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Icshi: The A.E. van Vogt Information Site


A.E. van Vogt - Magazine and Book Illustrations


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One of the most enjoyable aspects of collecting old SF magazines
comes not only in appreciating their historical value and discovering obscure authors,
but also being able to see the illustrations (in a wide variety of styles) that went
with the stories. I'm delighted to share over 100 of these intriguing works of art with you.





All illustrations are shown at slightly larger than the actual
size to better show detail, with no loss in picture quality.

Most links go directly to a JPG file.
Each picture has been given a title for easy reference.









"AUTOMATON"


Illustration © by Malcolm Smith


Other Worlds
September 1950


Other Worlds, September 1950, art by Malcolm Smith

(cover © by Malcolm Smith)
Title Page Automaton by A.E. van Vogt, art by Malcolm Smith










"BLACK DESTROYER"


Illustrations © by H. Kramer


     The July 1939 issue of Astounding is often used to date the beginning of the "Golden Age" of SF under John W. Campbell, Jr. Featuring the first SF story by A.E. van Vogt, and Asimov's first appearance in ASF, it was followed the next month by Robert A. Heinlein's first story.


Astounding Science Fiction
July 1939


Astounding Science Fiction, July 1939, art by Graves Gladney Astounding Science Fiction, July 1939, table of contents

(cover © by Graves Gladney)
#1: Coeurl Feeds Black Destroyer by A.E. van Vogt, art by H. Kramer
#2: Alien Cunning Black Destroyer by A.E. van Vogt, art by H. Kramer
#3: Desperate Escape Black Destroyer by A.E. van Vogt, art by H. Kramer
#4: Ships

I'm pretty sure this is one of those generic "filler" illustrations that could be reused with just about any story.
Black Destroyer by A.E. van Vogt, art by H. Kramer










THE BOOK OF PTATH


Fantasy Press, 1947   /   Garland, 1975

Illustrations © by A.J. Donnell


     When this novel — which originally appeared in the October 1943 issue of Unknown Worlds — was published in book form the first time by Fantasy Press in 1947, six black-and-white drawings by A.J. Donnell were done to illustrate the text (he also did the dustjacket cover). I know little about Donnell himself but if these drawings are anything to go by he was imaginative and had a talent for portraying the supernatural.

     The Fantasy Press book was reprinted as a facsimile edition by Garland Press in 1975 as part of their 45-volume "Garland Library of Science Fiction." The books were all picked by Lester del Rey, and he wrote an introductory volume that chronicled the history of SF from 1926 to 1976. The scans linked to below were all done from this Garland reprint.



#1: The Return of Ptath The Book of Ptath by A.E. van Vogt, art by A.J. Donnell
#2: A Goddess in Chains The Book of Ptath by A.E. van Vogt, art by A.J. Donnell
#3: Flight Through the Night The Book of Ptath by A.E. van Vogt, art by A.J. Donnell
#4: The Climber on the Cliff The Book of Ptath by A.E. van Vogt, art by A.J. Donnell
#5: Triumph of the
Golden Goddess
The Book of Ptath by A.E. van Vogt, art by A.J. Donnell
#6: The God Chair The Book of Ptath by A.E. van Vogt, art by A.J. Donnell










"THE BRAIN"


artist unknown




Weird Tales
Winter 1985


Weird Tales, Winter 1985, art by Hyang Ro Kim

(cover © by Hyang Ro Kim)
Title Page The Brain by A.E. van Vogt, artist unknown










"A CAN OF PAINT"


Illustrations © by Paul Orban


     This famous short story was adapted in 2004 as a short film by Robi Michael.


Astounding Science Fiction
September 1944


Astounding Science Fiction, September 1944, art by William Timmins

(cover © by William Timmins)
#1: Mysterious Cube A Can of Paint by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#2: Tenacious Paint A Can of Paint by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#3: Return to Civilization A Can of Paint by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban










"THE CATAAAAA"


Illustration © by Charles McNutt


     Charles McNutt is better known as Charles Beaumont, a horror writer who contributed to The Twilight Zone and scripted the film The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao.


Fantasy Book #1
July 1947


Fantasy Book #1, July 1947, art by Milo

(cover © by Milo)
Title Page The Cataaaaa by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles McNutt, aka Charles Beaumont










"CO-OPERATE — OR ELSE!"


