Newts in Science Fiction
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| Title: | Newts in Science Fiction |
| Creator: | Henry Kuttner |
| Date(s): | February 1940 |
| Medium: | |
| Fandom: | Science Fiction |
| Topic: | Sex in SF stories
.jpg) Scienti-Snaps vol. 3 #1 cover art by Walter E. Marconette |
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Newts in Science Fiction was an essay published in Scienti-Snaps vol. 3 #1 in February of 1940, edited by Walter E. Marconette[1] and Jack Chapman Miske.[2] It apparently discussed the subject of sex and nudity in science fiction magazines.
Response
In Voice of the Imagi-Nation #8 p.14 (August 1940), co-editors Morojo and Forrest J Ackerman corresponded with Georges Gallet, who wrote from Occupied Paris:
[Georges H Gallet]
Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life:or, Sex Came Back!In the fan magazines that came my way, for the first time in my knowing I find in 'ScientiSnaps of February 1940 an article by Henry Kuttner entitled Newts in Science fiction on a question that has long tickled me.(with all due apologies to girl fans) Are all science fiction-neers, fans, characters, authors etc. sex-less? Sex did appear once in the field and made a comeback a short time ago but in a gross way...more or less bad taste,I must admit but it still remains that all commanding truth that all creatures are guided in their lives by three major emotions: Fear, Hungriness and Love. Seems to me that the first two Occasionally occur in science fiction but what of the last third? That the majority of pro mags ban the physical side of the subject from their editorial policy can be easily understood. Mummy would not allow thirteen or less year old Jimmy to buy such horrid stuff....
~But I cannot understand why-until now or I do not know it- there is no fan magazine devoted to such an aspect of sciencefiction. Of course, science(?) does not need sexual emotion to carry its meaning but fiction needs plausibility: characters whose emotions we can understand-even feel- and sexual emotions are dominant everywhere around us in this world.Why not on other planes of cognizance or on other worlds?
...Of course, I agree with H.Kuttner sex do not consist mainly of tearing parts off a beautiful maiden-though it may be highly pleasing done in a nice way- but sex has its part, and a big one at that, in the behaviour of every living thing. Do not keep too far from the facts of life! Think again, fellow fans- men only.I'll write some other time in a lighter vein for womanly consumption - I am pretty sure that you will not reject this idea with scorn and derision, and let us hope that the time will come when a really adult fare will bring what shall be a classic in fantasy...."[3]
[Forrest J Ackerman and Morojo]
There is! For adult treatment of fantasy--not to be confused with infantile attempts at sophistication we warmly recommend the interested party to Futuria Fantasia, which is particularly frank in its pictorial aspects. Ray Bradbury edits it... We already have sent Mons. Gallet a сору. Also an xlnt article on sex in science fiction-entitled "Eunuchs In the Pulps" --apeard in Sweetness & Lite #4. Perhaps the editor will send you a copy, Georges. If not, we have one we can spare.[3]
References
- ^ G. W. Thomas (2021-10-03). "Henry Kuttner Part 2 - 1940-1941". Dark Worlds Quarterly. Archived from the original on 2021-10-03. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
- ^ "Publication: Scienti-Snaps, February 1940". Archived from the original on 2023-10-15.
- ^ a b c "Voice of the Imagi-Nation Special Chicon Issue 8" (PDF). 1940-08-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-10-15.