D-Series ACE Doubles

D-13 THEODORE S. DRACHMAN Cry Plague (cover by Lou Marchetti; 1953; listed as "ACE Original") and D-13b LESLIE EDGLEY The Judas Goat (1953; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

The Drachman story is often listed as the first of the SF stories in an ACE double format (even though it is backed with the Edgley mystery). However, most compilers list D-31 as the first (true) SF ACE Double.

The listing "complete and unabridged" is a result of action by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the post-WWII publishing industry. To counter the wide-spread belief by the book-buying public that paperback books were always shortened version of the original hardcover texts, publishers were required by the FTC to prominently indicate on the front cover if there was an original title (often shown in parentheses) and to state that the book was either an "abridgement" or identical to the original text (listed as "complete and unabridged"). Source: Thomas L. Bonn Undercover: The Illustrated History of the American Mass Market Paperback (1982; Penguin Books; pp. 56-57).

D-31 A. E. VAN VOGT The World of Null-A (cover by Stanley Meltzoff; c.1948; 1953; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-31b A. E. VAN VOGT Universe Maker (1953; listed as "ACE Original")

A.E. van VOGT (1912 - 2000) was born in Canada and moved to the U.S. in 1944, by which time he was well-established as one of John W. Campbell's stable of 'Golden Age' writers for Astounding Science-Fiction. The World of Null-A (1948) developed complicated themes of non-Aristotlian logic.

STANLEY MELTZOFF (1917-2006) started his career as art editor for "Stars and Stripes" during WWII. He taught at CCNY and Pratt Institute, and influenced a number of young artists such as Paul Lehr and John Schoenherr. Although he only produced a small number of science fiction covers, he is considered important for how he influenced the genre.

D-36 ROBERT E. HOWARD Conan the Conqueror (cover by Norman Saunders; 1953; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-036b LEIGH BRACKETT The Sword of Rhiannon (cover by Robert E. Schultz; 1953; listed as "ACE Original")

LEIGH DOUGLAS BRACKETT (1915-1978) was one of the earliest of the women science fiction (and fantasy) writers. Her first published science fiction story, Martian Quest, appeared in Astounding in 1940. She was a prolific writer in the genres of science fiction (her most recognized story is probably The Long Tomorrow, c. 1955), mystery, and western as well as television and movie scripts ("The Big Sleep" in 1946 and "Rio Bravo" in 1958).

ROBERT EMIL SCHULZ (1928-1978) was an illustrator (with a degree in architecture from Princeton University) who produced cover art for Pocket, Signet, Dell, and Bantam as well as illustrations for "men's" magazines such as Adventure and Men's Digest. In addition to his well received cover art for I, Robot, he also did many western covers that included a series of reissues of Zane Grey stories by Pocket Books.

I believe that The Sword of Rhiannon may be the first Robert Schultz cover for ACE Books.

D-44 ERIC FRANK RUSSELL Sentinels of Space (cover by Robert E. Schultz; 1954) and D-44b DONALD A. WOLLHEIM (ed.) The Ultimate Invaders and Other Science-Fiction (cover by Stanley Meltzoff; 1954)

D-53 MURRAY LEINSTER (aka WILL F. JENKINS) Gateway to Elsewhere (cover by Harry Barton; 1954; listed as "ACE Original") and D-53b A. E. VAN VOGT The Weapon Shops of Isher (1954; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

Original cover art by Harry Barton for Gateway to Elsewhere

D-61 L. SPRAGUE de CAMP Cosmic Manhunt (1954; listed as "ACE Original") and D-61b CLIFFORD D. SIMAK Ring Around the Sun (1954; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

D-69 ANDRE NORTON Daybreak -2250 A.D. (original title: Star Man's Son; 1954; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-69b LEWIS PADGETT (aka HENRY KUTTNER) and C. L. MOORE Beyond Earth's Gates (1954)

Born February 17, 1912 in Cleveland, Ohio, ALICE MARY NORTON started writing in her teens. First contacts with the publishing world led her, as many other contemporary female writers targeting a male-dominated market, to choose a literary pseudonym (aka ANDREW NORTH and ANDRE NORTON). In 1934 she legally changed her name to Andre Alice Norton.