Illustrations © by Charles Schneeman


     For all of 1942 and part of 1943, issues of Astounding were printed in the largest pulp format, the so-called "bedsheet" size. These measured about 215 mm wide and 290 mm tall, and while they allow for much larger covers and illustrations they were generally disliked by readers of the period, as the dimensions made for awkward reading and storage.

     Schneeman's depiction of the ezwal is impressive indeed, and helps to emphasize the extreme dangers on Eristan II, where even such a mighty creature would be unable to survive there on its own — the ezwal and Professor Jamieson must co-operate to escape alive. Hence the title of the story.

     Due to the large size and fragile material of this particular copy, these images were captured using a digital camera. As a result the proportions aren't as exact as they would be if they had been digitized using a flatbed scanner.



Astounding Science Fiction
April 1942


Astounding Science Fiction, April 1942, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#1: Descent to
Eristan II
Cooperate or Else by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman
#2: Encounter with
the Rull
Cooperate or Else by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman
#3: Riding Through
the Jungle
Cooperate or Else by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman










"DEATH TALK"


Illustrations © by Walter Lee


     This semiprozine ran for 23 quarterly issues from October 1981 to March 1987. Although it bears the title of Fantasy Book, it was unrelated to William Crawford's magazine of the same name (which ran from 1947 to 1951). In his first editorial, Dennis Mallonee acknolwedged his indebtedness to Crawford for partial inspiration, but this later Fantasy Book in truth has more in common with Campbell's Unknown Worlds, featuring stories from the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres, as well as humorous and unclassifiable tales.

     Unlike its namesake, Mallonee's is a very professional and breathtakingly beautiful magazine, meticulously layed out and printed on marvellous quality paper. Along with its fine selection of fiction, it also showcased the work of numerous talented artists.

     Lee's illustrations to van Vogt's story employ an interesting style, being smooth and surreal, which matches this rare story surprisingly well.



Fantasy Book
December 1981


Fantasy Book, December 1981, art by Charles Vess

(cover © by Charles Vess)
#1: Title Page Death Talk by A.E. van Vogt, art by Walter Lee
#2: Death Talk by A.E. van Vogt, art by Walter Lee
#3: Death Talk by A.E. van Vogt, art by Walter Lee
#4: Death Talk by A.E. van Vogt, art by Walter Lee










"DISCORD IN SCARLET"


Illustrations © by Paul Orban


     In this issue, Campbell experimented with red ink (in addition to black) for the first few pages. This was never repeated, but its appearance in this issue was highly fortuitous, allowing Xtl to appear in his full bright-red glory.


Astounding Science Fiction
December 1939


Astounding Science Fiction, December 1939, art by H. Gilmore Astounding Science Fiction, December 1939, editorial

(cover © by H. Gilmore)
#1: Creature of the Void Discord in Scarlet by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#2: Passing Through Walls Discord in Scarlet by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#3: Shielded Engine Room Discord in Scarlet by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban










"THE EARTH KILLERS"


Illustration by Virgil Finlay (?)




Super Science Stories
April 1949


Super Science Stories, April 1949, art by Stephen Lawrence

(cover © by Stephen Lawrence)
Title Page The Earth Killers by A.E. van Vogt, illustrated by Virgil Finlay (?)










"ENCHANTED VILLAGE"


Illustration © by Jon Arfstrom


Other Worlds
July 1950


Other Worlds, July 1950, art by Malcolm Smith

(cover © by Malcolm Smith)
Title Page Enchanted Village by A.E. van Vogt, art by Malcolm Smith










"FEMWORLD"


artist unknown


     This story was an excerpt from Renaissance and was published as a preview for the novel.


Galaxy
June/July 1979


Galaxy, June/July 1979, art by Kenneth Smith

(cover © by Kenneth Smith)
#1: Cracked Lenses Femworld by A.E. van Vogt










"THE GREEN FOREST"


Illustrations © by Brush
(full name unknown)



Astounding Science Fiction
June 1949


Astounding Science Fiction, June 1949, art by Chesley Bonestell

(cover © by Chesley Bonestell)
#1: The Yards The Green Forest by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush
#2: Abducted! The Green Forest by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush
#3: Into the Forest The Green Forest by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush
#4: Mira Lymph Beast The Green Forest by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush










"HAUNTED ATOMS"


Illustration © by Fischer
(full name unknown)


     This rare short story is summarized elsewhere on my site.


