UNKNOWN fu da parte di John W. Campbell la risposta al tipo di fantasy diffuso da Weird Tales e allo stesso tempo, forse involontariamente, una risposta all'emergente ondata del "fantasy colto" britannico (Lord Dunsany, Lady Augusta Gregory, E.R. Eddison, T. H. White, ecc). Fin dal suo debutto fece subito molto successo e con rimpianto di tutti, la rivista fu chiusa solo per il razionamento della carta, dovuto al periodo dell’entrata in guerra degli Stati Uniti nel confitto mondiale degli anni ’40.
La rivista debuttò nel 1939. Lo Hobbit era stato pubblicato in Inghilterra nel 1937. La trilogia dell’anello è del '54/'55, quando ormai UNKNOWN non usciva più. Ma negli Stati Uniti il boom tolkiano, come vera e propria moda, arriverà solo negli anni ’60, con il successo dell’edizione in paperback.
In America, tra il tipo di fantasy degli anni '20 e '30, alla Weird Tales (R.E. Howard, C.A. Smith, H.P. Lovecraft, C.L. Moore, H. Kuttner, ecc.) e quello degli epigoni di Tolkien, dagli anni '60 in poi (da Terry Brooks all’infinito), la fantasy alla UNKNOWN si colloca a colmare quello che altrimenti sarebbe quasi un vuoto storico. Quasi, perché a partire dal 1949, circa sei anni dopo la chiusura di UNKNOWN e la diffusione di "The Lord of The Rings", fino ai giorni nostri, The Magazine Of Fantasy And Science Fiction, proporrà tra le poche alternative specializzate disponibili. Ricordiamoci comunque che almeno fino agli anni '50 le riviste non facevano poi tanta distinzione di generi e quindi poteva capitare di incontrare testi definibili di fantasy anche su riviste fantascientifiche più ortodosse.
Questo tipo di Fantasy "alla Unknown" è estremamente razionale. Poggia su basi "scientifiche" e si presta molto alla satira e all’umorismo. L’ambientazione di partenza e i suoi protagonisti appartengono per lo più alla nostra epoca. Condivide con il meno razionale (ma non meno seducente) e più cupo fantasy alla Weird Tales, la struttura del romanzo breve e del racconto, essendo pubblicato anch’esso su rivista. Il concetto di "infinitelogie" a imitazione della TRILOGIA dell’Anello, tipico degli epigoni tolkiani, dovuto anche alle pubblicazioni direttamente in volume, è ancora molto lontano e diventerà, questa differente struttura, uno dei motivi di dibattito tra gli appassionati del genere, specie per quelli convinti che Tolkien abbia inventato il genere (e magari i Beatles il resto dell'universo).
Mi concedete una battuta ? La rivista è poco conosciuta in Italia.
Come vedremo dall’elenco che segue, se pur una certa quantità delle opere principali pubblicate all’epoca sulla rivista sono (o erano) disponibili in italiano, queste pubblicazioni sono sempre sparse e frammentarie ed è quindi difficile per il lettore e appassionato avere una visione unitaria di queste opere, utile a collocarle nello stesso contesto d’origine. Quindi spesso può sfuggire che collegamento ci sia tra, per esempio, Fafhrd e il Gray Mouser di Leiber con l’Harold Shea di de Camp e Pratt e di questi con, per esempio, uno scrittore britannico, apparentemente estraneo e "tutto fantascienza", come Eric Frank Russell.
Come detto, la rivista è durata poco e non sarebbe un lavoro difficile tradurre e pubblicare in italiano tutto quello che manca all’appello. I buchi non sono composti solo da autori poco o per nulla conosciuti nel nostro paese come, Ulysses George Mihalakis o Dorothy Quick ma anche da autori molto fortunati in Italia, come Sturgeon, Del Rey, Kuttner/Moore, i quali sono presenti nella rivista con lavori del tutto inediti nella nostra lingua.
Segue l’elenco delle uscite, fascicolo per fascicolo di UNKNOWN.
Di ogni fascicolo ho elencato la produzione di narrativa nell’ordine che era nella rivista.