D-73 DONALD A. WOLLHEIM (ed.) Adventures in the Far Future (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1954) and D-73b DONALD A. WOLLHEIM (ed.) Tales of Outer Space (cover by Mort Lawrence; 1954)

Adventures in the Far Future is the first ACE Double cover by Ed Valigursky.

Stories from Adventures in the Far Future include: The Wind Between The Worlds by Lester del Rey; Stardust by Chad Oliver; Overdrive by Murray Leinster; The Millionth Year by Martin Pearson; and The Chapter Ends by Poul Anderson).

Stories from Tales of Outer Space include: Doorway In the Sky by Ralph Williams; Here We Lie by Fox B. Holden; Operation Mercury by Clifford D. Simak; Lord Of A Thousand Suns by Poul Anderson; and Behind The Black Nebula by L. Ron Hubbard).

EDWARD L. VALIGURSKY (b. 1926) graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburg after a stint in the U.S. Navy in WWII. An illustrator for Amazing, Fantastic Adventures, and Worlds of IF (later IF) magazines, he also illustrated for numerous paperback publishers (ACE, Pyramid, Lancer, etc.) as well as popular mainstream and men's magazine including Saga, Argosy, Collier's, and Popular Mechanics. In addition, he also produced advertisement illustration as well as in the aviation field. His work is rarely signed and he used a pseudonym (William Rembach) on a few illustration.

D-79 FRANCIS RUFUS BELLAMY Atta: A Novel of a Most Extraordinary Adventure (1954; listed as "A Complete Science Fiction Novel") and D-79b MURRAY LEINSTER (aka WILL F. JENKINS) The Brain-Stealers (1954; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

D-84 ISAAC ASIMOV The Rebellious Stars (original title: The Stars, Like Dust; 1954; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-84b ROGER DEE (aka ROGER D. AYCOCK) An Earth Gone Mad (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1954; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

D-94 A. E. VAN VOGT One Against Eternity (original title: The Weapon Makers; cover by Ed Valigursky; 1955; listed as "complete and unabridged") and D-94b MURRAY LEINSTER (aka WILL F. JENKINS) The Other Side of Here (cover by Stanley Meltzoff; 1955; listed as "complete and unabridged")

D-96 ANDRE NORTON The Last Planet (original title: Star Rangers; cover by Harry Barton; c. 1953; 1955; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-96b ALAN E. NOURSE A Man Obsessed (cover by Peyton;1955; listed as "Complete Novel")

ALAN EDWARD NOURSE (b. 1928) is one of science fiction's early medical practioners. Trained at Pennylvania Medical School, his expertise was incorporated into A Man Obsessed which addresses brain surgery and psychology while The Mercy Men (1968) investigates medical testing and the use of experimental human subjects for pay. He wrote non-fiction (The Nine Planets - astronomy) as well as a number of tales in juvenile (now called young adult) literature.

On a personal note, The Bladerunner, Scavengers In Space, and The Universe Between were three influential books that I read as a child that helped focus my interest in science.

D-99 ROBERT MOORE WILLIAMS Conquest of the Space Sea (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1955; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-99b LEIGH BRACKETT The Galactic Breed (original title: The Starmen; c.1952; 1955; listed as "Revised Edition")

The Galactic Breed is an abridged (ACE Books used "revised edition") version of The Starmen, published in hardcover by Gnome Press in 1952.  The Starmen was an expanded version of the 1951 Startling Stories serial titled The Starmen of Llyrdis.

D-103 PHILIP K. DICK Solar Lottery (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1955; listed as "Complete Novel") and LEIGH BRACKETT The Big Jump (cover by Robert Schultz; 1955; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

D-110 POUL ANDERSON No World of Their Own (1955; listed as "Complete Novel") and ISAAC ASIMOV 1,000 Year Plan (original title: Foundation; cover by Ed Valigursky; 1955; listed as "Abridged")

POUL ANDERSON (1926-2001), a former President of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, earned three Nebula and seven Hugo awards. He published over 100 novels and short story collections. He is remembered as one of the most imaginative and hugely prolific authors of science fiction's Golden Age. His works include Satan's World, Tau Zero, Midsummer Tempest, The Boat of a Million Years, Three Hearts and Three Lions, The Enemy Stars, and Brain Wave. In 1997, he received SFWA's Grandmaster Award and in 2000 he was inducted to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

D-113 DWIGHT V. SWAIN The Transposed Man (1955; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-113b J. T. McINTOSH (aka JAMES MURDOCH MacGREGOR) One in 300 (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1955; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

The Transposed Man is Dwight V. Swain's only science fiction novel.

