Astounding Science Fiction, Nov 1947 - Children of the Lens

Updated 3 January 2024

Introduction

This article discusses the Astounding Science Fiction pulp magazine, dated November 1947. Street & Smith was the original publisher for this wonderful pulp fiction magazine, Astounding Science Fiction. With it's headquarters in New York, this publisher used to pump out these monthly magazines until an early demise brought on by the increasing popularity of television. The amazing thing about this edition is the quality of the writers. You may not know the pseudonyms that have been written up as the authors, but you may recognise their real names. Have you ever heard of Ron Hubbard? Well the other writers have led just as interesting lives. This is speculative science written by the top scientists of the day.

Magazine Contents

Discussion

Children of the Lens is not a short story but rather the sixth and final installment in the classic Lensman series by E. E. "Doc" Smith. This series is considered one of the hallmarks of the space opera subgenre of science fiction. Children of the Lens was first published in 1954, although portions of it were serialized in the magazine Astounding Stories a few years earlier.

The Lensman series is known for its grand scale and epic narrative, spanning vast distances of space and time. It follows the adventures of a group of highly capable individuals who are members of the Galactic Patrol. The Patrol agents are chosen for their exceptional qualities and are given a Lens, a device that grants them communication powers, among other abilities, to aid in their battle against evil forces.

Children of the Lens brings the series to a story climax, with the children of the protagonists Kimball Kinnison and Clarissa MacDougall playing a significant role. These children are the culmination of a selective breeding program designed to create beings of extraordinary mental and physical power to confront the series' ultimate antagonist.

The influence of the Lensman series on the science fiction genre has been profound, inspiring many later works in both literature and other media. The series is known for its imaginative concepts, fast-paced action, and the depiction of a complex, well-constructed universe.

Feature Advertisement

The following 1947 advertisement from the pulp fiction magazine Astounding Science Fiction. This particular ad promotes the U.S. Coast Guard, emphasizing a life of action and adventure that would appeal to the readers of the magazine.

During this time, pulp magazines often included various advertisements that targeted the adventurous spirit of their readership, which was primarily young men who were fans of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure stories. The ad features dynamic images such as helicopters, rescue operations, and other maritime activities that represent the Coast Guard's mission.

The visual style of the ad, with bold lines and dramatic illustrations, is typical of the period, designed to catch the eye and stir the imagination. It's a call to action for those who desire to be part of a team engaged in daring and important work. Using the pulp magazine as a medium for recruitment aligns well with the Coast Guard's need for individuals who are not only looking for a job but are seeking an exciting and meaningful career.

Given the era, post-World War II, there was also a strong sense of civic duty and patriotism that organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard would have been appealing to. This ad reflects the convergence of pop culture and governmental efforts to attract capable individuals to public service.

Angry Alien™ Review

Angry Alien speaks… Astounding Science Fiction's November 1947 issue is a galactic trove for vintage sci-fi aficionados. With Children of the Lens, E. E. Smith culminates his epic with visionary flair, a genuine gem even by modern standards. Sturgeon's Thunder and Roses strikes with its poignancy, a reminder of the genre's power to reflect humanity. However, not all stories orbit the same stars; Stuck in the Mud and Boomerang are more asteroid than planet in impact—solid, but lacking gravity. The editorial's hope in atomic energy resonates even now, a fusion of science and optimism. For its mix of timeless classics and lesser sparks, I give it a solid four Angry Aliens™, with room for a little more cosmic dust.

References

1. Astounding Science Fiction, November 1947
2. Sci-Fi Soap Operas: Blending Melodrama and Futurism, Phillaneum
3. Street & Smith, Wikipedia
4. Children of the Lens, Project Gutenberg

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