Ho eliminato per maggiore comprensione e fluidità di consultazione, gli articoli, gli editoriali e le illustrazioni.
In titoli in neretto sono quelli che hanno visto una pubblicazione in italiano.
Ho preferito non indicare né il titolo né l’edizione in Italiano. Non per pigrizia (e vabbe', anche) ma perché molti titoli sono stati pubblicati in libri ormai fuori catalogo e da editori che non esistono neanche più, ma sarà facile fare un giretto nel web e scoprire quale titolo esiste, potenzialmente disponibile e quale no, ai giorni nostri.
Spero che l’elenco possa essere utile a qualcuno e se trovaste degli errori, oppure aveste degli aggiornamenti da segnalare, vi ringrazio fin da ora.
n.b.
Sono in fase di preparazione di un elenco analogo anche per Weird Tales.
Il lavoro è molto più lungo e bisognerà aspettare ancora prima di vederlo compiuto. Weird Tales, anche limitandosi alla sua epoca d’oro, è uscito per 40 anni e pubblicava una media di 10 titoli a fascicolo, rispetto ai 5 di media per UNKNOWN.
Il lavoro è molto più lungo e bisognerà aspettare ancora prima di vederlo compiuto. Weird Tales, anche limitandosi alla sua epoca d’oro, è uscito per 40 anni e pubblicava una media di 10 titoli a fascicolo, rispetto ai 5 di media per UNKNOWN.
Ricordo che: Novel è romanzo. Novella è romanzo breve. Novelette è racconto lungo. Story e Short Story è racconto.
Serial sono romanzi divisi a puntate.
UNKNOWN 1, March 1939, vol.I n.1 Cover: H.W. Scott, pages 164
Complete Novel
Sinister Barrier by Eric Frank Russell
Shortstory
Who Wants Power ? by Mona Farnsworth
Dark Vision by Frank Belknap Long
Trouble with Water by H.L. Gold
Where Angels Fear by Manly Wade Wellman
Closed Doors by A. Macfadyen
Death Sentence by Robert Moore Williams
UNKNOWN 2, April 1939, vol.I n.2 Cover: Graves Gladney, pages 164
Novella
The Ultimate Adventure by L. Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
You Thought Me Dead by William G. Bogart
Novelette
The Changeling by Arthur J. Burks
Shortstory
Death Time by D.M. Bricker
Strange Gateway by E. Hoffmann Price
Serial
Divide and Rule! (1 of 2) by L. Sprague de Camp
UNKNOWN 3, May 1939, vol.I n.3 Cover: H.W.Scott, pages 164
Novella
Returned from Hell by Steve Fisher
Shorstory
The Missing Ocean by Howard Wandrei
Novelette
Danger in the Dark by L.Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
The Cloak by Robert Bloch
The Piping Death by Mona Farnsworth
Serial
Divide and Rule! (2 of 2) by L.Sprague de Camp
UNKNOWN 4, June 1939, vol.I n.4 Cover: H.W.Scott, pages 164
Complete Novel
UNKNOWN 5, July 1939, vol.I n.5 Cover: H.W.Scott, pages 164
Flame Winds by Norvell W. Page (John Prester)
Shortstory
The Right Ear of Malchus by J. Allan Dunn
Novelette
Don’t Go Haunting by Howard Wandrei
Shortstory
The Summons by Don Evans
Novelette
The Gnarly Man by L. Sprague de Camp