JAMES MURDOUCH MacGREGOR (b. 1925) graduated from the University of Aberdeen and was a prolific author during the late 1950's to early 1970's.

D-118 CHARLES L. HARNESS The Paradox Men (original title: Flight Into Yesterday; cover by Richard Powers; 1955; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and JACK WILLIAMSON Dome Around America (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1955; listed as "Complete Novel")

RICHARD M. POWERS (1921-1996) employed a range of illustration styles that influenced generations of artists. His covers are distinctive and invoke connections with surrealism, symbolism, and the abstract. He signed his works in many ways, ranging from Gorman (or Gorman Powers) to Powers LAZ/Org. An amazingly prolific artist, the best source for additional information is Jane Frank's The Art of Richard Powers (Paper Tiger, 2001).

I believe (still checking) that The Paradox Men is the first ACE Books cover art by Richard Powers.

D-121 SAM MERWIN, JR. 3 Faces of Time (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1955; listed as "complete and unabridged") and D-121b ANDRE NORTON The Stars Are Ours! (cover by Ed Valigursky; c. 1954; 1955; listed as "complete and unabridged")

3 Faces of Time is the sequel to alternate worlds story of The House of Many Worlds (1951).

SAM MERWIN JR. combined both writing and magazine editing. He was the editor of Thrilling Wonder and Startling Stories from 1945 to 1951. From 1951 he edited Fantastic Story Magazine and Wonder Story Magazine, early issues of Fantastic Universe, and was Assistant Editor of Galaxy and Beyond.

D-119 [NOTE: Although Corrick has D-119 listed as the Merwin and Norton stories, my copy is marked D-121] There is no notation for a D-119 in the Graham Holyrod checklist (2003). I have been contacted by several AIL users and these titles should be properly listed as D-121.

.D-139 NICK BODDIE WILLIAMS The Atom Curtain (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1956) and GORDON R. DICKSON Alien from Arcturus (1956; listed as "complete and unabridged")

D-146 MURRAY LEINSTER (aka WILL F. JENKINS) The Forgotten Planet (1956; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-146b LEE CORREY (aka G. HARRY STINE) Contraband Rocket (cover by Ed Valigursky;1956; listed as "Complete Novel")

D-150 PHILIP K. DICK The World Jones Made (cover by Robert Schultz; 1956; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-150b MARGARET ST. CLAIR Agent of the Unknown (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1956; listed as "Complete Novel")

D-162 JERRY SOHL The Mars Monopoly (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1956; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-162b R. DE WITT MILLER and ANNA HUNGER The Man Who Lived Forever (cover by Stanley Meltzoff; 1956; listed as "Complete Novel")

The Man Who Lived Forever is expanded from "The Master Shall Not Die" in Astounding, March 1938 (by Miller only).

D-164 GORDON R. DICKSON Mankind On The Run (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1956; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-164b ANDRE NORTON The Crossroads of Time (1956; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-173 RAY CUMMINGS The Man Who Mastered Time (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1956; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and JOSEPH E. KELLEAM Overlords From Space (1956; listed as "Complete Novel")

RAYMOND KING CUMMINGS (1887-1957) was an adventurer (gold prospecting, oil field, and orange plantations) and later an editor for Thomas Alva Edison. His writing career spanned thirty years and he is most remembered for one of his earliest stories, "The Girl in the Golden Atom" (c. 1919), as well as being one of the authors used by Gernsback in the early Amazing pulp magazine.

