More Bleiler

[randy_byers]

So far I find I disagree with Bleiler's judgments as much as I agree with them, which isn't all that surprising and not all that interesting as a general observation. People always disagree in their judgments on literature. The biggest disagreement I've had with him so far is his assessment of Murray Leinster's early SF, which he doesn't think much

Comments

[kim_huett]

I wonder if the Cole book was ever reprinted in the companion magazine to FFM, Fantastic Novels? I seem to recall Michael Ashley stating in his history that while the contents of Famous Fantastic Mysteries was largely drawn from early issues of Argosy and All-Story, Fantastic Novels concentrated on reprinting fantasy novels that had not previously had an appearance in the pulp magazines. I'll try and remember to keep an eye out for issues on eBay.

As for Gernsback reprinting Leinster I suspect the fact he could get such material for less than the cost of new fiction had some bearing on the matter. It's worth remembering that for the first few years Amazing was essentially a reprint magazine not unlike the later FFM. Gernsback might of wanted good science fiction but more importantly he wanted cheap fiction to fill his magazine.

[randy_byers]

Well, again, I think Bleiler's assessment of the Leinster stories that Gernsback reprinted is wrong. They're excellent stories, and prototypes for the Campbellian new wave to come. It's a shame they've been overshadowed by his later work, although at least he's still in print, unlike Cole or Flint.

As for the Cole being reprinted, I haven't heard of anything other than the 1998 facsimile. I see one copy of that on Bookfinder for a mere $386.45. I should check the UW library.