Authentic Science Fiction Monthly
April 1953


Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, April 1953, art by

(cover © by "Davis," aka John Richards)
Title Page Haunted Atoms by A.E. van Vogt, art by Fischer










"HAUNTED ATOMS"


artist unknown




Science Fiction Digest #1
February 1954


Science Fiction Digest #1, February 1954, art by Chester Martin

(cover © by Chester Martin)
Haunted Atoms by A.E. van Vogt, artist unknown Haunted Atoms by A.E. van Vogt, artist unknown










"HUMANS, GO HOME!"


Illustrations © by Jack Gaughan


     Jack Gaughan did most of the illustration work for Galaxy magazine for many years. This issue contained van Vogt's story "Humans, Go Home!" which was one of truly new pieces of fiction he wrote between 1950 and 1970.

     This story's first publication is notable for containing a special two-page spread (Illustration #4), separate from the rest of the tale, which gives important background details. This very helpful information was never reprinted and does a great deal to explain some of the tale's more cryptic aspects, particularly humanity's use of special "Symbols."

     Donald Menzel's wraparound cover entitled "Menzel's Martians" was done in honor of Mariner VI & VII and is accompanied by his delightful little article "Martians and Venusians" which describes these fanciful creatures. This three-page section is available as two JPG scans: Pages 1 & 2 and Page 3



Galaxy
September 1969


Galaxy, September 1969, art by Donald H. MenzelGalaxy, September 1969, art by Donald H. Menzel

(cover © by Donald H. Menzel)

"Martians and Venusians"

by Donald H. Menzel
Menzel's Martians by Donald H. Menzel

(text & art © by Donald H. Menzel)

Menzel's Martians by Donald H. Menzel
"Humans,
Go Home!"

#1: Janae Male
Humans, Go Home by A.E. van Vogt, art by Jack Gaughan
#2: The Great House Humans, Go Home by A.E. van Vogt, art by Jack Gaughan
#3: Rocquel Humans, Go Home by A.E. van Vogt, art by Jack Gaughan
#4: Of Symbols and Man Humans, Go Home by A.E. van Vogt, art by Jack Gaughan
#5: Council Meeting in Motion Humans, Go Home by A.E. van Vogt, art by Jack Gaughan
#6: Execution Humans, Go Home by A.E. van Vogt, art by Jack Gaughan










"ITSELF!"


artist unknown



The Hoffman / Scientific American Ads (1962)

     Hoffman Electronics, a firm that contracted for the Defense Department, commissioned six short-short stories by various well-known SF authors. These stories appeared throughout 1962 as part of advertisements for Hoffman which originally appeared in the pages of Scientific American but were also reprinted in other magazines (such as Fortune). Other than the tight space constraint — each story had to be less than 2,000 words — the authors apparently had complete freedom in writing the tales and it was up to the advertiser to make any connections. At best, the story was only tenuously linked to a technology in development by Hoffman, but the core theme of the ads was "How Science Fiction Becomes Scientific Fact."

     All six ads followed the same format. Each of the two pages is three columns across. On the first page the story begins in the first column, followed by a two-column wide piece of artwork done in black, white, and one other color (appropriately enough, the art for Leiber's story "Mirror" featured shiny silver ink). Page two would have two columns of story, with the third column featuring the Hoffman ad proper. It is not known who did the artwork for these ads, and my (admittedly unpracticed) eye has only been able to pick out the occasional illegible signature.


Title Author Date
(all 1962)
Theme Reprinted in
"Itself!" A.E. van Vogt January Submarine Warfare The Worlds of
A.E. van Vogt
(1974)
"My Son,
the Physicist"
Isaac Asimov February Long-Range Communication Nightfall (1969)
"Mirror" Fritz Leiber April Parallel Dimensions Day Dark,
Night Bright
(2002)
"Wunderkälte"
(German for
"wonder cold")
Frank Riley June Cryogenics ?
"Searchlight" Robert A. Heinlein August Search & Rescue Expanded Universe (1980)
"Starlight!"
(aka "Star Light")
Isaac Asimov November Stellar Navigation Asimov's Mysteries (1968)
"Itself!"

by A.E. van Vogt


Scientific American,
January 1962
Itself by A.E. van Vogt, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement

Itself by A.E. van Vogt, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement
"My Son, the Physicist"

by Isaac Asimov


Scientific American,
February 1962
My Son, the Physicist by Isaac Asimov, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement

My Son, the Physicist by Isaac Asimov, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement
"Mirror"

by Fritz Leiber


Scientific American,
April 1962
Mirror by Fritz Leiber, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement

