I had so much fun reading Milton Lesser’s Johnny Mayhem stories for last week’s FFB, I decided to read another collection of Milton Lesser’s science fiction stories from the 1950s. I turned to Armchair Fiction’s Masters of Science Fiction, Volume 8. “A” As In Android displays Milton Lesser’s versatility. Several of the stories in this volume are “puzzle” stories, like “The Impossible Weapon.” The hero is confronted with a problem (one that might threaten his life) and he is under pressure to solve it quickly. There are stories of aliens (good and bad) and futuristic wars. What is consistent is Lesser’s power of story-telling. If you’re in the mood for some Old School science fiction from the 1950s, “A” As In Android delivers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. “A” As In Android”
2. “Voices in the Void”
3. “The Double Occupation”
4. “No-Risk Planet”
5. “The Music of the Spheres”
6. “Code of the Bluster World”
7. “All Flesh is Brass”
8. “It’s Raining Frogs”
9. “Anything Your Heart Desires”
10. “Black Eyes and The Daily Grind”
11. “The Impossible Weapon”
12. “From Hidden Worlds”
13. “Pen Pals”
14. “My Sweetheart’s the Man in the Moon”
These stories really do sound like fun – thanks George, I’ll have to see what’s available ‘out there.’
Sergio, I’m a big fan of ARMCHAIR FICTION collections. I enjoyed their Mack Reynolds SF collection, too. There are plenty of goodies on their web site.
George, I have read about many early sf magazines and anthologies, over at Todd’s blog and elsewhere, but this is a first. Do you own most of the books and magazines you read and write about?
Prashant, I have bought and own about 89% of what you see on my blog. The rest of the books, DVDs, and CDs are from the Library.
More of the Good Old Stuff. I’ll bet I read all these stories in the digests back in the ’50s, though I don’t remember them now.
Bill, you’re right. Most of “A” AS IN ANDROID consists of stories from the 1959s. I really enjoyed this collection. Milton Lesser is a forgotten writer, but not by me.
No matter what name he used, or what pool he dipped his toe in, Lesser/Marlow could always deliver the goods.
Jerry, you’re absolutely right! Milton Lesser (aka, Stephen Marlowe) was a consummate professional writer. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by him.
Nice cover. I’ll have to check out those Armchair Fiction books.
Jeff, I’m fond of ARMCHAIR FICTION’s faux-ACE DOUBLES. Well worth a look!
I have several of these Armchair Fiction collections, I’ll have to see if this is one of them.
Rick, I’ve purchased several ARMCHAIR FICTION books. I check their offerings every month or so.