SOURCE: del Ray, Lester. The World of Science Fiction: 1926-1976, The History of a Subculture, pp. 91-137. New York: Ballantine Books, 1979.

In the following excerpt, del Ray describes the proliferation of science fiction magazines in the 1930s and 1940s.

When F. Orlin Tremaine was given directorship over several magazines, it became necessary for him to find another editor for Astounding, and his choice was John W. Campbell. Then, when Tremaine left Street & Smith in May 1938, Campbell assumed full authority for the magazine. Actually, he was responsible for the buying of stories considerably before that date.

John Wood Campbell (1910-1971) was one of the most popular writers in the field before he became an editor. But many of the readers were worried when his name replaced that of Tremaine, who had proved to be extremely capable. The fears were soon put to rest. The transition between editors was extremely...