Mirror by Fritz Leiber, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement
"Wunderkälte"
("Wonder Cold")

by Frank Riley

Title often misread as
"Wunderkaltz"
with a "z" instead of
an "e" at the end

Scientific American,
June 1962
Wunderkalte by Frank Riley, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement, aka Wunderkaltz

Wunderkalte by Frank Riley, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement, aka Wunderkaltz
"Starlight!"

by Isaac Asimov


Scientific American,
November 1962
Starlight by Isaac Asimov, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement

Starlight by Isaac Asimov, Scientific American, Hoffman Electronics advertisement










"LETTER FROM THE STARS"


published elsewhere as "Dear Pen Pal"


Illustration by "Marm" (?)
(name not certain)


     One of Donald A. Wollheim's experimental publishing ventures, this magazine lasted only two issues (this is the first). Both featured a lengthy comics section, which is unusual for a magazine of this period.

     Although the artist who illustrated van Vogt's story has a signature visible, it's difficult to make out. It could be "Marm" or "Marton" or something similar. Anybody know who this might be?



Out of This World Adventures
July 1950


Out of This World Adventures, July 1950, issue #1 Out of This World Adventures, July 1950, issue #1

(cover artist unknown)

Comics Section

STORY WRITER ARTIST
"Lunar Station" John Michel Joe Kubert
"The Man-Eating Lizards" Edward Bellin Joe Kubert
"Pallas Rebellion" W. Malcolm White (short story)
"Crom the Barbarian" Gardner Fox John Giunta
Out of This World Adventures, July 1950, issue #1, comics




32 pages

(Comic files temporarily unavailable due to webspace shortage)
"Letter From the Stars"

Title Page
Letter From the Stars by A.E. van Vogt, aka Dear Pen Pal










"M33 IN ANDROMEDA"


Illustrations © by A. Williams


Astounding Science Fiction
August 1943


Astounding Science Fiction, August 1943

(cover © by William Timmins)
#1: Primeval Planet M33 in Andromeda by A.E. van Vogt, art by A. Williams
#2: Sudden Attack M33 in Andromeda by A.E. van Vogt, art by A. Williams










"THE PANDORA PRINCIPLE"


Illustration © by Dave Stevens


     Dave Stevens was a comic book artist best known for his creation of The Rocketeer. Brinke Stevens, co-author of this rare story, was married to Dave for a short time in the early '80s. (Her original name was Charlene Elizabeth Brinkman.) Even after their divorce, Brinke continued to model for Dave.


Weird Tales
Fall 1984


Weird Tales, Fall 1984, art by Hyang Ro Kim

(cover © by Hyang Ro Kim)
Title Page The Pandora Principle by A.E. van Vogt and Brinke Stevens, art by Dave Stevens










"THE PERFECT DAY"


Illustrations © by Annette Fräger


     This rare story has only been published once, in German as "Ein idealer Tag." Alexander Martin Pfleger is to be thanked both for writing a summary of the story, as well as generously supplying me with a photocopy that is the source of the scans below.


Tor zu den Sternen
November 1981

("Door to the Stars")
German anthology
edited by Peter Wilfert

[cover not available]
#1: The Perfect Day by A.E. van Vogt, art by Annette Fräger
#2: The Perfect Day by A.E. van Vogt, art by Annette Fräger










THE PLAYERS OF A


Astounding Science Fiction, 1948-9

Illustrations © by Hubert Rogers


     Hubert Rogers' approach is more thematic than literal, which makes for a nice contrast with Orban's style of presentation. And since his art for this serial of The Players of Null-A is more vibrant than Orban's for the first Null-A novel, I've decided not to add any clarifying comments or excerpts to each illustration (as I did for the drawings that went with World) but let them speak for themselves.