D-176 MARGARET ST. CLAIR The Green Queen (cover by Malcolm Smith; 1956; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-176b THOMAS CALVERT McCLARY 3 Thousand Years (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1956; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

MALCOLM H. SMITH (1910-1966) studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and then worked for Ziff-Davis Publishers as an illustrator and later as art director. After a period of time as an independent artist and art director for several magazines (Fate and Other Worlds), he worked for NASA as an artist at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama until his death. His works are in their permanent collection.

This may represent the first ACE Books cover by Malcolm Smith.

D-193 PHILIP K. DICK The Man Who Japed (cover by Ed "Emsh" Emshwiller; 1956; listed as "Complete and Unabridged") and D-193b E. C. TUBB The Space-Born (cover by Ed Valigursky;1956; listed as "Complete Novel")

The Man Who Japed is the first cover by Ed ("Emsh") Emshwiller for ACE Doubles;

D-199 ANDRE NORTON Star Guard (cover by Emsh; 1956; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-199b POUL ANDERSON Planet of No Return (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1956; listed as "Complete Novel")

D-205 DONALD A. WOLLHEIM (ed.) The Earth in Peril (cover by Emsh; 1957) and LAN WRIGHT (aka LIONEL PERCY WRIGHT) Who Speaks of Conquest? (cover by Stanley Meltzoff; 1957; listed as "Complete Novel")

The Earth in Peril is an anthology of invasion stories, edited by Donald A. Wollheim, and contains Things Pass By by Murray Leinster; Letter from the Stars by A. E. van Vogt; The Silly Season by C. M. Kornbluth; The Plant Revolt by Edmond Hamilton; Mary Anonymous by Bryce Walton; and The Star by H. G. Wells.

Who Speaks of Conquest? by Lan Wright was serialized in the British magazine New Worlds in 1956.

LIONEL PERCY WRIGHT (1923-2010). His first science fiction story appeared in New Worlds in 1952 and between 1957 to 1968 he published six (6) novels.

D-215 ERIC FRANK RUSSELL Three to Conquer (1957; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and ROBERT MOORE WILLIAMS Doomsday Eve (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1957; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-223 ROBERT SILVERBERG The 13th Immortal (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1957; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-223b JAMES E. GUNN This Fortress World (cover by Emsh; 1957; listed as "abridged")

Original preliminary cover art by Ed Emshwiller ("Emsh") for This Fortress World.  Mixed media on board, with an image area of 4.25" x 6." Editor notations on top (title and relating art to page number in story) and at bottom ("This One O.K."). Signed lower right outside of art.

D-227 H. BEAM PIPER & JOHN J. McGUIRE Crisis in 2140 (cover by Emsh;1957; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-227b CYRIL JUDD (aka C. M. KORNBLUTH and JUDITH MERRILL) Gunner Cade (1957; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

Original cover art by Ed ("Emsh") Emshwiller for Crisis in 2140. Gouache on board (20" x 15"), signed in lower left.

D-237 ROBERT SILVERBERG Master of Life and Death (cover by Emsh; 1957; listed as "complete & unabridged") and D-237b JAMES WHITE The Secret Visitors (1957)

Alternate cover art prelimary drawing by Ed "Emsh"Emshwiller for Master o f Life and Death.  Acrylic and mixed media on illustration board, signed lower right. 6" x 4.25."

D-242 A. E. VAN VOGT Empire of the Atom (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1957; listed as "abridged") and FRANK BELKNAP LONG Space Station #1 (cover by Emsh; 1957; listed as "Complete Novel")

D-249 ANDREW NORTH (aka ANDRE NORTON) Sargasso of Space (cover by Emsh;1957; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-249b PHILIP K. DICK The Cosmic Puppets (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1957)

D-255 KENNETH BULMER City Under the Sea (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1957; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-255b POUL ANDERSON Star Ways (cover by Emsh; 1957; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-266 E. C. TUBB The Mechanical Monarch (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1958; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-266b CHARLES L. FONTENAY Twice Upon a Time (cover by Emsh; 1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-277 MURRAY LEINSTER (aka WILL F. JENKINS) City On The Moon (cover by Emsh; 1958) and D-277b DONALD A. WOLLHEIM (ed.) Men On The Moon (cover by Emsh; 1958; 1st ACE printing)

Men on the Moon contains short story fiction by Raymond Z. Gallun, A. Bertram Chandler, Frank M. Robinson, H. B. Fyfe, and Murray Leinster.

