Review of "The Man From Mars: Ray Palmer’s Amazing Pulp Journey," by Fred Nadis

 Review of

The Man From Mars: Ray Palmer’s Amazing Pulp Journey, by Fred Nadis ISBN 9780399160547

Five out of five stars

Biography of an unappreciated figure in SF/occult literature

 Ray Palmer was severely injured when young, leading to a deformed body. He stood about four feet tall and had a hunchback. While he was unable to do many physical activities, he more than made up for it in his work as an author and editor in the area of pulp literature. The list of his achievements is considerable, a partial list follows:

*) He edited “Amazing Stories” from 1938 through 1949.

*) He created the magazine “Fantastic Adventures,” which ceased publication in 1953.

*) He cofounded/edited the occult/supernatural/paranormal magazine “Fate.”

*) Palmer was a major promoter of the flying saucer craze, he created the magazine “Flying Saucers.”

*) He published “Marooned off Vesta,” Isaac Asimov’s first professional story.

*) He wrote many stories of fiction/pseudofact form.

 This biography is very interesting and demonstrates how underappreciated Palmer is as a mover in the often-shady world of pulp “fiction.” Many things that he was involved in were presented as “facts,” stated as “not known to be false.”  While none of his stories were particularly memorable, his impact on the genre was considerable, likely greater than that of any other personality.

 If you are interested in either the history of science fiction or paranormal literature, then this is a book you should read. The term “character” simply does not do justice to Palmer’s amazing life and achievements.

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