‘NEBULA’:
FOR READING
THAT’S DIFFERENT
It survived for just forty-one issues, from 1952 to 1959 –
‘brief lived but
beloved by its readers’ according to Brian Aldiss.
But Scotland’s only
S.F. magazine published the first stories
by Robert Silverberg,
Bob Shaw – and Aldiss too, plus a
constellation of other star writers.
ANDREW DARLINGTON
explores the history and enduring
significance of
‘NEBULA’ with many new interviews with contributors...
‘Nebula’ – ‘brief lived, but beloved by its readers’ according to Brian Aldiss (in his
‘Science Fiction Art’), survived for just forty-one issues. But each one forms a time capsule of impossible and by now long obsolete futures. If it’s possible to feel nostalgia for things that never happened, a homesickness for the land of ex-tomorrows, this is where they’re located. A unique explosion of genre magazines occurred in Britain from the onset of the 1950’s to survive into the twilight of the sixties. To Kenneth Bulmer, ‘appearing at a time when the book-stalls were flooded with garish trash masquerading as Science Fiction,
‘Nebula’ at once became a quality production and formed a third limb of responsible British SF development –
‘Nebula’,
‘New Worlds’, and
‘Authentic SF’ (in
‘The History Of The Science Fiction Magazine: Part 3’). In his excellent and authoritative overview of British SF magazine history (in
‘Book And Magazine Collector No.8’) Mike Ashley values a complete run of the title at only £100. Although – since that 1984 estimate, that situation may well have changed, as the lens of critical perspective is altering and escalating their collectability.
‘Nebula’ in general, and certain specific target issues in particular, are increasingly considered well worth the devotees consideration. But to me, my collection of issues is beyond value. To declare a personal bias, since I first discovered
‘Nebula’ I’ve loved it, it has always been my favourite SF magazine.
For example –
‘Nebula’ carries “Gorgon Planet”, the first-ever professional sale by Robert Silverberg. A tough two-fisted space romp with – in retrospect, some unconscious humour, the story shows little trace of the poetic elegance of Silverberg’s mature work
‘Nightwings’ (1968) or his
‘Majipoor Chronicles’ novel series (from 1982). Admittedly there’s a tenuous sub-structure of classical references to the Theseus mythos, but they are buried deep beneath the kind of dramatic dialogue that seldom occurs in SF these days, except in pastiche; ‘visible monsters on a planet are bad enough, invisible ones are hell’. While the risible spectre of comic book caricature haunts other passages, ‘Steeger was an older man than most of us, one who had literally rotted in the service. He had contracted frogpox on Fomalhaut II, and now wore two chrome-jacketed titanium legs…’. But to any serious student of Silverbergiana the exploits of Joel Kaftan (Lieut. Spacial) on the planet Bellatrix IV is essential source material. It appears in
‘Nebula No.7’, and remains unpublished outside those covers. In another of his tales – “Always” (in no.16), loner George Marks, fixated by his dead Mother, wins his own personal planet in the Grand Lottery, only to discover Procyon VI harbours a shape-shifting life-form which, although he resists, it assumes the form of, and becomes his new ‘mother’. Only the final line betrays the threat, ‘after millennia of lonely emptiness, she began to feed’. Then there’s “Strong Waters” (no.38, January 1959) in which teetotaller Charley attempts to save the Berangii colonists from the native species’ ‘sabotage by sociability’, as they ply their sour-milk rotgut ‘by the light of three silvery moons’. Only to succumb himself when it appears that the local booze is the only antidote to parasitic viral infection.
Another ‘really promising ‘discovery’’ is award-winning author Bob Shaw, who debuts in issue No.9. His “Aspect” is a cleverly plotted short that operates on more than one level. The crew of starship ‘Panther’ investigate a single sealed room constructed on an otherwise dead planet. There’s a human dimension to Shaw’s characters, and a twist to the denouement that unsettles the reader’s expectations effectively. The alien structure is not ‘a house as Jennings knew them, but one in which instantaneous matter transmitters had replaced stairs and corridors. A place where one could step from one room to another even if the rooms were at difference ends of the house. In different cities. In different countries. On difference planets! A house that sprawled over a solar system.
And then there’s Brian Aldiss himself. Britain’s most respected Science Fiction writer had been published in
‘Science Fantasy’ a year earlier, but his first magazine SALE was to
‘Nebula’, and Aldiss became a regular contributor throughout its life-span. “T” – often cited as his finest early short, can be found in no.18, an impressive tale of an alien automaton’s journey back over five hundred million light years to the Silurian Age, programmed by a highly-evolved race called the Koax to destroy Earth before human evolution could begin. Oddly, the miscalculation that saves Earth is dependent on Pluto being classified as the ninth planet, since its demotion to ‘dwarf planet’ status, T’s target seventh world would indeed turn out to be Earth, with tragic results for humanity! “Dumb Show” follows in the very next issue, both stories later reprinted in Aldiss’ first volume
‘Space, Time And Nathaniel’ (1957). “All the World’s Tears” from no.21 went on to form part of his
‘The Canopy Of Time’ (1959) future history sequence. But other tyro-Aldiss from
‘Nebula’ remain unanthologised and hence form a bright constellation of undiscovered fantasy. His first – in no.12, is “The Great Time Hiccup” with a title-blurb promising that ‘when time went mad and sanity began to crumble, only a desperate plan – carried out in time – could hope to succeed’. Counter to the prevailing problem-solving format of 1950’s SF the ‘desperate plan’ fails. The temporal disruption swallowing the Earth accelerates and Aldiss uses experimental prose-repetitions to illustrate the process, anticipating in miniature the groundbreaking work he would write for the late-sixties New Wave, and in particular his
‘Report On Probability A’ (1968). Later on, “Sight Of A Silhouette” (in no.36) tells of a nursing sister called Venice aboard an orbital Luna hospital, enamoured by Norman Dall, an immortal explorer-archaeologist. Although centred on the genetic-impossibility of her partnering him, there are intriguing sub-plots. He is investigating the mystery of a set of two-thousand-million-year-old alien artefacts – anticipating Frederik Pohl’s ‘Heechee’ by a decade-and-a-half. Although discovered in excavated caverns beneath the moon’s surface, the Ganymede-Atara-Ira ship had originally landed on Earth when the planet was ‘still hardly out of the molten state’, when ‘Luna had not then been pulled from what is now the Pacific Desert’. Two startling images delivered almost in passing with typical Aldiss flair. “The Lieutenant” is a slighter tale, with John Wyndham cosy disaster overtones of giant alien spiders overrunning the Home Counties. But it can be found nowhere else than inside the covers of no.39.
But as far as
‘Nebula’ is concerned, there’s much more.
Launched in Autumn 1952 by editor and publisher Peter Hamilton,
‘Nebula’ is a digest-size magazine that survived until June 1959. The final issue carries no indication that there was not to be a no.42. Indeed, it even advertises forthcoming attractions by its leading regular contributors – William F Temple is promised, as is Sydney J Bounds, and – appropriately ER James too. It was James, a Yorkshire-based writer, whose novel-length “Robots Never Weep” was chosen to lead off
‘Nebula No.1’.
Artist Alan Hunter recalls ‘Peter Hamilton wrote to me with a half-page extract from the story asking if I would be interested in producing a colour illustration which he could use as the cover for his forthcoming magazine. When the first issue appeared, I suggested the inclusion of interior art and, as organiser of the FAS (Fantasy Artist’s Society) I was in a position to provide the artists. Peter was happy to agree to this and in recognition of my activities listed me as ‘Art Consultant’. Later, Peter sent me an oil painting by Bob Shaw which had also been intended for the first issue cover, asking me to return it to Bob! This was the first time I realised that there had been an ‘open competition’. Unfortunately Bob misunderstood the situation and in a speech at a SF Convention some years later accused me of rigging the competition to award myself first prize. I feel sure there are still some old time fans who believe his statement.’
