Astounding Science-Fiction, Vol. XXIV No. 2

# Astounding Science-Fiction, Vol. XXIV No. 2, October 1939

This issue features the first installment of "Gray Lensman" by E. E. Smith, Ph.D., a serialized space-opera set in a galactic civilization threatened by the criminal organization Boskonia. The narrative establishes the Galactic Patrol's power structure, the Lens technology provided by the Arisians that identifies authorized officers, and protagonist Kimball Kinnison's emergence as a uniquely capable Gray Lensman. Other fiction includes "Space Rating" by John Berryman, exploring mortality in space travel; "Episode on Dhee Minor" by Harry Walton, involving immortal-like inhabitants; "Shawn's Sword" by Lee Gregor, depicting a man mentally unsuited to modern spacefaring; and "Rust" by Joseph E. Kelleham, examining military machinery failure. Harold A. Lower provides a non-fiction article on supernovas and mad stars.