New Worlds #19, Vol. 7

# New Worlds, Vol. 7, No. 19 (January 1953)

This British science fiction magazine contains five short stories and a novelette. The lead novelette, "Galactic Quest" by George Duncan, concerns Jon Hawkes, a rebel fugitive who stows aboard the starship Stella bound for Rhyll. Hawkes seeks the legendary weapon Techon, hidden somewhere in the galaxy—the key to overthrowing the tyrannical Maximilian IV. A cryptic poem containing acrostic clues guides his quest. Aboard ship, he encounters the mysterious Deirdre, a high-born woman who deliberately singles him out. The text excerpts show their initial meeting and his suspicion that she may be an elaborate trap by the secret police. Additional stories include "Alien Dust" by E.C. Tubb, "Assisted Passage" by James White, "Chessboard" by J.F. Burke, and "Heroes Don't Cry" by Gordon Kent. Articles cover silicones and the Chicago science fiction convention. The issue features artwork by Quinn, Clothier, and Hunter.