In a more material sense Bob Shaw was compensated for this imagined slight by seeing his first six professional stories used exclusively by Hamilton, after which he ceased writing for some years. When Shaw returned to SF in 1965
‘Nebula’ was no more, and his sales went to
‘New Worlds’ instead, so the complete cache of his very earliest work forms a vein through
‘Nebula’ back-issues. His “Barrier to Yesterday” is set in a future frozen Earth traversed by sail-propelled ‘sleds’, an idea later picked up by Michael Moorcock for his
‘The Ice Schooner’ (1969) novel. This issue (No.16) came in March 1956. It has a James Rattigan cover of a spaceship linking up with the moon Deimos above a beautiful background disc of Mars. Turn the page and there’s an ‘authors profile’ announcing EC Tubb as ‘TOP WRITER OF 1955’. Tubb himself writes ‘I am very pleased and proud to be considered the most popular author of
‘Nebula’, and even more pleased and proud to have been so voted for the third year in succession’. In fact he achieved the status five times out of a possible six! Tubb is now probably best-known for his popular Space Opera sagas relating the quest of ‘Lord Dumarest’ (1967 on), but before that his work dominated the scene, as the awards indicate. Seldom did a magazine edition go by without one of his powerful stories prominently featured, and he can be found in each of issues two to eleven of ‘Nebula’ – and regularly beyond, twenty-seven stories in total.
Perhaps most significant is “Operation Mars” (in no.11) which later formed the opening chapter of his
‘Alien Dust’ (1955) novel, a gruelling and often disturbing account of the colonisation of the red planet. Rationalising the outlandish excesses of other fantasists Tubb’s Mars harbours no multi-tentacled monsters or dead cities, replacing such tangible horrors with the more psychological hazards of hunger and isolation, with elements of cannibalism as the fledgling colony founders.
Peter Hamilton ably guided
‘Nebula’ through its seven-year life-cycle. But he was always more than just an editor. To Peter Nicholls (in
‘The Encyclopedia Of Science Fiction’) he was ‘an enthusiastic fan’ who subsidised the magazine himself. ‘Hamilton was serious-minded and prepared to experiment with difficult stories and to encourage young writers’, and although he was ‘unable to pay high rates
‘Nebula’ was popular with writers, and Hamilton was able to keep it going as very much a one-man show’. In an essay published in
‘Interzone’ (March 1992) Brian Stableford suggests that
‘Nebula’ was more of a ‘one-man show’ than even Nicholls suspects. Owing ‘its existence to the economic opportunism of the post-war paperback boom’ he writes, Peter Hamilton ‘left school in 1952 just as his parents, who were the proprietors of a small printing firm, were contemplating branching out into publishing in order to keep their machines active while other business was slack. He volunteered to edit a line of SF novels for them, but quickly converted this into a magazine on the advice of his distributor.
‘Nebula’ occupied the idle time of the firm’s machines between 1952 and 1959, thus justifying its existence in spite of its negligible profitability.’
This would indeed seem to be the case for at least the first twelve issues – which carry the imprint ‘printed in Scotland by Hamilton, Bale & Co. Ltd’. But a slight format change occurs with no.13 – the original thick pulp format is dropped in favour of thinner higher quality paper ‘which promises to give a much improved reproduction for interior illustrations and a much cleaner job in the printing generally’. The editorial also promises an end to the ‘production problems which were the cause of (frequency) irregularity’ because ‘a new firm has been given the job of printing the magazine’. Briefly the Perth-based Munro Press, then the Withy Grove Press in Manchester were responsible for print production, until Hamilton settled on Cahill & Co in Dublin. The advantage of having
‘Nebula’ printed in the Irish Republic, as it was for the remainder of its active life, became apparent during the long 1958 printing strike during which it became the only SF title to maintain its schedule unaffected.
At its peak
‘Nebula’ boasted a circulation of 40,000, with sales going to twenty-six countries, including a sizeable readership in the U.S.A.
Novelist Barrington J Bayley remembers Hamilton as an editor who ‘offered comment and advice. When I first started writing in my mid-teens I got most encouragement from Peter Hamilton, who did take one or two stories, although my one ever published contribution to
‘Nebula’ was in 1959, with an uninspired piece under the name of ‘Jack Diamond’’. “Consolidation” appears in no.38 – the story of how a decadent future Earth ‘peaceful and calm as a still lake’ is savagely revitalised by a sudden attack from space. A crude effort by comparison to the stunning sophistication of Bayley’s adult work, it nevertheless shows Hamilton’s ability to recognise and foster embryonic talent.
He also managed to obtain prestige fiction by American writers of reputation, while seldom resorting to reprint material. Harlan Ellison appears in no.30, A.E. Van Vogt (“Letter from the Stars”) in no.1, while a late work by early giant Ross Rocklynne (“Alphabet Soup”) in no.5 was even later reprinted in the US. Robert A Heinlein also appears three times, “Rebellion on the Moon” in no.11, and a story two issues earlier which includes an evocative passage conjuring up the quintessential ‘sense of wonder’ solar system that so many writers of the period populated, while anticipating Rutger Hauer’s
‘Bladerunner’ (1982) soliloquy. ‘At times, he would find himself daydreaming about the star-sharp, frozen sky of Mars, or the roaring nightlife of Venusburg. He would see again the swollen, ruddy bulk of Jupiter hanging over the port on Ganymede, impossibly huge, crowding the sky. Or he might, for a time, feel again the sweet quiet of the long watches on the lonely reaches between the planets…’ (“Ordeal in Space”). Australian A Bertram Chandler made six appearances too, including the quirky “Artifact” (no.24) in which sand-castles on Mars lead pioneers to discover the lost child of an earlier Russian expedition.
John Christopher, famous for his televised
‘Tripods’ trilogy contributes a story called “Talent” to no.11. But there was a bedrock of reliable regular contributors. The amazing Philip E High – a gentle man who created some of the most horrific weaponry in all of SF. His story “Wrath Of The Gods” (in no.17) tells of radiation-victim Hendricks who is deliberately marooned on hostile Gathos, where his mutation gives him godlike power (anticipating the theme of his novel
‘Blindfold From The Stars’, 1979). Another candidate for this prolific writers’ best-ever, most unsettlingly disturbing story is “City At Random” (in no.19, December 1956), in which Cransville is plunged into a chaotic anarchy of vicious conflict between Virts – virtuous, and psycho ‘characters’ in a lifting-social-inhibitors test of fitness imposed by Centauri aliens. A test humanity fails. Eric Frank Russell – a pioneer British SF superstar used
‘Nebula’ to relaunch his career with his first UK sale since the war (in no.4). And HK (Kenneth) Bulmer – who also wrote as H Philip Stratford AND as Kenneth Johns achieving an aggregate of thirty-four
‘Nebula’ appearances. Then there is ‘the evergreen’ Sydney J Bounds, ER James, William F Temple, Lan Wright, James White, John Brunner, Arthur Sellings and London chemist Robert Presslie…
But to casual purchasers it’s the eye-grabbing quality and imagination of the cover art that initially attracts attention. And following Alan Hunter’s two colour paintings there are ‘handsome and distinctive covers’ (Nicholls) by Hamilton’s discovery – the late Ken McIntyre, and James Stark whose ‘brilliant and sterile visions… succeed in capturing the dream of a clean technology born in the arid wastes of other worlds’ (Aldiss). There’s Irish-born Gerard Quinn, who also worked for
‘New Worlds’,
‘Science Fantasy’, and – on into the early 1970’s for
‘Vision Of Tomorrow’. To Aldiss he is ‘one of the best British artists to use astronomical themes’. Eddie Jones – who began in
‘Nebula’, went on to do book jackets and received two Hugo nominations for his detailed alien landscapes. From issue no.10 the art was extended to include distinctive black-and-white illustrations on the back cover, often by Arthur Thompson. They frequently introduce wry elements of humour. Astronauts from a sleek space-craft approach two crouching cavemen, one of whom reaches slyly for a primitive but murderously effective club (no.14). He returns to the theme ten issues later where a high-tech space-suited figure sprawls in planetary dust impaled by a crude spear. By no.39 deviously small alien rodents emerge from their warrens to steal tyres from an astronaut’s space-buggy as his back is turned.
