Below is a link to a review of a new book about the golden age of science fiction writing called ASTOUNDING: JOHN CAMPBELL, ISAAC ASIMOV, ROBERT A. HEINLEIN AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF SCIENCE FICTION, by Chicago area writer Alec Nevala-Lee. John Campbell was not only a successful science fiction writer (he is probably best known for the novel WHO GOES THERE, which was twice made into the movie THE THING), but he was also the influential editor of ASTOUNDING, a pulp magazine which published science fiction short fiction. The book is must reading for those interested in science fiction, especially during the 1940's and 1950's. Ray Bradbury is mentioned in the book a few times, but mostly to discuss his inability to sell Campbell any of his stories. For some reason, Campbell simply did not like Ray's writing, rejecting such wonderful stories as "The Million-Year Picnic" and "Mars Is Heaven." In fact, Campbell only bought one of Ray's stories, a lesser effort called "Doodad". I had Ray sign my copy of the issue of ASTOUNDING in which "Doodad" appears and, knowing of his frustration to get Campbell to buy his work, commented, "Well, as least you got John Campbell to buy ONE of your stories." Ray just smiled wryly and replied, "I think the only reason he bought it was to get rid of me!"

The link below will take you to the review of ASTOUNDING by Washington Post book critic Michael Dirda. Incidentally, in the middle of the review, there is a link to a column that Mr. Dirda wrote in 2012, after Ray's death, called "Ray Bradbury, An Appreciation".

https://www.washingtonpost.com...m_term=.daabad096536

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Richard,

Outstanding! helpful as always Richard!