Heart disease was CHR's means of becoming introduced to science
fiction. Confined to bed he was given a copy of Science and Invention
which he read and re-read many times, liking its science fiction
story, "The Man on the Meteor" by Ray Cummings, best of all. He never
lost one whit of his interest in fantasy fiction, and has become a
keen judge of what is best in this field.
Always retiring in nature, he first came to notice in a vigorous
campaign he conducted for increasing the membership of the
International Scientific Association, and for innovating a Science
Fiction Week. Hugo Gernsback was so pleased with this latter idea, and
with CHR's work in trying to put it over, that CHR was awarded a $50
prize in the "What I Have Done for Science Fiction" contest that
Science Wonder Quarterly conducted at that time.
His pet idea for many years was to issue a science fiction fan
magazine. The Depression decided him upon the desperate expedient of
launching the SCIENCE FICTION DIGEST without adequate preparation.
Unwilling to take any credit for the work he appointed Maurice Z.
Ingher as the Digest's editor, but when Mr. Ingher was forced to
resign because of other duties, he reluctantly took the editorship.
There is plenty of testimony to satisfy all as to the success he has
attained with his little magazine, the SCIENCE FICTION DIGEST.
As for his age, and other personal points, he is 21, unmarried, and
considers life quite thrilling. He is a printer by occupation, being
one of the partners of the ARRA Printers, who have given the fans
several science fiction pamphlets.
Though he declares he is not modest, he cannot be convinced that he
has done anything unusual. It is his courage and determination that
has carried the 'Science Fiction Digest' through the rough spots of
its career, and it is stern judgement that selects the articles and
stories which so please the readers of SFD, or FANTASY Magazine, as it
will be called.
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The word "weird" as meaning bizarre probably originated with Edgar
Allan Poe, who was one of the greatest coiner of words. Is his poem
"Ulalume," he speaks of the country of "Weir" from which the word
"weird" was derived to describe anything horrible or unique.
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comment. We always like to get letters from our readers.
* * * * *
Send in your comments on the current issue. We want to know your likes
and dislikes. That is the only way we can supply you with the kind of
material you like.
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