Manchester-based Harry Turner met Peter Hamilton when the editor – ‘a strict abstainer’ of alcohol, was chairman of the ‘SuperMancon’ SF Conference in 1954, and ‘so far as
‘Nebula’ is concerned I seem to have started drawing in no.10, and contributed to most of the next twenty issues’. Always technically voracious Turner uses mechanical tints to frame his interior illustrations for Eric Frank Russell’s “Boomerang”, allying this with repeated facial images for John Christopher’s “Talent” – through to his final work, which is sympathetically stark and black for William F Temple’s “War Against Darkness” (in no.31). Hamilton ‘at least let me do work as I wanted to’ explains Turner, ‘though as he operated on a shoe-string budget, the pay was far from magnificent. In fact I asked for the return of the artwork after he’d used it, but got very little back. I understand most of it finished up at auctions at Cons!’
‘Nebula’ was a magazine that developed a uniquely intimate dialogue with its readership. As well as the quality of its art and fiction there was ‘Fanorama’ – a regular column by Walter Willis that now stands as a history of SF Fandom through the Fifties, detailing the activities of celebrity writers at Conventions alongside the contents of Fanzines that include the embryonic work of writers who would achieve celebrity status in years to come. A cartoon by Arthur ‘Atom’ Thompson caricatures personalities at the 1955 Con – portraying Sydney Bounds, John Brunner, EC Tubb, Ken Bulmer, and a blonde relaxed Peter Hamilton himself. Forrest J Ackerman contributes a ‘Scientifilm Review’ feature from Hollywood, punctuating his advance notices of classic films such as George Pal’s
‘War Of The Worlds’,
‘Forbidden Planet’, or
‘This Island Earth’ with snippets of gossip, name-dropping screen-writer friends of the calibre of Ray Bradbury. Book reviews, readers letters, and the inside front-cover photographic features on astronomical phenomena by John Newman or ‘Kenneth Johns’ add to the period flavour. In this 1950’s solar system, Saturn is the only world to possess rings, and Mercury has two extreme climatic zones separated by a twilight belt. Both ideas now rendered obsolete by the march of science.
‘Astronomers tell us that a nebula is the place where stars are born’ explains Peter Hamilton, whose persistent ill-health eventually brought the magazine to its untimely demise. ‘Here, they say, is where the new luminary takes shape and first shines its message of new life out across the void. In a way, our
‘Nebula’ is like that too’. EC Tubb develops the spatial metaphor to suggest that
‘Nebula’ achieved ‘a form of ‘gestalt’ in which the writers and contributors felt as if
‘Nebula’ was ‘their’ magazine, and… became a happy, well-integrated family’.
The blurb regularly run beneath the cover illustration reads ‘NEBULA: FOR READING THAT’S DIFFERENT’, and oddly, that’s still the case.
READING THAT’S DIFFERENT:
ISSUE BY ISSUE
‘Nebula Vol.1 No.1’ (Autumn 1952, 2/-, 120-pages, from Crownpoint Publs, 159 Crownpoint Rd, Glasgow) Novel: ‘Robots Never Weep’ by ER James. Short Stories: ‘Letter From The Stars’ by AE Van Vogt, ‘The Ass’s Ears’ by Peter J Ridley. Art: Cover by Alan Hunter. Articles & Departments: ‘Here We Are’ (Editorial), Know Your Author: ER James, ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis, Book Reviews by Matt A Elder of ‘The Day Of The Triffids’ (John Wyndham) ‘What Mad Universe’ (Fredric Brown). Guided Missives (Readers Letters) & ‘Do You Write Science-Fiction?’ competition. Also back-page Open Letter from Kenneth F Slater, and ad for ‘Peri’ fanzine
‘Nebula Vol.1 No.2’ (Spring 1953) Novel: ‘Thou Pasture Us’ by FG Rayer. Short Stories: ‘Brainpower’ by K Houston Brunner, ‘Atoms And Stars’ by Forrest J Ackerman, ‘Dark Solution’ by EC Tubb. Art: cover by Alan Hunter, inner by Hunter & Bill Price. Articles & Departments: ‘Look Here’ (The Editor), ‘Know Your Author: FG Rayer, ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (announcing sequel to ‘When Worlds Collide’ as ‘After Worlds Collide’ and news of Ray Bradbury adaptation ‘The Monster From Beneath The Sea’ which became ‘The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms’). ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis, Guided Missives (Readers Letters)
‘Nebula Vol.1 No.3’ (Summer 1953) Novel: ‘Freight’ by EC Tubb. Novelette: ‘Limbo’ by William F Temple. Short Stories: ‘Mr Udell’ by David S Gardner (an ad for his fanzine ‘Space Diversions’ on p.42), ‘Enigma’ by Australian writer Michael Hervey, ‘The Beautiful Woman’ by Charles Beaumont (reprinted from September 1952 ‘If’), ‘All Men Kill’ by HJ Campbell. Art: cover by Bob Clothier, inner by Alan Hunter, Clothier, Quinn & Wilson. Articles & Departments: ‘Look Here’ (The Editor), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ with Forrest J Ackerman bestowing his ‘Ack-olade’ on George Pal’s ‘The War Of The Worlds’. ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (reviews fanzines ‘Space Times’ & ‘Operation Fantast’), Guided Missives (Readers Letters, including Terry Jeeves, Walter A Willis, Capt Ken Slater & Robert A Heinlein), SF Crossword compiled by AC Thorne
‘Nebula Vol.1 No.4’ (Autumn 1953, 128-pages) Novel: ‘The Adaptable Planet’ by Sydney J Bounds. Novelette: ‘Pawn In Revolt’ by William F Temple. Short Stories: ‘The Pilot’ by EC Tubb, ‘This One’s For Me’ by Eric Frank Russell, ‘Ultimate Harvest’ by Paul Enever, ‘…And It Shall Be Opened’ by Peter J Ridley. Art: cover by Bob Clothier, inner by Hunter, Clothier, Wake & Jeeves. Articles & Departments: ‘Look Here’ (The Editor), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ with Forrest J Ackerman (‘Donovan’s Brain’ & ‘The Twonky’), ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis, Guided Missives (Readers Letters), SF Crossword by Tony C Thorne
‘Nebula No.5 (Vol.2 No.1)’ (September 1953) Novel: ‘The Troublemaker’ by EC Tubb. Novelette: ‘Destiny Is My Enemy’ by William F Temple. Short Stories: ‘Sabina’ by Forrest J Ackerman, ‘War’s Great Organ’ by JT McIntosh, ‘Alphabet Scoop’ by Ross Rocklynne. Art: cover by Ken McIntyre, inner by Hunter, Price, Clothier & Wilson. Articles & Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Time Of Terror’), ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (Harry Turner’s ‘Zenith’ fanzine), ‘Something To Read’ book Review by Kenneth F Slater (‘Beyond Human Ken’ anthology edit Judith Merril), ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters), ‘Nebula Crossword Puzzle’ by Tony Thorne