Shortstory
Parole by Thomas Calvert McClary
The Hexer by Howard Wandrei
Complete Novel
UNKNOWN 6, August 1939, vol.I n.6 Cover: Graves Gladney, pages 164
Slaves of Sleep by L.Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
The Elemental by Frank Belknap Long
Novelette
Nothing in the Rules by L.Sprague de Camp
Shortstory
Wat Station by Herb Weiss
The Joker by Mona Farnsworth
UNKNOWN 6, August 1939, vol.I n.6 Cover: Graves Gladney, pages 164
Novella
The Ghoul by L.Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
Don’t Dream by Donald Wandrei
Forsaking All Others by Lester del Ray
Novelette
Two Sought Adventure (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser) by Fritz Leiber
Short Story
The Misguided Halo by Henry Kuttner
UNKNOWN 7, September 1939, vol.II n.1 Cover: H.W.Scott, pages 164
Complete Novel
None But Lucifer by H.L.Gold and L.S. de Camp
Shortstory
Danger: Quicksand by Howard Wandrei
Novelette
Caliph of Yafri by Ulysses George Mihalakis
Shortstory
The Coppersmith by Lester del Rey
Potrait by Ray Cummings
UNKNOWN 8, October 1939, vol.II n.2 Cover:Modest Stein, pages 164
Novella
UNKNOWN 9, November 1939, vol.II n.3 Cover:Graves Gladney, pages 164
The Elder Gods by J.W. Campbell and Arthur J. Burks
Poem
The Dawn of Reason by James H. Beard
Shortstory
Dreams May Come by H.Warner Munn
A God in Garden by Theodore Sturgeon
Anything by Lester del Ray
Blue and Silver Brocade (Patchwork Quilt) by Dorothy Quick
Novella
The Enchanted Weekend by John MacCormac
UNKNOWN 9, November 1939, vol.II n.3 Cover:Graves Gladney, pages 164
Complete Novel
UNKNOWN 10, December 1939, vol.II n.4 Cover:Edd Cartier, pages 164
Sons of the Bear by Norvell W. Page (John Prester)
Shortstory
Day Off by H.L. Gold
Novelette
The Bronze Door by Raymond Chandler
The Monocle by Howard Wandrei
Shortstory
The Question Is Answered by Stewart Toland
UNKNOWN 10, December 1939, vol.II n.4 Cover:Edd Cartier, pages 164
Complete Novel
UNKNOWN 11, January 1940, vol.II n.5 Cover:H.W.Scott, pages 164
Lest Darkness Fall by L.Sprague de Camp
Shortstory
Five Fathoms of Fable by Hames H. Beard
Vanderdcken by L.Ron Hubbard
Johnny on the Spot by F. B. Long
UNKNOWN 11, January 1940, vol.II n.5 Cover:H.W.Scott, pages 164
Novella
CAMBIO DI TESTATA. La rivista lo farà diverse volte ma sempre UNKNOWN rimane.
UNKNOWN 12, February 1940, vol.II n.6 Cover:Edd Cartier, pages 164
Soldiers of the Black Goat by Marian O’Hearn
Poem
Look About You bu Theodore Sturgeon
Shortstory
Swamp Train by Harry Walton
The Sea Thing by A.E. Van Vogt
Doubled in Bass by Lester del Rey
Serial
On the Knees of the Gods (1 of 3) by J.Allan Dunn
CAMBIO DI TESTATA. La rivista lo farà diverse volte ma sempre UNKNOWN rimane.
Complete Novel
Death’s Deputy bu L.Ron Hubbard
Poem
Lurani by Robert A.W. Lowndes
Shortstory
Call of Duty by Laurence Bour Jr.
