The list of characters beneath have been selected from available scientific romances, the full name being given wherever possible, but in a few instances the name by which the character is referred to in the story is given. They are the material for a competition that is largely a test of scientific fiction knowledge, open to all, with the essay to give those with less copious experience a fighting chance. The following instuctions must be careflly read:

1. Group the characters from the same story or series together. (2 points for each correctly grouped)
2. Name the story, author, and magazine it appeared in (or book) for each character. In the case of a series one story only need be mentioned. (3 points each character)
3. Use combinations of the following categories to describe the characters as fully as possible: Scientist, Hero, Heroine, Villain, Alien, Adventurer, Narrator, Warrior, Member of a Space Patrol, Holder of a ruling position (which?) Inventor (of what?). (5 points)

   Example 1	Aronnax, Professor. No Group. "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", Jules Verne, Book. Scientist, Hero, Narrator.
   Example 2	Spofforth, Charles. No Group. "The Green Man of Graypec", Festus Pragnell, WONDER STORIES Inventor of an ultra. microscope to view life on electrons.

4. Write a brief aessay (150 to 500 words) on your favourite character in scientific fiction (not necessarily in the list.)

It is rather interesting to note the mark that scientific fantasy has left on those great contributors to English literature -- writers of "lyrics".

Robin (of Robin and Ranger fame) seems to echo the thoughts of a science fiction author vainly searching for a plot in 'I wished on the moon' while with 'June in January` he achieves the dual miracle of weather-control and time- travel. Mack Gordon. the more ample half of Gordon and Revel, seems to be stricken with the disease, whether he is seeing a dream walking or lunching with a rocketeer and feeling 'like a feather in the breeze', he is adept at explaining celestial phenomena with 'a star fell out of heaven'.

This is but one of an epidemic of astral events in which stars fall on Alabama (of all places) and miscellaneous persons feel impelled to utter cryptic remarks of the 'I saw stars' genus, with equal impartiality. Hoagy Carmichael steps into the night and into a shower of 'Star-dust'. Ray Noble expounds his views on 'why stars come out at night'. Schwartz, (not Julius) for some reason best known to himself links a star and a rose together, while someone unknown in a more stickily sentimental moment wrote of a 'star-dusst covered bundle'. 'Stars over Devon', is of course, a nationally recognized astronomical phenomenon.

Al Dubin is more level-headed than most lyricists, but even he must relax on occasion, one of his wilder pursuits consisting or 'riding to heaven on a mule'. Truly a feat worthy of the imagination

ASTOUNDING STORIES - DECEMBER 1936

(Ratings: Very Good, Good, Fairly Good, Fair, Readable, Poor.)

World of Purple Light by Warner Van Lorne FAIRLY GOOD (and then some)
A fitting sequel to Van Lorne's best story, in fact his only other good story. A lost civilisation story that is new!

Tryst in Time by C.L. Moore FAIRLY GOOD
Well written snd interesting, though the plot is inceredible, and more. insane inertia ideas are presented.

The Flame Midget by Frank Belnap Long, Jr. READABLE.
The basic idea is worthy of better treatment.

Frankenstein - Unlimited by H.A. Highstone FAIRLY GOOD
Burlesque of "The Brain"" type of story; really enjoyable, and Dold's illustrations are admirably suitable (though Mr. Smith remarked that on seeing them an engiineer would roll on the floor screaming in horror.)

The Fourth Dynasty by R.R. Winterbotham FAIRLY GOOD
Very interesting in parts, would have been better done at greater length.

The Expedition from Kytlm by M.F. James FAIR
An interesting idea which could have been better exploited. As it is, it doesn't get the reader very far.

If you're seeking a novel with a plot set between 1940 and 1960 in which the world is split by an earthquake and which recounts the diasters thereby befalling society "Sever the Earth" by Jacques Spitz (Bodley Head 6/-) is no doubt the one.................. Those who remember Mort Weisinger's "Pigments Is Pigments" and looked in vain for the much-publicised pun in the title may be interested to hear that Ellis Parker Butler's story "Pigs Is Pigs" is being read over the air on january 2nd............. H.G. Wells' "The Truth About Pyecraft" suffered a similar destiny a few weeks ago. It is interesting to note that the maestro's new book "The Croquet- Player" is something of a return to his original fantasy type of work, though doubtless it will not be accepted as science fiction............... Lord Dunsany's radio play "Mr. Faithful"- the story of a man who took a job as a dog - was heard here recently the production being in the extremely capable hands of Lance Sieveking. Sieveking, it seems is the only exponent here of the new art-form of radio-drama; in the past he has written and produced numerous fantasies and science fiction radio plays, as for example "The Wings of the Morning" - in 1934 - an excellent time-travel drama. I quote a passage from a recent book by him: "In 1923 I published a book called STAMPEDE...illustrated splendidly by G.K. Chesterton....packed full of inventions....a ray which killed anything on which it rested....a sound which drove everyone mad....I invented a thought machine....thoughts were recorded for future reference. There were graphs for thoughts which could not be formulated in words....The book is out of print, but I have some copies left. If you want one write to me at 15 Tite St., Chelsea, London S.W.3, enclosing ten shillings, autographed copies fifteen shillings. And that is simply giving them away!" There, collectors, is your chance........

The Incredible Invasion by Murray Leinster GOOD,
There are few enough stories of this calibre that have qualities in common with this particular one. Agreeable characters move rapidly through exhilarating aventures with a minimum of digressions for scientific or any other reasons.

The Single Clue by John W. Campbell, Jr. GOOD
We can add little to what we have already said on Campbell's series.

4th Dimensional Possibilities by Harry D. Parker FAIR.
Badly put together, the new points made not being sufficiently stressed.

Brass Tacks and Editor's Page
Both contain welcome changes of subject matter if not of principes.

Cover Has a sense of sweep and movement not often found.

Illustrations. These have fallen consderably in standard with the exception of Dold's (the first of "World of Purple Light", for example.