‘Nebula No.6 (Vol.2 No.2)’ (December 1953) Novel: ‘Firstling’ by FG Rayer. Novelettes: ‘The Happier Eden’ by JT McIntosh & ‘Sustained Pressure’ by Eric Frank Russell. Short Stories: ‘Tea Party’ by EC Tubb, ‘Inside Information’ by Tony C Thorne, ‘It Will Grow On You’ by L Major Reynolds. Art: cover by GH Irwin, inner by Alan Hunter, Bob Clothier, Jack Wilson & Brian Miller. Articles & Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Riders Of The Stars’), ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (‘Space Times’ & ‘Orbit’ fanzines), ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Spaceways’ by Charles Eric Maine), ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters). Ad for Alfred Bester’s ‘The Demolished Man’
‘Nebula No.7 (Vol.2 No.3)’ (February 1954) Novel: ‘Pilot’s Hands’ by William F Temple. Novelette: ‘Divine Right’ by JT McIntosh. Short Stories: ‘Troubleshooter’ by Charles Eric Maine, ‘Projectionist’ by HJ Campbell, ‘Gorgon Planet’ by Bob Silverberg, ‘Emancipation’ by EC Tubb, ‘Cold Storage’ by David S Gardener. Art: Bob Clothier cover, inner by Martin Frew, Bill Price, JackWilson, Clothier & Tony Steele. Articles & Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (giant ant-attack in ‘The Naked Jungle’ plus ‘Project Moonbase’ co-scripted by Robert Heinlein), ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (reviews fanzines ‘Space Diversions No.7’, ‘Space Times No.12 & ‘Fission No.1’), ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Shadow On The Hearth’ by Judith Merril’ & ‘Earth Abides’ by George R Stuart’), ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters), & ‘Space-Time Research Bureau Coupon’ (Reader Survey), full-page advert for ‘The Vargo Statten SF Magazine’
‘Nebula No.8 (Vol.2 No.4)’ (April 1954) Novel: ‘Blaze Of Glory’ by ER James. Novelettes: ‘Fly Away Peter’ by Eric Frank Russell & ‘Episode’ by EC Tubb. Short Stories: ‘Weather Station’ by Sydney J Bounds & ‘Wind Along The Waste’ by Kenneth Potter. Art: Ken McIntyre cover, inner by Hunter, Clothier, Wilson & Turner. Articles & Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Killers From Space’ & ‘Creature From The Black Lagoon’, ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (‘Orbit No.3’, ‘The Medway Journal’ & ‘Orion’), Book Review by Kenneth F Slater (‘City’ by Clifford D Simak, ‘Lands Beyond’ by L Sprague de Camp & Willy Ley, ‘The True Book Of Space Travel’ by William F Temple, ‘The Weapon Makers’ by AE Van Vogt, ‘The Twenty-Second Century’ by John Christopher, ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters) plus ads for ‘Supermancon’ and ‘Space Times’ magazine
‘Nebula No.9’ (Vol.2 No.5) (August 1954) Novel: ‘Project One’ by EC Tubb. Novelette: ‘Ordeal In Space’ by Robert A Heinlein. Short Stories: ‘Curtain Call’ by James White, ‘Cul De Sac’ by Lan Wright, ‘Alcoholic Ambassador’ by Dan Morgan, ‘Aspect’ by Bob Shaw. Art: Bob Clothier cover, inner by Wilson, Clothier, Frew, Greengrass, Hunter. Articles and Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Them’). ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (‘BEM No.1’). Book Review by Kenneth F Slater (‘Hole in Heaven’ by F Dubrez Fawcett, ‘Childhood’s End’ by Arthur C Clarke, ‘The Green Hills Of Earth’ by Robert A Heinlein, ‘Beachheads In Space’ edited by August Derleth, + ‘The First Astounding SF Anthology’). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters). Plus ad for ‘Spaceflight – Venus’ by Philip Wilding + Boardman SF (‘Project Jupiter’ by Fredric Brown, ‘Children Of The Atom’ by Wilmar H Shiras) + ‘Vargo Statten Science Fiction Magazine’
‘Nebula No.10’ (October 1954) Novel: ‘Project Starship’ by Sydney J Bounds. Novelette: ‘Anachronism’ by Charles E Fritch. Short Stories: ‘Closing Time’ by EC Tubb, ‘The Marriage Prompters’ by Geoffrey Humphrys, ‘Final Curtain’ by Robert Donald Locke, ‘By Needle And Thread’ by Richard P Ennis. Art: Bob Clothier cover (‘The End Of The World’), Jack Wilson back cover, Martin Frew, Jordan, Turner, Hunter inners. Articles and Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (George Pal’s ‘The Conquest Of Space’), ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (fanzines, EC Tubb’s ‘i’ – with John Brunner, ‘The New Futurian no.2’, ‘Orion no.5’ – with Bob Shaw, Brian Lewis’ ‘The Medway Journal’), Book Reviews by Kenneth F Slater ‘The Robot And The Man’ edited by Martin Greenberg, ‘Children Of The Atom’ by Wilmar H Shiras, ‘Caves Of Steel’ by Isaac Asimov, ‘The Starmen’ by Leigh Brackett, ‘Mutant’ by Henry Kuttner, ‘The Red And Green Planet’ by Hubertus Strughold), ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Terry Jeeves)
‘Nebula No.11’ (December 1954) Novel: ‘Operation Mars’ by EC Tubb, Novelette: ‘The Yupe’ by Charles Eric Maine. Short Stories: ‘The Trespassers’ by Bob Shaw, ‘Boomerang’ by Eric Frank Russell, ‘Ujutjo’ by Harry Warner Jr, ‘Talent’ by John Christopher, ‘A World In Exile’ by Cyril Myrescough. Art: James Rattigan cover, Jack Wilson back, Frew, Clothier, Turner, Wilson, Hunter inner. Articles and Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (Paul W Fairman’s ‘Target – Earth’, plus ‘Tobor The Great’, ‘Destruction Orbit’, Charles Eric Maine), ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (fanzines ‘BEM no.3’ with Bob Shaw, ‘Alpha no.7’, ‘Phantasmagoria no.2’, ‘Operation Fantast no.16’ plus ‘The Immortal Storm’). Book Review by Kenneth F Slater (‘The Long Way Back’ by Margot Bennett, ‘Kings Of Space’ by Capt WE Johns, ‘Starman Jones’ by Robert A Heinlein, ‘Young Traveller In Space’ by Arthur C Clarke, ‘Worlds In Space’ by Martin Caidin, ‘Worlds Of Tomorrow’ edit by August Derleth, ‘The Frozen Planet’ by Patrick Moore), ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters with Alan Hunter). Research Survey Results
‘Nebula No.12’ (April 1955) Novel: ‘Report On Adam’ by ER James. Novelette: ‘Decision Deferred’ by David S Gardner. Short Stories: ‘Rebellion On The Moon’ by Robert A Heinlein, ‘The Journey Alone’ by Bob Shaw, ‘An Apple For The Teacher’ by Jonathan Burke, ‘The Great Time Hiccup’ by Brian Aldiss. Art: Front Bob Clothier, back Bill Price, inner by Turner, Greengrass, Frew, Hunter. Articles and Departments: ‘Hypnotism’ by WH Powers. ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘This Island Earth’ + Forry Says Thanks to Charles Eric Maine). ‘Electric Fan’ by Walter A Willis (‘Triode 2’, ‘Femizine 3-4’, ‘Satellite 4’ + ad for Kettering ‘Cythricon’ Convention). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘World Out Of Mind’ by JT McIntosh, ‘Timeliner’ by Charles Eric Maine, ‘Martin Magnus: Planet Rover’ by William F Temple, ‘Lord Of The Rings’ by Tolkien, ‘Down To Earth’ and ‘World At Bay’ by Paul Capon, ‘Best-SF’ edit Edmund Crispin with Van Vogt, JT McIntosh, Bradbury, Wyndham, Eric Frank Russell). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters). Ad for ‘This Island Earth’ by Raymond F Jones and ‘Best From New Worlds’ by John Carnell with introduction by John Wyndham. Ad for ‘Vargo Statten British SF Magazine’
