how to write coverlines in 1919

[dubdobdee]

(sf magazine cover-art when i were a lad 90 years ago)

Comments

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

(i can't actually what they william-tell lookin fella is holding)

[boyofbadgers.livejournal.com]

It looks sorta two headed. Maybe it's a scale model of 2/3rds of cerberus?

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

... and young pulses race the world over! the scan in the book is as fuzzy as mine, and no hints are given anywhere: this was apparently an "exceptional" "science fantasy" story for the date, but that's the most we're told

ooh!

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

"The novel concerns people who are transported to a future totalitarian Philadelphia in 2118, after inhaling a grey dust" sez wiki (and francis stevens was in fact gertrude barrows bennett

(i feel they blew it a bit cover-wise!)

Re: ooh!

[piratemoggy.livejournal.com]

Wasn't it true that the artists only ever saw the title before they had to knock one of these things up?

Re: ooh!

[dubdobdee.livejournal.com]

i think this is very likely true but that gives them EVEN LESS EXCUSE!

"there are no dripping slime-monsters in this story!"
"ok but i only saw the title d00d!"

vs

"there are no scale models and boring william-tell looking chaps in this story!"
"ok but i only saw the title d00d!"

Re: ooh!

[boyofbadgers.livejournal.com]

A future totalitarian Philadelphia where everyone be dressing like W.Tell!

Re: ooh!

[piratemoggy.livejournal.com]

Probably just stock drawing; y'know, put it into ye olde filing cabinet image search and go with whatever comes out first under 'heads of cerberus.' I imagine it was a bit like clipart, so if you wanted a picture of a giant rabid robot-dog you had to see what art had been sent in this month and sort of settle for a startled looking purple sheep.