The Abyss of Wonders
Encyclopedia
The Abyss of Wonders is a science fiction
novel by author Perley Poore Sheehan
. It was first published in book form in 1953
by Polaris Press in an edition of 990 copies. It was the second and final book published by Polaris Press and included an introduction by P. Schuyler Miller
. The novel originally appeared in the magazine Argosy
in 1915.
, reviewing the 1953 edition, called it "a fairy tale for youngsters . . . written in a kindergarten style that is irritating to most modern readers." Miller recommended the novel to collectors, but noted that "casual readers will probably be disappointed."
Everett F. Bleiler
dismissed the novel as "a curiosity only," describing it as "curiously imprecise and wavery, with a fairytale atmosphere; weakly planned, with many unsatisfactory elements."
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
novel by author Perley Poore Sheehan
Perley Poore Sheehan
Perley Poore Sheehan was an American film writer, novelist and film director...
. It was first published in book form in 1953
1953 in literature
The year 1953 in literature involved some significant events and new books.-Events:* January 22 - The Crucible, a drama by Arthur Miller, opens on Broadway....
by Polaris Press in an edition of 990 copies. It was the second and final book published by Polaris Press and included an introduction by P. Schuyler Miller
P. Schuyler Miller
Peter Schuyler Miller was an American science fiction writer and critic.-Life:Miller was raised in New York's Mohawk Valley, which led to a life-long interest in the Iroquois Indians. He pursued this as an amateur archaeologist and a member of the New York State Archaeological Association.He...
. The novel originally appeared in the magazine Argosy
Argosy (magazine)
Argosy was an American pulp magazine, published by Frank Munsey. It is generally considered to be the first American pulp magazine. The magazine began as a general information periodical entitled The Golden Argosy, targeted at the boys adventure market.-Launch of Argosy:In late September 1882,...
in 1915.
Reception
Groff ConklinGroff Conklin
Edward Groff Conklin was a leading science fiction anthologist. He edited 40 anthologies of science fiction, one of mystery stories , wrote books on home improvement and was a freelance writer on scientific subjects as well as a published poet...
, reviewing the 1953 edition, called it "a fairy tale for youngsters . . . written in a kindergarten style that is irritating to most modern readers." Miller recommended the novel to collectors, but noted that "casual readers will probably be disappointed."
Everett F. Bleiler
Everett F. Bleiler
Everett Franklin Bleiler was an editor, bibliographer, and scholar of science fiction, detective fiction, and fantasy literature. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he co-edited the first "year's best" series of science fiction anthologies, and his Checklist of Fantastic Literature has been called...
dismissed the novel as "a curiosity only," describing it as "curiously imprecise and wavery, with a fairytale atmosphere; weakly planned, with many unsatisfactory elements."