‘Nebula No.13’ (September 1955) Novel: ‘This Night No More’ by FG Rayer. Novelette: ‘Planetbound’ by EC Tubb. Short Stories: ‘Counterpoint’ by Lan Wright’, ‘Mansion Of A Love’ by William F Temple. Art: James Rattigan cover, Arthur Thomson back, inner by Turner, Greengrass, Articles and Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Bride Of The Atom’). ‘Cytricon Report’ by Peter Hamilton with cartoon of guests Tubb, Bulmer, Brunner, EJ Carnell, Hamilton etc. ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Year Of The Comet’ by John Christopher, ‘Bright Phoenix’ by Harold Mead, ‘Alien Dust’ by EC Tubb, ‘This Island Earth’ by Raymond F Jones, ‘Assignment In Eternity’ by Robert Heinlein, + William Tenn and Blish). ‘Guided Missives’ letters by Terry Jeeves and Bob Shaw, about Tubb. Ad for ‘Timeliner’ by Charles Eric Maine + Bodley Head titles by George O Smith (‘Hellflower’), William Tenn, James Blish and Alec Brown
‘Nebula No.14’ (November 1955) Novel: ‘Sunset’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘Pushover Planet’ by James White. Short Stories: ‘The Beautiful Martian’ by Sydney J Bounds, ‘Quis Custodiet’ by EC Tubb, ‘Question Answered’ by Mark Trent, ‘Down Rover Down’ by Eric Frank Russell. Art: Kenneth McIntyre cover, Arthur Thomson back, inners by Thomson, Frew, Greengrass, Turner. Articles: ‘Universe Times Two’ science by John Newman and ‘The Facts About Hypnotism’ by WH Powers. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Invasion Of The Body-Snatchers’ and ‘Beast Of 1,000,000 Eyes’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis with Ken Bulmer + ‘Hyphen no.14’ with Thomson art and Damon Knight reviews). Book Review by Kenneth F Slater (‘White August’ by John Boland, ‘The Sky Block’ by Steve Frazee, ‘Hellflower’ by George O Smith, ‘Currents Of Space’ by Isaac Asimov, ‘Angelo’s Moon’ by Alec Brown, ‘Alien Landscapes’ by Jonathan Burke, ‘Martin Magnus: Planet Rover’ by William F Temple, ‘Lest Darkness Fall’ by L Sprague de Camp), ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters with Joy Goodwin). Ads for WE John ‘Return To Mars’ and EE Smith ‘First Lensman’
‘Nebula No.15’ (January 1956) Novel: ‘Investment’ by EC Tubb. Novelette: ‘Sounds In The Dawn’ by Bob Shaw. Short Stories: ‘In Loving Memory’ by James White, ‘Green Hills Of Earth’ by Robert Heinlein, ‘The Artifact’ by Christopher Lyster, ‘Birthday Star’ by David Irish. Art: James Stark cover, Ken McIntyre back, inner by Turner, Frew, Greengrass, Hunter. Articles and Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Day The World Ended’ with p.2 photo, ‘Invasion Of The Body-Snatchers’, and Ray Harryhausen ‘The Animal World’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (Ken Bulmer in USA, and ‘Quatermass’ movie). Book Review by Kenneth F Slater (‘Born Leader’ by JT McIntosh, ‘Martin Magnus On Venus’ by William F Temple, ‘The Man With Absolute Motion’ by Silas Water, ‘Big Ball Of Wax’ by Shepherd Mead, ‘Return To Mars’ by Capt WE Johns, ‘Angels And Spaceships’ by Fredric Brown. ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Alan Hunter)
‘Nebula No.16’ (March 1956) Novel: ‘Frontier Encounter’ by Sydney J Bounds. Novelette: ‘Dying To Live’ by EC Tubb + ‘Top in 1955’ writer-feature. Short Stories: ‘Always’ by Robert Silverberg, ‘Hot Water’ by ER James, ‘Barrier To Yesterday’ by Bob Shaw, ‘The Moron’ by John Seabright. Art: James Rattigan Mars cover, Arthur Thomson back, Turner, Thomson, Greengrass and Hunter inners. Articles and Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues’ and ‘Tarantula’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (BBC’s ‘Journey Into Space’). ‘Something To Read’ Book Reviews by Kenneth F Slater (‘Crisis 2000’ by Charles Eric Maine, ‘Shadows In The Sun’ by Chad Oliver, ‘Beyond The Barriers Of Space And Time’ edit Judith Merril, ‘Untouched By Human Hands’ by Robert Sheckley). ‘Guided Missives’ (Letters from Robert Bloch on Kenneth Bulmer)
‘Nebula No.17’ (July 1956, delayed from May) Novel: ‘Project Pseudoman’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘By The Name Of Man’ by John Brunner. Short Stories: ‘Storm Warning’ by Eric Frank Russell, ‘Cry Wolf’ by Arthur Sellings, ‘Wrath Of The Gods’ by Philip E High, ‘Into The Empty Dark’ by EC Tubb. Art: James Stark cover, Alan Hunter back, Turner, McKeown and Thomson inners. Articles and Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial), ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (he doesn’t like ‘Forbidden Planet’!). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Alpha no.13’ with Bob Shaw, ‘Retribution no.1’). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Time Transfer’ by Arthur Selling, ‘Deep Space’ by Eric Frank Russell + ad, ‘One In Three Hundred’ by JT McIntosh, ‘Pursuit Through Time’ by Jonathan Burke, ‘Christmas Eve’ by CM Kornbluth, ‘A Private Volcano’ by Lance Sieveking, ‘Burn Witch Burn’ by Abraham Merritt), ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters). Ad for ‘Flying Saucer Review’
‘Nebula No.18’ (November 1956) Novel: ‘Reluctant Farmer’ by EC Tubb. Novelette: ‘Outside Position’ by William F Temple. Short Stories: ‘T’ by Brian W Aldiss, ‘Hope Deferred’ by John Brunner, ‘More Than Hormone’ by Dan Morgan, ‘Armistice’ by Arthur Sellings. Art: James Stark cover, Arthur Thomson back plus inners. Article: ‘Gotterdammerung’ by John Newman (‘the affects and causes of the dropping of the H-Bomb on a large centre of population’). Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial celebrating 4th year of publication). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Eye’, ‘Triode’, ‘Hyphen’, ‘Fez’ aka ‘Femizine’ and ‘Contact’). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Tiger Tiger’ by Alfred Bester, ‘Men Martians And Machines’ by Eric Frank Russell + ad, ‘No Man Friday’ by Rex Gordon, ‘The Death Of Grass’ by John Christopher, ‘Ninya’ by Henry A Fagan, ‘Dawn In Andromeda’ by EC Large, ‘They Shall Have Stars’ by James Blish). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Ron Bennett of Harrogate, and Joy Clark nee Goodwin)
‘Nebula No.19’ (December 1956) Novel: ‘The Number Of My Days’ by John Brunner. Novelette: ‘The Great Armadas’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Short Stories: ‘Dumb Show’ by Brian W Aldiss, ‘The Evidence’ by Len Shaw, ‘Whispering Gallery’ by William F Temple, ‘City At Random’ by Philip E High, ‘Flesh And Blood’ by Robert Presslie. Art: James Stark future city cover, D McKeown back, inners by Arthur Thomson and Martin Frew. Article: ‘Case Of The Missing Planets’ by Kenneth Johns (John Newman and Kenneth Bulmer). Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Mole People, Curt Siodmak’s ‘Curucu, Beast Of The Amazon’, ‘Mesa Of Lost Women’, ‘It Conquered The World’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (Eric Bentcliffe’s ‘Triode no.8’ and Ron Bennett’s ‘Ploy no.7’). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Further Outlook’ by W Grey Walter, ‘Beyond Mars’ by John Stafford Gowland, ‘Best SF 2’ edit Edmund Crispin includes Fredric Brown’s ‘Placet Is A Funny Place’ + ad for ‘Shadow Over The Earth’ by Philip Wilding). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters). Ad for ‘Science Fiction Book Club’, with Edgar Pangborn, + ‘Flying Saucer Review’
