raordinary chap!
Mr. Burks is your most versatile author. Of his several
stories, each has opened up a new vista in the field of
Science Fiction, and he is a thoroughbred in each endeavor.
If you want to be convinced, read the opening chapters of
"Manape The Mighty," and I will wager any sum you won't lay
down the story until you've read every word.

As a matter of fact, all the stories are good. And the bill
for next month appears to be exceptionally unusual. It is
very evident that you are on the road to perfection. Smooth
cut edges, the acquisition of the greatest of artists, Paul,
all point to the accelerating progress Astounding Stories is
achieving.

We Readers are frequently asked as to how we would run the
magazine if we were Editors. Well, here is my conception of
the ideal magazine:

Smooth paper, no advertisements whatsoever, the interior
illustrations done by an artist with the talent of a Paul
and a Wesso combined, and made in water colors, too. Then I
would only have such renowned Authors as Burroughs, MacIsaac
and a few others. I suppose that's the eternal dream of the
modern Editor, but who can say that you, Mr. Bates, won't
evolve Astounding Stories in the same manner. At any rate,
there's a goal to aim for.--Mortimer Weisinger, 266 Van
Cortlandt Ave., Bronx, N. Y.

_Guilty_

Dear Editor:

You are hereby summoned to appear in Court on attempt of
murder. Following are the charges: Stopping my heart from
beating when I saw the smooth edges in Astounding Stories,
and making my heart miss five beats when I saw "The
Earthman's Burden" illustrated by Paul!

I now think Astounding Stories has reached its highest peak.
Arthur J. Burks' story was a wow. I hope he works on a story
as he said he would in "The Readers' Corner" if he gets
enough requests.

And Charles Willard Diffin! Here's a writer for you. I think
the first story he ever wrote was published in Astounding
Stories. Don't lose him. His "Holocaust" is his best, with
the probable exception of "The Power and the Glory." I don't
think the last mentioned ever got enough praise. I expect to
see it reprinted some day in The Golden Book Magazine. It's
distinctly smooth paper style.

And of course Sewell Peaslee Wright's "John Hanson" s