New Worlds, March 1952

This March 1952 issue of New Worlds presents "The Flame Gods" by Sydney J. Bounds as its lead novelette. The story depicts a post-atomic-war Earth governed by the pseudo-scientific-religious Keepers of the Flame, who use atomic power themselves while forbidding it to enslaved populations through religious doctrine. David Martel, a brilliant Science Student trained at Moon laboratories, has betrayed the Keepers by joining an underground rebel faction seeking to develop nuclear-powered starships for escape to another habitable planet. Captured and returned to Earth in chains, Martel faces trial before four Keepers in their massive Temple. As he denounces them as frauds exploiting religious superstition to maintain power, guards silence him violently. The issue also contains short stories by A.E. van Vogt, E.C. Tubb, J.T. McIntosh, and E.R. James, plus an article on the White Horse archaeological site. The cover advertises the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still."