Astounding Science-Fiction, British Edition, January 1947

This issue of Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition, January 1947, Vol. V, No. 8) contains four stories. The featured novelette is Raymond F. Jones's "The Toymaker," in which a mysterious toy merchant in Curran City sells shapeless figurines called Imaginos that come alive through children's imagination—though they appear as dull lumps to adults. The proprietor is revealed as Professor Rold Theorn, formerly of the University's Peace Chair, now operating the shop for unstated purposes. When Senator Callimus purchases a military-themed set for his poetic son Derrold, the boy perceives an enormous city under construction preparing for universal war. The story concludes with Callimus attending a crucial political meeting with the Medralians regarding peace or interplanetary conflict. The issue also features Lawrence O'Donnell's "Vintage Season," Isaac Asimov's "Evidence," and Clifford D. Simak's "Paradise."