‘Nebula No.20’ (March 1957) Novel: ‘Beacon Green’ by FG Rayer. Short Stories: ‘Man Of Imagination’ by EC Tubb, ‘One Man’ by DM Schneider, ‘The Men Marched Out’ by John Ashcroft, ‘Better Than We Know’ by William F Temple. Art: James Rattigan cover, Eddie Jones back, inners by Turner, Thomson and Somerville. Article: Photo-feature ‘The Modern Mars’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (various films in production), ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (the Sam Moskowitz / Damon Knight debate, fanzines ‘Meuh no.2’ and Vince Clarke’s ‘Eye no.6’). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Science And Fiction’ by Patrick Moore, ‘The Isotope Man’ by Charles Eric Maine, ‘The Seeds Of Time’ by John Wyndham also in ‘Sometime Never’ with William Golding and Mervyn Peake’s ‘Boy In Darkness’). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters, by Peter Ridley)
‘Nebula No.21’ (May 1957) Novel: ‘Somewhere A Voice’ by Eric Frank Russell. Novelette: ‘Treason’ by John Brunner. Short Stories: ‘All The World’s Tears’ by Brian W Aldiss, ‘The Pool’ by A Bertram Chandler, ‘Dream World’ by Lan Wright. Art: James Stark cover, Arthur Thomson back, inners by Thomson, Greengrass and Harry Turner. Article: ‘Far Distant Fires’ by Kenneth Johns about galaxies. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’, ‘Dr Cyclops’ by Henry Kuttner from Manly Wade Wellman book). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Camber no.7’ and ‘New Futurian no.6’ with ER James). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Space, Time And Nathaniel’ by Brian Aldiss, ‘Thunder And Roses’ by Theodore Sturgeon, ‘Day Of Misjudgment’ by Bernard MacLaren, ‘The Power’ by Frank M Robinson, ‘The Tramp’ by L Ron Hubbard, ‘Blast Off At Woomera’ by Hugh Walters, ‘A Land Fit For Eros’ by Atkins and Pick, ‘Seven Days To Never’ by Pat Frank). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters) + ‘Nebula Authors Awards 1956’ EC Tubb favourite author
‘Nebula No.22’ (July 1957) Novel: ‘The Thoughtless Island’ by H Philip Stratford (Ken Bulmer). Novelette: ‘Pompey’s Planet’ by ER James. Short Stories: ‘The Window’ by A Bertram Chandler, ‘And So Farewell’ by Lan Wright, ‘A Date To Remember’ by William F Temple, ‘Murder In Reverse’ by Stuart Allen, ‘Morality’ by PJ Ridley. Art: James Stark dinosaur extinction cover, Arthur Thomson back, inners by Turner, Thomson and Greengrass. Article: ‘Cradle Of Stars’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (Ray Bradbury movie, Boris Karloff in ‘Voodoo Island’ and ‘Voodoo Woman’, ‘The Undead’, ‘Attack Of The Crab Monsters’, ‘The She-Devil’ from Stanley Weinbaum, ‘The Man Who Turned To Stone’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis on Flying Saucers. ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Brother Bear’ by Guy Richards, ‘The Master by TH White, ‘The Deep Range’ by Arthur C Clarke, ‘Prisoners Of Saturn’ by Donald Suddaby). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from John Ashcroft and Nigel Jackson)
‘Nebula No.23’ (August 1957) Novel: ‘Against Goliath’ by William F Temple. Novelette: ‘Lethe Lend’ by H Philip Stratford (Kenneth Bulmer). Short Stories: ‘Sentimental Journey’ by EC Tubb, ‘Time Bomb’ by Philip E High, ‘The Successors’ by A Bertram Chandler, ‘Out Of Thin Air’ by Lan Wright’, ‘The River’ by L Major Reynolds. Art: James Stark cover, Arthur Thomson back, inners by Turner, Thomson and Greengrass. Article: ‘Nomads Of The Sky’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Three To Conquer’ by Eric Frank Russell, ‘Plutonia’ by RV Obruchev). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (’20 Million Miles To Earth’, James Whale Obit). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Triode no.10’ from Eric Bentcliffe and Terry Jeeves, ‘New Futurian no.7’, ‘Retribution no.7’ from Arthur Thomson with Bob Shaw). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters) + as for the ‘Solascope’ guide to the Solar System
‘Nebula No.24’ (September 1957) Novel: ‘Proving Ground’ by Lan Wright. Novelette: ‘The Ties Of Iron’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Short Stories: ‘The Eyes Of Silence’ by EC Tubb, ‘Further Outlook’ by Philip E High, ‘Artifact’ by A Bertram Chandler, ‘In The Beginning’ by Kris Neville. Art: James Rattigan cover, Arthur Thomson back (spacesuit skewered by primitive spear on alien landscape), inners by Harry Turner, Thomson and Greengrass. Articles: ‘Jupiter The Mighty’ by ‘Kenneth Johns’, ‘Facts Behind Fall-Out’ by John Newman. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘The Supernatural Reader’ edit Groff Conklin with Ted Sturgeon and Ambrose Bierce, ‘Operation: Outer Space’ by Murray Leinster, ‘The Trembling Tower’ by Claude Yelnick + ad for ‘SF Book Club’ with ‘the Twenty-Seventh Day’ by John Mantley). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Invasion Of The Saucer-Men’, ‘The Monster That Challenged The World’ and ‘The Vampire’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (EC Tubb + ‘Ploy no.9’). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters, from John Newman)
‘Nebula No.25’ (October 1957) Novel: ‘There’s No Business’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘No Escape’ by JS Glasby. Short Stories: ‘Brief Encounter’ by William F Temple, ‘The First’ by Edward Ludwig, ‘Chip On My Shoulder’ by Robert Presslie, ‘Act Of Aggression’ by Robert J Tilley. Art: alien spores cover by KT McIntyre, Arthur Thomson back, inners by Turner, Thomson and Quinn. Article: ‘Saturn: The Ringed Wonder’ by Kenneth Johns, and ‘Satellites And The IGY (International Geophysical Year)’ by Donald Malcolm. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘High Vacuum’ by Charles Eric Maine, ‘The Strange World Of Planet X’ by Rene Ray, ‘Up And Out’ by John Cowper Powys). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘I Was A Teenage Werewolf’, ‘The Vampire’, ‘Killer On The Wall’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis
