Thrilling Wonder Stories: Vol. XXIV, No. 3; August 1943 edited by Better Publications, Inc. (1943 1st Edition Pulp Sci-Fi Magazine) 

 

 

•           Publishers’ President & Editor-in-Chief:     Ned L. Pines (1905-1990) 

•           Title/Author:                              Exile to Centauri by Ross Rocklynne 

•           Title/Author:                              The Lotos Eaters  by Bolling Branham 

•           Title/Author:                              Expedition by Anthony Boucher   

•           Title/Author:                              The Amnesiac by George Edwards 

•           Title/Author:                              Tubby-Atom Smasher by Ray Cummings 

•           Title/Author:                              Sun Engine  by Owen Fox Jerome 

•           Title/Author:                              Visiting Yokel by Cleve Cartmill 

•           Title/Author:                              The Sky-Going Aircraft Carrier by Sam Merwin, Jr. 

•           Cover Artist:                  Earle J. Bergey 

•           Publisher:            Better Publications, Inc.        New York, NY      U.S.A.       1943 

 

 

From the mid-1930s through the end of 1958, Thrilling Wonder Stories was a magazine that published original science-fiction stories through Better Publications, Inc.  Its’ tag-line was “The Magazine of Prophetic Fiction.” 

 

Ned L. Pines (1905–1990) was an American publisher of pulp magazines, comic books, and paperback books, active from at least 1928 to 1971. His Standard Comics imprint was the parent company of the comic-book lines Nedor Publishing and Better Publications.  Pines merged his three companies effective first of 1959 into the paperback book publisher Popular Library, which eventually merged with Fawcett Publications. 


For sale is an example of a pulp magazine, the covers have full color illustrations front and back with inexpensive interior paper bound with staples.  Interior paper has browned with age, no stray markings noted.  This copy has been wet along spine and pages from the rear have flaked and disintegrated.  The last three pages and front cover have been taped along the remaining edges to prevent further decay.  As a result, all stories and articles are legible, although some advertising is not.  Larger 8vo, 132pp.   

 

 

 

 

Copyright 1943.  Copy assumed from only edition ever printed.  No ISBN nor LCCN.  MSR = US $0.15. 

 

 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

 

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.”  Booksellers need similar grading to describe this...

 

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.  Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates for titles still in print. 

 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

 

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).  Usually requires repair to be usable. 

 

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

 

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.

 

                                                                                          

Thanks for looking!