Yesterday, I received in the mail the February 1943 issue of Astounding. The issue contains part 1 of A. E. van Vogt’s serial “The Weapon Makers.”
When I turned to the contents page, I noticed another story in the issue that gathered some fame and popularity in the years since. It was even made into a movie (which I will admit I didn’t see). Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore, teaming up as Lewis Padgett present a little story called “Mimsy Were the Borogoves.”
And for those who don’t know it, that serial, “Opposites–React!” by Wil Stewart is none other than Jack Williamson in disguise. Looks like a fun issue that will make up Episode 44 of my Vacation in the Golden Age in June of next year.
I’m expecting a few more issues to arrive later this week.
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I’ve got a mostly solid collection from “now” back to 1959. A few gaps. Then some before that, but prices go up the further you go back. Maybe after I win the lotto! From the second picture (Table of Contents), it looks like the paper has held up pretty well!
Fred, most of the issues that I have picked up–even going back to July 1939–have been in exceptionally good condition. There was one issue fairly early on that was pretty rough, but that’s been the only one. I’ve been repeatedly surprised with how well-preserved and how well-taken care of these issues have been.
Also, I’ve noted that the prices don’t always go up the further back you go. The May 1939 and most of the other ’39 issues weren’t that prices ($12-15/each on average). What I have noticed does make a difference is who appears in the issue. Any issue with a Hubbard story (even those under pseudonyms like Kurt von Rachen) tend to be more expensive. The issues containing Smith’s “Gray Lensman” were also more pricy. That seems to matter more than the age or condition of the issue, at least in my experience so far.