‘Nebula No.26’ (January 1958) Novel: ‘Dear Devil’ by Eric Frank Russell. Novelette: ‘Training Aid’ by EC Tubb. Short Stories: ‘Fiends For Neighbours’ by Robert J Tilley, ‘The Meek Shall Inherit’ by Philip E High, ‘Ten-Storey Jigsaw’ by Brian W Aldiss. Art: James Stark lunar cover, D McKeown back, Harry Turner inner. Article: ‘Station Sol’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Strange Evil’ by Jane Gaskell, ‘Fallen Star’ by James Blish, ‘The Midwich Cuckoos’ by John Wyndham, ‘Mary’s Country’ by Harold Mead, ‘The Black Cloud’ by Fred Hoyle). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Amazing Colossal Man’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis. ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Robert J Tilley, Robert Bloch) + ad for ‘British Interplanetary Society’
‘Nebula No.27’ (February 1958) Novel: ‘The Great Game’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘The Hired Help’ by John Brunner. Short Stories: ‘Risk Economy’ by Philip E High, ‘Colour Bar’ by Jonathan Burke, ‘Escape from Plenty’ by WT Webb. Art: D McKeown cover, Arthur Thomson back, Harry Turner and Gerard Quinn inners. Article: ‘Morning And Evening Star’ by AE Roy Bsc. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Atomic Submarine’ by Alastair Mars, ‘The Space Encyclopaedia’ and ‘The Viking Rocket Story’, ‘Dandelion Wine’ by Ray Bradbury, ‘Prisoner in The Skull’ by Charles Dye, ‘Great World Mysteries’ by Eric Frank Russell – who wins 1957 Readers Poll). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Invisible Boy’ and ‘I Was A Teenage Frankenstein’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (with Forrest Ackerman, Arthur C Clarke, EC Tubb and Ken Bulmer). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Nigel Jackson)
‘Nebula No.28’ (March 1958) Novel: ‘Touch Of Reality’ by EC Tubb. Novelette: ‘Solitary’ by Robert Silverberg. Short Stories: ‘Shift Case’ by Philip E High, ‘Necessity’ by Robert J Tilley, ‘Verdict’ by Robert Presslie, ‘Forgivable Error’ by Stuart Allen. Art: James Rattigan cover, Arthur Thomson back, Gerard Quinn and Martin Frew inner. Article: ‘The Solar Bomb’ by Kenneth Johns and ‘Pluto The Unknown’ by John Newman. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (August Derleth’s ‘Arkham Sampler, plus ‘Into Other Worlds’ by Roger Lancelyn discussing Garrett P Serviss, Olaf Stapledon, Clare Winger Harris, Miles J Breuer). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Teenage Monster’, ‘The Brain From Planet Arous’ and ‘Blood Of Dracula’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (William F Temple bio, Arthur C Clarke)
‘Nebula No.29’ (April 1958) Novel: ‘Old MacDonald’ by Robert Presslie. Novelette: ‘Advertise Your Cyanide’ by Kenneth Bulmer (collected into ‘The Best Of British SF Vol.2’ edit Mike Ashley). Short Stories: ‘Godling, Go Home!’ by Robert Silverberg, ‘End Planet’ by John Kippax, ‘Motivation’ by Bertram Chandler. Art: Gerard Quinn Arabian nights cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Thomson, Quinn and D McKeown inner. Article: ‘Moons Of Jupiter’ by Donald Malcolm (12 airless moons only!). Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘After The Rain’ by John Bowen, ‘The Naked Sun’ by Isaac Asimov). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Body-Snatchers’ and ‘The Fantastic Puppet People’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘SF News’). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters)
‘Nebula No.30’ (May 1958) Novelettes: ‘Journey To The Interior’ by Brian W Aldiss and ‘The Covetous’ by H Philip Stratford. Short Stories: ‘PS’ by Eric Frank Russell, ‘Nothing For My Noon Meal’ by Harlan Ellison, ‘Training Area’ by ER James, ‘Lone Voyager’ by Donald Malcolm, ‘The Wanton Jade’ by EC Tubb. Art: D McKeown cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Thomson, McKeown and John Greengrass inner. Article: ‘Galactic Outposts’ by AE Roy Bsc and ‘Solar System Ecology’ by John Newman. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘The Dreamers’ by Roger Manvell, ‘On The Last Day’ by Mervyn Jones). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Colossal Beast’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Perihelion no.2’, ‘Camber no.9’). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters)
‘Nebula No.31’ (June 1958) Novel: ‘War Against Darkness’ by William F Temple. Short Stories: ‘The Fires Die Down’ by Robert Silverberg, ‘Ninian’s Experiences’ by Brian W Aldiss, ‘The Beatific Smile’ by EC Tubb, ‘Wish Upon A Star’ by Peter J Ridley. Art: D McKeown ‘Spacewreck’ cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Harry Turner, Gerard Quinn, D McKeown inners. Article: ‘Stardust Patrol’ meteors by Kenneth Johns, ‘And The Kings Depart’ Neanderthals by John Newman. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Non-Stop’ by Brian Aldiss, ‘The Centenarians’ by Gilbert Phelps, ‘Operation Satellite’ by WH Fear). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Creature From Galaxy 27’, ‘The Saga Of The Viking Women And Their Voyage To The Waters Of The Great Sea-Serpent’, ‘The Astounding She-Monster’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Triode’, ‘Brennschluss’)
‘Nebula No.32’ (July 1958) Serial: ‘Wisdom Of The Gods Part 1’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘Sense Of Proportion’ by EC Tubb. Short Stories: ‘Carriage Paid’ by William Aitken, ‘Bighead’ by WT Webb, ‘No Time At All’ by Mark Patrick, ‘They Shall Inherit’ by Brian W Aldiss, ‘Words And Music’ by Bertram Chandler. Art: James Stark cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Kenneth Barr inners. Article: ‘The Crater Controversy’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘Strangers In The Universe’ by Clifford Simak, ‘Double Star’ by Robert A Heinlein). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (Ken Bulmer, Bob Shaw, death of Henry Kuttner). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from John Brunner)
‘Nebula No.33’ (August 1958) Serial: ‘Wisdom Of The Gods Part 2’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘Talk Not At All’ by EC Tubb. Short Stories: ‘Way Out’ by Robert Lloyd, ‘Mute Witness’ by Clifford C Reed, ‘Debt Of Lassor’ by NK Hemming, ‘Conflagration’ by Stuart Allen. Art: Kenneth Barr cover and rear, Barr and John J Greengrass inners, Paul Wakefield 2 cartoons. Article: ‘Cinderella Of The Skies’ the Moon by AE Roy Bsc, ‘Who Rules In Space’ by Donald Malcolm. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (Edmund Crispin’s ‘Best SF Three’ with Murray Leinster’s ‘The Warbler’, ‘The Domes Of Pico’ by Hugh Walters). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Fiend Without A Face’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (Damon Knight new editor of ‘If’ and ex-‘Worlds Beyond’)
