Wonder Stories and George Henry Smith

Wonder Stories was a science fiction magazine founded by Hugo Gernsback in 1929.  The magazine published short fiction by both established and upcoming writers over the next few decades, ceasing publication in 1955.  Wonder Stories, along with the Gernsback-founded magazine Amazing Stories, began in the “pulp era” (the 20’s and 30’s) and published stories during what is considered now to be “The Golden Age of Science Fiction” that is generally recognized as taking place from the late 30’s until the mid-40’s.  It was during this golden age that many classic science fiction motifs were established. 

Wonder Stories published the biggest names in science fiction of its day, including Arthur C. Clarke, Theodore Sturgeon, Robert Heinlein, A.E. van Vogt, and Ray Bradbury.  Another frequent contributor to this and other popular science fiction magazines was Vicksburg, Mississippi native George Henry Smith, who published under dozens of pseudonyms.  In addition to the science fiction stories he published in magazines like Wonder Stories, George H. Smith published over 100 novels, mostly in the genres of sci-fi and erotica.  In the realm of sci-fi, he is best known for his Annwn stories and novels, tales that revolve around alien invasions and parallel worlds.  

Volume XLIII, Issue number 3 of Thrilling Wonder Stories contains the story “One More Chance” by George H. Smith (writing under the pen name “Jan Smith”).  This issue is included in the Mississippiana Collection located on the 3rd floor of McCain Library & Archives at the University of Southern Mississippi.  For more information about this item, contact Andrew Rhodes at or 601.266.6765. To see more Items of the Month, click here.

Text by Andrew Rhodes, Special Collections Specialist