D-286 ROBERT SILVERBERG Invaders From Earth (cover by Emsh; 1958; listed as "Complete Novel") and DAVID GRINNELL (aka DONALD A. WOLLHEIM) Across Time (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1958; listed as "Complete and Unabridged")

D-291 RAYMOND Z. GALLUN People Minus X (cover by Emsh; 1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-291b CALVIN M. KNOX (aka ROBERT SILVERBERG) Lest We Forget Thee, Earth (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1958; listed as "Complete Novel")

D-295 JACK VANCE (aka JOHN HOLBROOK VANCE) Slaves of the Klau (1958; listed as "Complete Novel") and JACK VANCE (aka JOHN HOLBROOK VANCE) Big Planet (cover by Emsh; 1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-299 ANDRE NORTON Star Born (cover by Emsh; 1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-299b H. BEAM PIPER and JOHN J. McGUIRE A Planet for Texans (cover by Kershaw; 1958; listed as "Complete Novel")

D-303 POUL ANDERSON The Snows of Ganymede (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1958; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-303b POUL ANDERSON War of the Wing-Men (cover by Emsh; 1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

Alternate preliminary cover art drawing by Edward ("Emsh") Emshwiller for War of the Wing-Men.  Titled "They wingless" on top margin and Emsh name in pencil on bottom right border.  Gouache and graphite on illustration board, with an image area of 4.25" x 6." Artist name and address stamped on verso. 

D-311 ROBERT SILVERBERG Stepsons of Terra (cover by Emsh;1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-311b IAN WRIGHT (aka LIONEL PERCY WRIGHT) A Man Called Destiny (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1958; listed as "Complete Novel")

D-315 ERIC FRANK RUSSELL Six Worlds Yonder (cover by Emsh; 1958) and D-315b ERIC FRANK RUSSELL The Space Willies (1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-322 ROBERT MOORE WILLIAMS The Blue Atom (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-322b ROBERT MOORE WILLIAMS The Void Beyond and Other Stories (cover by Emsh; 1958)

D-331 KENNETH BULMER The Secret of Zl (cover by Emsh; 1958; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and RAY CUMMINGS Beyond the Vanishing Point (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1958; listed as "Complete Novel")

Alternate preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for The Secret of Zl.  Note the similarities and differences with this preliminary art and the final cover.  The preliminary has a tentative title as "The Patient Dark" and an ACE Letter-Number as D-332.  Oil on board.  7" x 5.25." Artist address stamp on verso.

Here is the preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller that WAS used for The Secret of Zl.  This art work also has the same tentative title as "The Patient Dark" and an ACE Letter-Number as D-332. Editor deadline note on right margin (Due July 14).  Oil on board.  7" x 5.25."

D-335 POUL ANDERSON The War of Two Worlds (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "Complete Novel") and JOHN BRUNNER Threshold of Eternity (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-345 ANDREW NORTH (aka ANDRE NORTON) Plague Ship (1959; cover by Ed Valigursky; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D345b ANDREW NORTH (aka ANDRE NORTON) Voodoo Planet (1959; cover by Emsh; listed as "Complete Novel")

Preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for Voodoo Planet. 4.25" x 6." Titled on top margin as "Planets Mean Trouble."  Signed "Emsh" in margin in bottom right.

D-351 EDMOND HAMILTON The Sun Smasher (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-351b IVAR JORGENSON (aka ROBERT SILVERBERG) Starhaven (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

Original cover art by Ed ("Emsh") Emshwiller for The Sun Smasher. Gouache on board (21.5" x 16.5"), unsigned.

D-358 CALVIN M. KNOX (aka ROBERT SILVERBERG) The Plot Against Earth (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-358b MILTON LESSER (aka STEPHEN MARLOWE) Recruit for Andromeda (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "Complete Novel")

MILTON LESSER (1928-2008) appears to have legally changed his name to STEPHEN MARLOWE around 1958. He then switched to writing mysteries , several of which were published as ACE Doubles (D-77; Catch the Brass Ring; 1954 and D-89 Turn Left for Murder; 1955 and D-189; Dead on Arrival; 1956). A good summary of his writing career can be found in Graham Andrews' In Memorian: Stephen Marlowe (Paperback Parade, vol. 71, December 2008, pp. 103-107.