‘Nebula No.34’ (September 1958) Serial: ‘Wisdom Of The Gods Part 3’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘Fourth Factor’ by Brian W Aldiss. Short Stories: ‘Agent Provocateur’ by ‘H Philip Stratford’ (Kenneth Bulmer), ‘Friction’ by ER James, ‘Take Your Partners’ by Robert Presslie, ‘Threshold’ by James Inglis. Art: Gerard Quinn cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Thomson, John Greengrass and Kenneth Barr inners. Article: ‘Light And Darkness’ by Kenneth Johns, ‘Riddle Of The Dinosaurs’ by John Newman. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘The Edge Of Beyond’ by Capt WE Johns, ‘The Clock Of Time’ by Jack Finney). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Space Children’, ‘The Attack Of The 50-Foot Woman’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Ploy’)
‘Nebula No.35’ (October 1958) Serial: ‘Wisdom Of The Gods Part 4’ by Kenneth Bulmer. Novelette: ‘The Captain’s Dog’ by EC Tubb. Short Stories: ‘Bitter End’ by Eric Frank Russell, ‘Dark Talisman’ by James White, ‘The Undiscovered Country’ by William F Temple. Art: Kenneth Barr Steampunk cover, Arthur Thomson rear, John J Greengrass, Gerard Quinn, Kenneth Barr inners. Article: ‘Nova And Supernova’ by AE Roy BSc, ‘First Breakthrough’ by Roy Malcolm (discussed in editorial of no.36). Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘The Once And Future King’ by TH White, ‘Forty Years On’ by Doreen Wallace). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Night Of The Blood-Beast’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (Kenneth Bulmer anecdotes, ‘Satellite no.7’)
‘Nebula No.36’ (November 1958) Novel: ‘The Hard Way’ by Dan Morgan. Novelette: ‘Wallpaper War’ by EC Tubb. Short Stories: ‘It’ by John Kippax, ‘Sight Of A Silhouette’ by Brian W Aldiss, ‘Sell Me A Dream’ by Stuart Allen. Art: Eddie Jones cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Kenneth Barr, John J Greengrass inners, two ‘Atom’ cartoons. Article: ‘The Great Nebula’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial on Gerard Quinn). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (‘The Tide Went Out’ by Charles Eric Maine). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘The Blob’, ‘I Married A Monster From Outer Space’, ‘Earth Versus The Spider’, ‘Teenage Caveman’, ‘How To Make A Monster’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (‘Aporrheta’ fanzine). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Nigel Jackson, John J Greengrass)
‘Nebula No.37’ (December 1958) Novelette: ‘Lords Of Creation’ by Philip E High. Short Stories: ‘Pariah’ by Robert Presslie, ‘The Truth’ by ER James, ‘House Divided’ by Robert Silverberg, ‘Infiltration’ by Mark Patrick, ‘Thy Rod And Thy Staff’ by John Kippax. Art: Gerard Quinn Cosmic Chess cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Thomson, Kenneth Barr, John Greengrass inners, Atom ‘Bem’ cartoon. Article: ‘Next Call Alpha Centauri’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial on Australian contributor Miss NK Hemming). No Book Reviews this issue. ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Monster On The Campus’, ‘The Sun Demon’, ‘It! The Terror From Beyond Space’, ‘The Cures Of The Faceless Man’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (James White anecdote). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters)
‘Nebula No.38’ (January 1959) Stories: ‘A Race Of Madmen’ by Philip E High, ‘The Arm’ by Brian W Aldiss, ‘Consolidation’ by ‘John Diamond’ (Barrington J Bayley), ‘Medicine Man’ by ‘H Philip Stratford’ (Kenneth Bulmer), ‘Cold Storage’ by Donald Franson, ‘Hospital Ship’ by ER James, ‘Strong Waters’ by Robert Silverberg. Art: Eddie Jones cover, Arthur Thomson rear (+ Atom cartoon), Kenneth Barr, John J Greengrass inners. Article: ‘The Nearest Star’ by AE ‘Archie’ Roy Bsc, Glasgow University Professor of Astronomy. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (Ray Harryhausen’s ‘The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (anecdotes on Bob Shaw, James White, Ken Bulmer, Eric Frank Russell). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters)
‘Nebula No.39’ (February 1959, 2/-, 116pp) Novelette: ‘Suicide Squad’ by Robert Presslie. Short Stories: ‘Infection’ by Philip E High, ‘Survey Corpse’ by Kenneth Bulmer, ‘The World He Left Behind Him’ by Robert Silverberg, ‘The Return’ by Mark Patrick, ‘The Lieutenant’ by Brian W Aldiss. Art: D McKeown cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Thomson (+ Atom cartoon), John J Greengrass and Eddie Jones inners. Article: ‘The Barred Spiral Enigma’ by Kenneth Johns. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (Poll Results). ‘Bob Madle’s American Letter’ (Forrest J Ackerman and ‘Transatlantic Fan Fund’, Ted Carnell, Walt Willis and Ron Bennett). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (James White sells to Italy, Edmond Crispin). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from James Inglis). BSFA as ‘A Society For You’ says Peter Hamilton. SFBC, Science Fiction Book Club
‘Nebula No.40’ (May 1959, 2s 6d, 116pp) Novel: ‘Imbalance’ by William F Temple. Short Stories: ‘To See Ourselves’ by Philip E High, ‘The Strangers’ by James Inglis (brief biog), ‘Viewpoint’ by TB (Thomas Burnett) Swann, ‘The Colonel’s Last Safari’ by Nigel Jackson. Art: Eddie Jones cover, Arthur Thomson rear, Thomson (includes BEM cartoon), Jones and John Greengrass inners. Articles: ‘Galaxies At Random’ by Kenneth Johns, ‘Seven Days To Nowhere’ by John Newman (US lunar plans). Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Something To Read’ by Kenneth F Slater (hardback round-up). ‘Scientifilm Previews’ by Forrest J Ackerman (‘Missile To The Moon’). ‘Bob Madle’s American Letter’ (Forrest J Ackerman launches ‘Famous Monsters Of Filmland’, ‘First Fandom back to 1929, Arthur C Clarke US tour, and EE Smith new sale to ‘Amazing’). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (John ‘Sam Youd) Christopher, Arthur C Clarke). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Eric Bentcliffe) + 1958 Author’s award, EC Tubb again, Ken Bulmer no.2, Brian Aldiss no.3
‘Nebula No.41’ (June 1959) Novelette: ‘Legends Of Smith’s Burst’ by Brian W Aldiss. Short Stories: ‘For Those Who Wait’ by Philip E High, ‘The Silent Partners’ by Bob Shaw, ‘Day Without A Name’ by WT Webb, ‘Song Of Ages’ by ‘H Philip Stratford’ (aka Ken Bulmer), ‘Cadet’ by John Rackham (aka John T Phillifent). Art: Kenneth Barr Dinosaur cover, Arthur Thomson rear, John Greengrass and Gerard Quinn inners. Article: ‘Miniature Mercury’ by ‘Kenneth Johns’. Departments: ‘Look Here’ (Editorial). ‘Fanorama’ by Walter A Willis (Arthur Thomson and ‘Quatermass’). ‘Guided Missives’ (Readers Letters from Nigel Jackson). Ad for SFBC (‘Occam’s Razor’ by David Duncan, and ‘The Tide Went Out’ by Charles Eric Maine)
‘Nebula No.42’ (scheduled for September 1959, unpublished) advertised contents would have included William F Temple (a spacecraft lands in a remote rural area), ER James (two rival colonies on a barren planet), Edward Mackin (a wistfully sad tale), Robert Presslie, Ian Wright, Nigel Jackson, Sydney Bounds