Part One
Astounding Science Fiction
October 1948


Astounding Science Fiction, October 1948, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#1: Gosseyn The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#2: Meeting on the Hill The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#3: Battle of the Sixth Decant The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#4: The Follower The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#5: The Grill Rises The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers


Part Two
Astounding Science Fiction
November 1948


Astounding Science Fiction, November 1948, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#6: Leej The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#7: Jurig The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#8: Islands of Yalerta The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#9: Through the Porthole The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#10: Message to Y-381907 The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers


Part Three
Astounding Science Fiction
December 1948


Astounding Science Fiction, December 1948, art by Paul Orban

(cover © by Paul Orban)
#11: Theme Montage The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#12: Ashargin / Gosseyn The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#13: Interrogation The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#14: Nirene & Patricia The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers


Part Four
Astounding Science Fiction
January 1949


Astounding Science Fiction, January 1949, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#1: Second Theme Montage The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#2: The Sleeping God The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#3: Secoh The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#4: Venusian Defenses The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#5: The Temple The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers
#5: Finis The Players of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Hubert Rogers










"PROLOGUE TO FREEDOM"


Illustration © by Vincent Di Fate


     "Prologue to Freedom" was van Vogt's last published short story. It's an incredibly dull tale about the splitting of California into a northern Communist sector, Califrania (named after its capital, San Francisco), and a southern Capitalist zone, Angelona (named after its capital, Los Angeles), and the efforts of various people to move their wealth from one to the other. The illustration by Di Fate, however, is a genuinely creepy new rendition of the American flag.


Worlds of If
September 1986


Worlds of If, September 1986, art by Bob Eggleton

(cover © by Bob Eggleton)
Economic Area #1 Prologue to Freedom by A.E. van Vogt, art by Vincent Di Fate










"THE PURPOSE"


Illustrations © by Paul Orban



Astounding Science Fiction
June 1949


Astounding Science Fiction, May 1945, art by William Timmins

(cover © by William Timmins)
#1: Stabbed Through the Heart The Purpose by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#2: Edgar Gray The Purpose by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#3: Organ Chamber The Purpose by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#4: Hidden Island The Purpose by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban










"THE RAT AND THE SNAKE"


Illustrations © by Robert E. Jennings



Witchcraft & Sorcery
January/February 1971


Witchcraft & Sorcery, January/February 1971, art by Burge

(cover © by Burge)
#1: Title Page The Rat and the Snake by A.E. van Vogt, art by Robert E. Jennings
#2: Transformation The Rat and the Snake by A.E. van Vogt, art by Robert E. Jennings










"THE REFLECTED MEN"


Illustration © by Jack Gaughan



Galaxy
February 1971


Galaxy, February 1971, art by Jack Gaughan

(cover © by Jack Gaughan)
Title Page The Reflected Men by A.E. van Vogt, art by Jack Gaughan










"REPETITION"


Illustrations © by F. Kramer


     This story, later reprinted as "The Gryb," featured artwork by F. Kramer whose rough and garish style made him one of the least popular artists ever to contribute to Astounding.


Astounding Science Fiction
April 1940


Astounding Science Fiction, April 1940, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#1: The Grass-Eaters of Europa Repetition by A.E. van Vogt, aka the Gryb, art by F. Kramer
#2: The Gryb Attacks Repetition by A.E. van Vogt, aka the Gryb, art by F. Kramer










"THE REPLICATORS"


Illustrations © by Gray Morrow



Worlds of If
February 1965


Worlds of If, February 1965, art by Richard McKenna

(cover © by Richard McKenna)
#1: Half-Grown Body in Stasis The Replicators by A.E. van Vogt, art by Gray Morrow
#2: Encounter by the Lake The Replicators by A.E. van Vogt, art by Gray Morrow










"THE RULL"


Illustrations © by Paul Orban


Astounding Science Fiction
May 1948


Astounding Science Fiction, May 1948, art by Alejandro

(cover © by "Alejandro")
#1: Desperate Assault The Rull by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#2: Vigilance The Rull by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#3: Unwelcome Surprise The Rull by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#4: Conditioning The Rull by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban










"THE SECOND SOLUTION"


Illustration © by W.A. Kolliker
(full name unknown)


     Very little is known about Kolliker, who did a mere handful of illustrations for Astounding. While his work is certainly competent, there is nothing that really stands out, especially when compared to other artists of the period.


Astounding Science Fiction
October 1942


Astounding Science Fiction, October 1942, art by A. von Munchausen

(cover © by)
Title Page The Second Solution by A.E. van Vogt, art by W.A. Kolliker










THE SHADOW MEN


Illustrations © by Stephen Lawrence


     Thanks to Yutaka Morita and Robert Weinberg, this artist has been identified as Stephen Lawrence. To quote Mr. Weinberg: "The artwork in question is by Lawrence Sterne Stevens, who sometimes used the pen-name, Stephen Lawrence. Actually, he and his son, Peter Stevens, both did work under the name Stephen Lawrence, though Peter mostly did covers, while his father [. . .] did both covers and interiors."