Novelette
The Wisdom of an Ass by Ulysses George Mihalakis
Shortstory
The Psychomorph by E.A. Grosser
Serial
On The Knees of The Gods (2 of 3) by J.Allan Dunn
Shortstory
When It Was Moonlight by Manly Wade Wellman
UNKNOWN 13, March 1940, vol.III n.1 Cover: M.Isip, pages 164
Serial
The Reign of Wizardry (1 of 3) by Jack Williamson
Shortstory
Philtered Power by Malcom Jameson
Novelette
The Black Farm by Howard Wandrei
Shortstory
The Living Ghost by E.A. Grosser
Gateway by Robert Arthur
Derm Fool by Theodore Sturgeon
Serial
On the Knees of the Gods (3 of 3) by J.Allan Dunn
UNKNOWN 14, April 1940, vol.III n.2 Cover: Edd Cartier, pages 164
Complete Novel
UNKNOWN 15, May 1940, vol.III n.3 Cover: M. Isip, pages 164
The Indigestible Triton by L.Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
The African Trick by Howard Wandrei
All Is Illusion by H.Kuttner & C.L. Moore
He Shuttles by Theodore Sturgeon
Serial
The Reign of Wizardry (2 of 3) by Jack Williamson
UNKNOWN 15, May 1940, vol.III n.3 Cover: M. Isip, pages 164
Novella
UNKNOWN 16, June 1940, vol.III n.4 Cover: Edd Cartier, pages 164
The Roaring Trumpet (The Incomplete Enchanter 1) by L.S. de Camp & F. Pratt
Shortstory
Mad Hatter by Winston K. Marks
Well of Angels by E. Hoffmann Price
The Pipes of Pan by Lester del Ray
Serial
The Reign of Wizardry (3 of 3) by Jack Williamson
UNKNOWN 16, June 1940, vol.III n.4 Cover: Edd Cartier, pages 164
Novella
UNKNOWN 17, July 1940, vol.III n.5, pages 164
But Without Horns by Norvell W. Page
Shortstory
The Kraken by L.Ron Hubbard
Transparent Stuff (Patchwork Quilt) by Dorothy Quick
The Man from Nowhere by Frank Belknap Long
Poem
Dying Tramp by Edgar Daniel Kramer
Novelette
Master Gerald of Cambray by Nat Schachner
UNKNOWN 17, July 1940, vol.III n.5, pages 164
Razionamento carta. Si rinuncia alle copertine illustrate. Da ora alla chiusura della rivista le copertine saranno composte dalla pagina del sommario. Come nell'immagine:
Novella
Fear by L.Ron Hubbard
Novelette
The Dream by Jane Rice
Shortstory
Fisherman’s Luck by Frank Belknap Long
The Flyed Wolf by P.Schuyler Miller
Serial
The Spark of Allah (1 of 3) by Marian O’Hearn
UNKNOWN 18, August 1940, vol.III n.6, pages 164
Shortstory
Tombi Sink by J.Vale Downie
Novelette
It by Theodore Sturgeon
Shortstory
All Roads by Mona Farnsworth
Serial
The Spark of Allah (2 of 3) by Marian O’Hearn
UNKNOWN 19, September 1940, vol.IV n.1, pages 164
The Devil Makes the Law (Magic Inc.) by Robert A. Heinlein
Shortstory
The Extra Bricklayer by A.M. Phillips
Novelette
The Hardwood Pie by L.S. de Camp
Shortstory
Watch That Window by L.Joe Fohn
Serial
The Spark of Allah ( 3 of 3) by Marian O’Hearn
UNKNOWN 20, October 1940, vol.IV n.2, pages 164
UNKNOWN 21, Novembre 1940, vol.IV n.3, pages 164
UNKNOWN 22, December 1940, vol.IV n.4, pages 164
UNKNOWN 23, February 1941, vol.IV n.5, pages 162
UNKNOWN 24, April 1941, vol.IV n.6, pages 164
UNKNOWN 25, June 1941, vol.V n.1, pages 164
UNKNOWN 26, August 1941, vol.V n.2, pages 164
UNKNOWN 27, October 1941, vol.V n.3, pages 132
UNKNOWN 28, Decembre 1941, vol.V n.4, pages 134
UNKNOWN 31, June 1942, vol.VI n.1, pages 132
UNKNOWN 32, August 1942, vol.VI n.2, pages 132
UNKNOWN 33, October 1942, vol.VI n.3, pages 130
UNKNOWN 34, December 1942, vol.VI n.4, pages 130
UNKNOWN 35 February 1943, vol.VI n.5, pages 132
UNKNOWN 37 June 1943, vol.VII n.1, pages 164
UNKNOWN 39 October 1943, vol.VII n.3, pages 164
Novella
The Wheels of If by L.S. de Camp
Shortstory
The Hates by Donald A. Wollheim
Novelette
Fruit of Knowledge by C.L. Moore
Shortstory
The Devil’s Rescue by L.Ron Hubbard
Warm, Dark Place by H.L. Gold
Poem
Prowler by Frances Hall
Serial
The Tommyknocker (1 of 2) by Thomas Calvert McClary
Serial
Typewriter in the Sky (1 of 2) by L.Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
The Gods Gil Made by Ross Rocklynne
Novelette
Cargo by Theodore Sturgeon
Shortstory
Cartwright’s Camera by Nelson S. Bond
The Bleck Shore (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser) by Fritz Leiber
Are You There? by Mona Farnsworth
Serial
The Tommyknocker (2 of 2) by Thomas Calvert McClary
Novella
Darker Than You Think by Jack Williamson
Shortstory
Threshold by Henry Kuttner
Novelette
Two gor a Bargain (Patchwork Quilt) by Dorothy Quick
Poem
Black Cats by Cristel Hastings
Serial
Typewriter in the Sky (2 of 2) by L.Ron Gubbard
Novella
The Mislaid Charm by A.M. Phillips
Novelette
The Ultimate Egoist by Theodore Sturgeon
Poem
Fiction by Alan Grant (?)
