Dive into the captivating world of "Amazing Tales Volume 132", where themes of survival, introspection, and cosmic mysteries intertwine. This anthology takes readers on a journey through human emotion and the vastness of space. In "The Right Thing", Ray Cummings crafts a suspenseful narrative as a solitary girl in a mountain cabin encounters an unexpected visitor on a frosty night. With a wolf's howl echoing through the darkness, the story weaves tension and intrigue into every moment. Transitioning to "Marriage of William Durrant", also by Ray Cummings, readers explore a man's poignant reflections on his unraveling marriage. As William Durrant grapples with trust, ambition, and betrayal, he uncovers the complexities of striving for marital success against formidable odds. Walter Kubilius takes us to a distant, ammonia-laden planet in "Remember Me, Kama!" Here, Old Cobber stands alone, armed with a tankbox, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice to prevent a ship from returning to Earth. The simmering tension and themes of sacrifice create a gripping narrative. Returning to Cummings, "Miracle" presents a lively debate on time travel in Professor Dane's lab. As young Alan Dane listens, a revelation about hidden discoveries challenges the boundaries of reality, igniting wonder and curiosity. Finally, in "Galactic Ghost" by Walter Kubilius, a haunting tale unfolds as Willard navigates the void of space, facing the eerie legend of the Flying Dutchman. With only fading memories of Earth and his companion, Dobbin, he clings to hope amidst the vast emptiness. "Amazing Tales Volume 132" offers a mesmerizing collection of stories that captivate the imagination and explore the depths of human experience and the unknown.
Ray Cummings (1887–1957) was a pioneering American science fiction writer, often referred to as one of the founding fathers of the genre. With a background in science, having worked as a technical writer for Thomas Edison, Cummings blended scientific knowledge with imaginative storytelling, becoming a key figure in early 20th-century pulp fiction. He is best known for his works exploring the possibilities of time and space, such as "The Girl in the Golden Atom" and "The Time Professor", which helped lay the groundwork for modern science fiction. Though primarily associated with science fiction, Cummings was a versatile writer who also explored different genres, including adventure and romance. "An Artshop in Greenwich Village" reflects his fascination with bohemian culture and the vibrant artistic communities of New York in the early 1900s. Set in the iconic Greenwich Village, the novella captures the spirit of artistic rebellion and creative freedom that characterized the neighborhood at the time. This work showcased Cummings ability to move beyond futuristic themes and engage with the contemporary social and cultural currents of his era. Cummings prolific output and imaginative narratives left an indelible mark on American popular literature, and his contributions to science fiction remain influential today.