Startling Stories
January 1950


Startling Stories, January 1950, art by Earle K. Bergey

(cover © by Earle K. Bergey)
Contents Page Teaser

This miniscule — nay, itsy-bitsy — drawing appeared on the table of contents page next to the line telling about van Vogt's novel. This was often done for the feature story in the issue, and gave the reader a brief visual impression to highlight its importance, as well as giving the artist an opportunity to test his skill in creating a truly small illustration.
The Shadow Men by A.E. van Vogt, aka The Universe Maker, art by Stephen Lawrence
#1: Cargill and Ann The Shadow Men by A.E. van Vogt, aka The Universe Maker, art by Stephen Lawrence
#2: The Pyramid The Shadow Men by A.E. van Vogt, aka The Universe Maker, art by Stephen Lawrence
#3: Ann The Shadow Men by A.E. van Vogt, aka The Universe Maker, art by Stephen Lawrence
#4: Shadow Man The Shadow Men by A.E. van Vogt, aka The Universe Maker, art by Stephen Lawrence










"SHIP OF DARKNESS"


Illustration © by Charles McNutt



Fantasy Book #2
March 1948



Fantasy Book #2, March 1948, cover art by Roy Hunt          Fantasy Book #2, March 1948, cover art by Lora Crozetti

Pulp paper edition                                     Book paper edition
(cover © by Roy Hunt)                                              (cover © by Lora Crozetti)
Title Page Ship of Darkness by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles McNutt, aka Charles Beaumont










"SHIP OF DARKNESS"


Illustration © by Dan Adkins


     Enhancing the artwork made the text hard to read, so I blocked most of it out for this particular picture.

     SF historian Sam Moscowitz wrote an interesting introduction to this unusual short story which is available as two separate JPG files below.

     Artist Dan Adkins became famous later on for his comic book art. (Thanks to Michael McKinney for identifying this artist and supplying more information about him.)

Fantastic Stories of Imagination
September 1961


Fantastic Stories of Imagination, September 1961, art by Alex Schomburg

(cover © by Alex Schomburg)

Introduction

by Sam Moskowitz
Ship of Darkness by A.E. van Vogt, introduction by Sam Moskowitz

(text © by Sam Moskowitz)

Ship of Darkness by A.E. van Vogt, introduction by Sam Moskowitz
Title Page Ship of Darkness by A.E. van Vogt, art by Dan Adkins










SLAN


Astounding Science Fiction, 1940

Illustrations © by Charles Schneeman


     Schneeman's interior work for Astounding in the late '30s and early '40s was not only highly regarded at the time but has held up well over the years. His versatility allowed him to portray simple and grand scenes with quick skill, and his drawings remain nicely evocative of his era.

     The recurring Title Page nicely encapsulates the main themes of the story. Granny's Captive does a very effective job of conveying the loathesome malignancy of the greedy old woman who captured Jommy for her own purposes in the first chapter of the novel. "Caught in Gray's Study" (from Part Three) makes skillful use of stark shading and subtle facial expression. The last drawing in the series, Mrs. Corliss' Restoration, has imaginative visualizations of the strange medical techniques used in this form of delicate surgery. And, funnily enough, this drawing reminded me of the George Lucas film THX-1138, whose main character works in an android factory and wears a similar outfit as he works, sterile garments and headphones, a very unusual combination, giving the wearer the strange look of a surgeon mixed with a 1940s era airplane pilot.



Part One
Astounding Science Fiction
September 1940


Astounding Science Fiction, September 1940, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
Title Page

This large illustration was used as the title page for each installment of the serial.
Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman
#1: Jommy Flees the Mob Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman
#2: Granny's Captive Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman


Part Two
Astounding Science Fiction
October 1940


Astounding Science Fiction, October 1940, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#3: In the Catacombs Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman
#4: Joanna Hillory Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman


Part Three
Astounding Science Fiction
November 1940


Astounding Science Fiction, November 1940, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#5: Caught in Gray's Study Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman
#6: Battlecruiser Pursuit Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman


Part Four
Astounding Science Fiction
December 1940


Astounding Science Fiction, December 1940, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#7: Approach to Cimmerium Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman
#8: Mrs. Corliss' Restoration Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Charles Schneeman










SLAN


Illustrations © by Virgil Finlay


     This issue of Fantastic Story contained an abridged reprint of the original 1940 serial. For this reason, and the fact that this version only appeared once, the only item of real interest is Virgil Finlay's excellent artwork that accompanied the story.

