Astounding Science Fiction (British edition)

About this issue

This issue features "Sam Hall" by Poul Anderson, a science fiction novelette set in a dystopian America where a totalitarian surveillance state monitors citizens through a vast centralized computer network called "Matilda." The story depicts Chief Technician Thornberg, who operates Central Records, a machine that processes identification data—birth records, loyalty ratings, occupations, and physical details—for every citizen. When Thornberg's young relative is arrested by Security Police, he uses his access to the machine to alter records, erasing their relationship to protect the boy. The issue also contains "Share Our World" by Chan Davis (novelette); short stories including "Pioneer" by Correy, "Commencement Night" by Richard Ashby, "Crazy Joey" by Clifton and Apostolides, and "Stamp from Moscow" by Steve Benedict. An article by Joseph A. Winter examines "Thinking in Men and Machines," and P. Schuyler Miller provides a Reference Library column.