Astounding Science Fiction August 1939 [Heinlein, Robert A.] [Del Rey, Lester] Science Fiction

Measures 6.5" x 9.5". Original paper wraps, illustrated cover by Virgil Finlay. Solid text block, wear to edges of text block, soiling to spine and rear cover. Small dampstain to front cover, primarily visible on verso. This issue features "Life Line" by Robert A Heinlein, telling the story of Professor Hugo Pinero who builds a machine to predict how long a person will live. Other pieces include: "The Luck of Ignatz" by Lester del Rey, "The Blue Giraffe" by L. Sprague de Camp, Stowaway by Nelson S. Bond, and "Space War" by Willy Ley. "Life Line," the short story featured in this issue, was Robert A. Heinlein's first ever published work, initiating his prolific science fiction career. He significantly shaped the genre with his innovative storytelling and exploration of social and political themes in works such as "Stranger in a Strange Land" and "Starship Troopers." Heinlein is considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction authors alongside Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.