Novelette
The Crossroads by L.Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
Doubled and Redoubled by Malcom Jameson
Novelette
Shottle Bop by Theodore Sturgeon
Shortstory
Carillion of Skulls by Lester del Rey & James H. Beard
Oscar by Cleve Cartmill
The Professor’s Hobby by Robert Arthur
Novella
The Castle of Iron (Inc. Enchanter 3) by L.S. de Camp & F. Pratt
Shortstory
They by Robert A. Heinlein
Over the River by P.Schuyler Miller
The Haunt by Theodore Sturgeon
A Length of Rope by Chester S. Geier (Guy Archette)
Novelette
The Forbidden Trail by Jane Rice
Novella
The Fountain by Nelson S. Bond
Shortstory
The Crest of the Wave by Jane Rice
The Howling Tower (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser) by Fritz Leiber
The Shape of Desire by Cleve Cartmill
Yesterday Was Monday by Theodore Sturgeon
Joshua by R. Creighton Buck
Novelette
Nightmare Island by Theodore Sturgeon
Novella
The Case of the Friendly Corpse by L.Ron Hubbard
Shortstory
Even the Angels by Malcom Jameson
The Road Beyond by Norman A. Daniels (Kenneth Robeson?)
The Devil We Know by Henry Kuttner
Mr. Jinx by Fredric Brown and Robert Arthur
Armageddon by Fredric Brown
Take My Drum to England by Nelson S. Bond
Novelette
The Golden Egg by Theodore Sturgeon
Complete Novel
The Land of Unreason by L.S. de Camp & F. Pratt
Shortstory
No News Today by Cleve Cartmill
Novelette
A Good Knight’s Work by Robert Bloch
Shortstory
Prescience by Nelson S. Bond
Finger! Finger! by Margaret Ronan
Borrowed Glory by L.Ron Hubbard
Smoke Ghost by Fitz Leiber
Novelette
A Gnome There Was by Henry Kuttner and C.L. Moore
Shortstory: The Dolphin Doubloons by Ulysses George Mihalakis
Novella
Bit of Tapestry by Cleve Cartmill
Shortstory
Occupation: Demigod by Nelson S. Bond
Brat by Theodore Sturgeon
Snulbug by Anthony Boucher
Novelette
The House by Jane Rice
Shortstory
With a Blunt Instrument by Eric Frank Russell
Hereafter Inc. by Lester del Rey
Czech Interlude by Vic Phillips
Novelette
Mr. Arson by L.S. de Camp
UNKNOWN 29, February 1942, vol.V n.5, pages 134
Complete Novel
The Undesired Princess by L.Sprague de Camp
Shortstory
Etaoin Shrdlu by Fredric Brown
The Shoes by Robert Bloch
He Didn’t Like Cats by L.Ron Hubbard
The Refugees by Frank Belknap Long
The Sunken Land (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouse) by Fritz Leiber
In His Own Image by Malcom Jameson
Novelette
Design for Dreaming by Henry Kuttner
UNKNOWN 30, April 1942, vol.V n.6, pages 134
Novella
Prelude to Armageddon by Cleve Cartmill
Shortstory
Jesus Shoes by Allan R. Bosworth
Novella
The Complete Werewolf (Fergus O’Breen) by Anthony Boucher
Shortstory
The Room by L.Ron Hubbard
Census Taker by F. B. Long
Novelette
Pobby by Jane Rice
Complete Novel
Solomon’s Stone by L. S. de Camp
Shortstory
Grab Bags Are Dangerous by F.B. Long
Tomorrow by Robert Arthur
The Ghost of Me by Anthony Boucher
The Idol of the Flies bt Jane Rice
The Old Ones Hear by Malcom Jameson
Novelette
Al Haddon’s Lamp by Nelson S. Bond
Novella
Hell Is Forever by Alfred Bester
