rivera, Kelly, Dennis, and Peebles—to grade terrain with heavy machinery. Also included are Lewis Padgett's novelette "When the Bough Breaks," A.E. van Vogt's "The Harmonizer," and Malcolm Jameson's "Alien Envoy."