Astounding Stories, August, 1931

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

33016

Title

Astounding Stories, August, 1931

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A thrilling collection of science fiction tales from August 1931, featuring stranded scientists, super-evolved deep-sea creatures, and interplanetary adventures. With vivid descriptions and imaginative plots, this issue offers clean, exciting stories by leading writers of the era, perfect for readers seeking escape into the impossible.

Summary up to 500 words

The August 1931 issue of *Astounding Stories* presents a compelling anthology of science fiction that explores humanity's relationship with the unknown, from the crushing depths of the ocean to the frozen wastes of a dead sun. The issue opens with Ralph Milne Farley's gripping tale, "The Danger from the Deep," which follows scientist George Abbot after he is marooned on the ocean floor. His hoisting cable is severed by mysterious, intelligent "man-sharks"—creatures possessing human arms and foreheads—that view him as a scientific specimen. Trapped in his bathysphere with failing power and oxygen, Abbot documents his terrifying encounter, realizing that evolution may have produced a superior race in the ocean depths that remains isolated from the surface by pressure differences. His story is one of isolation, scientific curiosity, and the horror of being hunted by a superior intelligence. In "Brood of the Dark Moon," Charles Willard Diffin continues the saga of Chet Bullard, Walt Harkness, and Diane. After a crash on the Dark Moon, Chet awakens in a Vienna hospital, recovering memories of their perilous journey. They are now prisoners of the villainous Schwartzmann, who seeks to rob Harkness of his ship and discredit the heroes. The narrative sets the stage for a wild ride back to the wonder-world, blending action with the tension of captivity and the looming threat of Schwartzmann's machinations. R. F. Starzl contributes "If the Sun Died," a poignant vision of the future millennia after the star's extinction. In this desolate world, humanity faces extinction, yet a young man dares to open the frozen gate of Subterranea, offering a glimmer of hope or a final challenge to survival. Meanwhile, H. G. Winter's novelette, "The Midget from the Island," tells the valiant story of Garth Howard, a boy fighting to regain his lost height against the predation of forest animals. Harl Vincent's "The Moon Weed" introduces a traitor who unleashes plant-beasts from the moon, leading to a desperate battle against an inexorably tightening web of alien flora. Captain S. P. Meek's "The Port of Missing Planes" transports readers to the underground caverns of the Selom, where Dr. Bird confronts the subversive genius Saranoff in a clash of ideologies. The issue concludes with a lively "Readers' Corner," filled with enthusiastic fan letters praising the magazine's clean, vivid stories and illustrations. Readers express deep affection for authors like R. F. Starzl, Sewell Peaslee Wright, and Captain Meek, while debating the balance between romance and hard science. The community's enthusiasm highlights the genre's growing popularity and the strong bond between the magazine and its dedicated audience.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science Fiction