     Finaly was an artist famous for his breathtaking ability to capture the essence of female beauty, and it's fitting that his two-page title illustration features a superbly glamorous interpretation of Joanna, the young tendrilless slan woman who Jommy first meets on the hijacked ship. He's also effectively portrayed the opposite end of the female spectrum in the repulsive form of Granny, which makes for a startling contrast when the two are present in the same picture. Ironically, although their physical traits are extreme opposites, the two women in the story have a lot in common — both are ruthless, strong-willed, and are very competent when dealing with impossible situations.



Fantastic Story
Summer 1952


Fantastic Story, Summer 1952, art by Alex Schomburg

(cover © by Alex Schomburg)
#1: Retaking the Ship Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Virgil Finlay
#2: Betrayal Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Virgil Finlay
#3: Ship in the Night Slan by A.E. van Vogt, art by Virgil Finlay










"THE SOUND"


Illustrations © by Brush
(full name unknown)



Astounding Science Fiction
February 1950


Astounding Science Fiction, February 1950, art by Hubert Rogers

(cover © by Hubert Rogers)
#1: Yevd Agents The Sound by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush
#2: Death of an Impostor The Sound by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush
#3: Seeking the Sound The Sound by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush
#4: Diddy The Sound by A.E. van Vogt, art by Brush










"THE STAR-SAINT"


Illustration © by Paul Orban



Planet Stories
March 1951


Planet Stories, March 1951, art by Allen Anderson

(cover © by Allen Anderson)
Title Page The Saint by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban










"THIS JOE"

aka "The First Martian"




Illustration by Harry Harrison


     Prior to his career as a science fiction author, Harrison worked as an illustrator for various SF magazines in the early 1950s. He went on to write such famous works as Make Room! Make Room!, The Stainless Steel Rat series, and the Deathworld trilogy.


Marvel Science Fiction
August 1951


Marvel Science Fiction, August 1951, art by Hannes Bok

(cover © by Hannes Bok)
Title Page This Joe (aka The First Martian) by A.E. van Vogt, illustrated by Harry Harrison










"TO BE HIS KEEPER"


Illustration © by Fred Scott


     This is from a rare pre-SF story from 1937, discovered recently by George Gilbert in 2002. You can read more about its discovery on the News and Announcements page, and the story itself here.


Toronto Star Weekly
January 1937

[cover not available]
Title Page To Be His Keeper by A.E. van Vogt, art by Fred Scott










"WAR OF NERVES"


Illustration © by Bill Terry


     It's worth noting that in this drawing the alien Riim are in the process of "splitting," by which their species reproduce. Don't believe me? Count the legs!


Other Worlds
May 1950


Other Worlds, May 1950, art by Malcolm Smith

(cover © by Malcolm Smith)
Title Page War of Nerves by A.E. van Vogt, art by Bill Terry










WORLD OF A


Illustrations © by Paul Orban


     Orban was probably Astounding's most well-known and respected interior illustrator, and his drawings for this original, serialized version of The World of Null-A are all fine examples of his work.

     For various reasons, the illustrations to stories would often be nowhere near the event it depicts in the actual text. For instance, the opening artwork for the serial is placed before Chapter I, but the scene is actually from Chapter IV. I have for each drawing identified the scene it depicts along with a quote from the text corresponding most closely with the picture.



Part One
Astounding Science Fiction
August 1945


Astounding Science Fiction, August 1945, art by William Timmins

(cover © by William Timmins)
#1: Test Results The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#2: Lie Detector The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#3: Thorson's Tests The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#4: Out of the Handcuffs The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#5: Capture The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban


Part Two
Astounding Science Fiction
September 1945


Astounding Science Fiction, September 1945, art by William Timmins

(cover © by William Timmins)
#1: Bailing Out The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#2: The Corpse of Gosseyn I The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#3: Dr. Kair's Tests The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#4: Soulless Mechanical Thing The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#5: The Distorter The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#6: Fall of the Games Machine The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban


Part Three
Astounding Science Fiction
October 1945


Astounding Science Fiction, October 1945, art by William Timmins

(cover © by William Timmins)
#1: Lavoisseur The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#2: Research The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#3: Wreckage The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#4: Wooden Blocks The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban
#5: Robotank The World of Null-A by A.E. van Vogt, art by Paul Orban










Icshi: The A.E. van Vogt Information Site