The Universe Wreckers is the third volume of the collected stories of Edmond Hamilton published by the outstanding Haffner Press. These stories were written at the dawn of the Great Depression when science fiction was finding its way. Edmond Hamilton was there at the beginning of the genre’s formation. As I’ve mentioned before when I reviewed the earlier volumes in this series, I admire Edmond Hamiton’s story-telling talent. Hamilton wrote exciting fiction for over 50 years! Thanks to Stephen Haffner, we can read these marvelous tales in an attractive format. If you’re a fan of classic SF, The Universe Wreckers is a must-buy!
Table of Contents
Introduction by Eric Leif Davin
“Cities in the Air” (Air Wonder Stories Nov, Dec ’29)
“The Life-Masters” (Weird Tales, Jan ’30)
“The Space Visitors” (Air Wonder Stories, Mar ’30)
“Evans of the Earth Guard” (Air Wonder Stories, Apr ’30)
“The Plant Revolt” (Weird Tales, Apr ’30)
“The Universe Wreckers” (Amazing Stories May, Jun, Jul ’30)
“The Death Lord” (Weird Tales, Jul ’30)
“Pigmy Island” (Weird Tales, Aug ’30)
“Second Satellite” (Astounding Stories, Aug ’30)
“World Atavism” (Amazing Stories, Aug ’30)
“The Man Who Saw the Future” (Amazing Stories, Aug ’30)
Appendix
• Original Pulp Illustrations
• Readers’ Letters from Original Magazines
• Correspondence between Hamilton and the SF Luminaries of the Day
It’s probably a pity that Brackett and Hamilton didn’t officially collaborate more. Their buddy Jack Williamson sort of split the difference between them, in several ways.
Haffner Press continues to publish all of Jack Williamson’s short fiction, Todd. I think they’re up to Volume 8!
When I was a kid, I loved Hamilton’s universe-spanning stories.
I started reading Edmond Hamilton’s SF in ACE DOUBLES and then I went back and found some of his work in the pulps, Bill. But these Haffner Press volumes collect many stories I’ve never read before.
I really need to get this series(and the Williamson as well). Unfortunately my reach usually exceeds my grasp. At times I’m like a kid in a candy store. Looking everywhere and wanting everything.
You can’t go wrong with HAFFNER PRESS books, Randy. I order them as soon as they’re announced. I try to support small press endeavors especially when the books are as good as this Edmond Hamilton collection!
I just got the Williamson short stories Volume 8 in the mail om Wednesday. I believe that should finish the sequence as the stories go up to 2008 (if I recall correctly). Need to get current on the Hamilton’s.
I wonder if the HAFFNER PRESS will start reprinting Jack Williamson’s novels next, Scott.
As you saw Monday, I got this one recently as well. Don’t know when I’ll get to it…
I’d rather be reading THE UNIVERSE WRECKERS than fixing sprinklers, Rick.
Amen to that! I’m wondering what to read after I finish the Lester Dent collection I’m reading now, and haven’t decided, but I have to fins the first 2 of these collections and read them before opening this one.
When you finally get around to reading THE UNIVERSE WRECKERS, Rick, you’re really going to love these stories.
I grew up reading new Hamilton stories in Imagination and Imaginative Tales. Always liked him. He’s also an under0-rated horror/fantasy writer.
I totally agree, Ed. Edmond Hamilton had a long writing career and I’m so happy HAFFNER PRESS is making his work available again!
This looked like fun when I saw it on Rick R’s blog the other day, and it looks even more fun with a larger photo.
You will love this collection, Evan. Hamilton knows how to trigger that Sense of Wonder in his stories!