Future Science Fiction, May 1952

About this issue

This issue of Future Science Fiction Stories (May 1952) contains five science fiction stories. The featured novella "Equations for Destiny" by John Berryman explores the difference between machine computation and human thought, concerning a character named Dutro who forgets a crucial fact about his machine and embarks on an unexpected journey. Wallace West contributes a serial titled "Thy Days Are Numbered!" wherein protagonist Teraf struggles against anarchy, unknowingly becoming part of a future legend. Lester del Rey's "Forgive Us Our Debts" examines cultural obligations through character Fane's late realization. Additional stories include Maurice Rabold's "The Twice-Told Man" (about an eternal man's eternal penalty), Ben Singer's "Rejection Slip," H. Charles Blair's "The Rememberers" (concerning deception), and L. Sprague de Camp's article "The Mislaid Tribes" examining legend transformed into pseudo-science. An editorial column discusses metaphor in science fiction contexts.