Shortstory
The Jumper by Theodore Sturgeon & James H. Beard
Everything’s Jake by John Hawkins
Novelette
The Ghost by A.E. van Vogt
Shortstory
The Hill and the Hole by Fritz Leiber
Fighters Never Quit by Malcom Jameson
The Wisdom of the East by L.S. de Camp
Step Into My Garden by F.B. Long
The Bergain by Cleve Cartmill
Novelette
Though Poppies Grow by Lester del Rey
Poem
Sine Pace by Edith Borden Greer
Novella
The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag by Robert A. Heinlein
Shortstory
The Frog by P.Schuyler Miller
Novelette
Magician’s Dinner by Jane Rice
Shortstory
Letter to an Invisible Woman by Hannes Bok
Are You Run-Down, Tired by Babette Rosmond & Leonard M.Lake
The New One by Fredric Brown
Poem
And I, One Life Too Late by Ruth Stewart Schenley
Shortstory
The Lie by Richard Louis
Poem
The Darkest Path by Arte Harbison
Shortstory
The Goddess’ Legacy by Malcom Jameson
Poem
Contemplation by Marvin Miller
Novelette
Compliments of the Author by Henry Kuttner & C.L. Moore
Complete Novel
The Sorcerer’s Ship by Hannes Bok
Poem
Watch Dog by Frances Hall
Shortstory
Transients Only by Mary MacGregor
The Golden Age by Elmer Ransom
The Wall by Robert Arthur
Novelette
The Hag Séleen by Theodore Sturgeon & James H. Beard
Shortstory
It Will Come to You by F.B. Long
Novelette
The Elixir by Jane Rice
Novella
Wet Magic by Henry Kuttner
Poem
The Kar of Kor-Sethon by Hannes Bok
Novelette
Thieves House (Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser) Fritz Leiber
The Angelic Angleworm by Fredric Brown
Shortstory
The Ultimate Wish by E. Mayne Hull
Novelette
No Graven Image by Cleve Cartmill
Shortstory
Guardian by Cleve Cartmill
The Hat Trick by Fredric Brown
Novelette
The Witch by A.E. van Vogt
UNKNOWN 36 April 1943, vol.VI n.6, pages 132
Complete Novel
Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber
Novelette
The Golden Bridle by Jane Rice
Shortstory
The Giftie Gien by Malcom Jameson
Novelette
No Greater Love by Henry Kuttner
Novelette
Wheesht! by Cleve Cartmill
Shortstory
The Wishes We Make by E.Mayne Hull
Novelette
Blind Alley by Malcom Jameson
Shortstory
A Bargain in Bodies by Moses Schere
Novelette
Sriberdegibit by Anthony Boucher
Shortstory
The Rabbit and the Rat by Robert Arthur
The Devil Is Not Mocked by Manly Wade Wellman
Eight BAll by John B. Michel
The Green-Eyed Monster by Theodore Sturgeon
Novelette
The Hounds of Kalimar by P. Schuyler Miller
UNKNOWN 38 August 1943, vol.VII n.2, pages 164
Novella
Hell Hath Fury by Cleve Cartmill
Shortstory
Conscience, Ltd. by Jack Williamson
Novelette
Heaven Is What You Make It by Malcom Jameson
Shortstory
The Bones by Theodore Sturgeon & James H. Beard
One Man’s Harp by Babette Rosmond
They Bite by Anthony Boucher
Novelette
Greenface by James H. Schmitz
Complete Novel
The Book of Ptath by A.E. van Vogt
Shortstory
The Refugee by Jane Rice
The Patient by E. Mayne Hull
Fido by Chester S. Geier (Guy Archette)
Change by Roby Wentz
Clean-Up by Cleve Cartmill
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