D-362 JOHN BRUNNER The 100th Millennium (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-362b DAVID GRINNELL (aka DONALD A. WOLLHEIM) Edge of Time (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

D-369 BRIAN W. ALDISS Vanguard From Alpha (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "Complete Novel") and D-369b KENNETH BULMER The Changeling Worlds (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "Complete& Unabridged")

D-375 DAMON KNIGHT Masters of Evolution (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "First Book Publication") and D-375b GEORGE O. SMITH Fire in the Heavens 1959; (listed as "Complete & Unabridged")

From an AIL user who has a signed copy of this volume, it appears that Damon Knight's preferred title for Masters of Evolution was Natural State.  Does anyone remember this as a short story in Startling Stories or Amazing/Analog? Thank you Glenn for the information.

D-381 JERRY SOHL One Against Herculum (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "Complete Novel") and ANDRE NORTON Secret of the Lost Race (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "First Book Publication")

Preliminary art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for One Against Herculum. 5.5" x 8." Signed "Emsh" in margin in lower right. Note the editorial comment to Ed Emsh along the top: "Do this one but closer up. Also show these figures stronger."

D-385 JOHN BRUNNER Echo In The Skull (cover by Robert Schultz; 1959; listed as "first book publication") and D-385b ALAN E. NOURSE Rocket To Limbo (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "complete and unabridged")

D-391 JOHN BRUNNER The World Swappers (1959; listed as "first book publication") and D-391b A. E. VAN VOGT Siege of the Unseen (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "complete novel")

D-403 MURRAY LEINSTER (aka WILL F. JENKINS) The Mutant Weapon (1959; listed as "complete novel") and D-403b MURRAY LEINSTER The Pirates of Zan (cover by Emsh; 1959; listed as "first book publication")

The Mutant Weapon is expanded from "Med Service" published in Astounding, August 1957. This is the second (written) of the "Calhoun/Murgatroyd/Med Service" series, which ran to several story collections and short novels which have appeared in various combinations. The Pirates of Zan was serialized in Astounding, February to April 1959 as "The Pirates of Ersatz.".

D-407 ROBERT SILVERBERG The Planet Killers (1959; listed as "first book publication") and D-407b POUL ANDERSON We Claim These Stars! (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1959; listed as "complete novel")

D-413 HARLAN ELLISON The Man With Nine Lives (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "complete novel") and D-413b HARLAN ELLISON A Touch of Infinity (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960)

Alternate (preliminary) cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for The Man With Nine Lives (originally titled as The Sound of the Scythe). Gouache and watercolor on Strathmore paper. 4.25" x 6."

Stories from A Touch of Infinity include Run For The Stars, Back To The Drawing Boards, Life Hutch, The Sky Is Burning, Final Trophy, and Blind Lightning.

Original cover art by Ed Valigursky for A Touch of Infinity. Tempera and gouache on board. 23.5" x 15.5." Closer view. Not signed on art.

D-421 PHILIP K, DICK Dr. Futurity (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "first book publication") and D-421b  JOHN BRUNNER Slavers of Space (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "complete novel")

Original cover art preliminary by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for Slavers of Space.  Gouache and tempera on board. 6" x 4.25" (image). Artist's stamp verso, with art editor's directions in margins.  Note the "no blood" and "add to bottom" notations when examining the final version on the ACE Double.

D-427 ROBERT MOORE WILLIAMS World of the Masterminds (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "complete novel") and ROBERT MOORE WILLIAMS To the Edge of Time and Other Stories (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "first book publication")

To the Edge of Time includes To the End of Time, Where Tall Towers Gleam, Homeward Bound, When the Spoilers Came, and Like Alarm Bells Ringing.

D-431 GEORGE O. SMITH Lost In Space (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "Complete & Unabridged") and D-431b A. E. VAN VOGT Earth's Last Fortress (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "First Book Publication")

D-437 ANDRE NORTON The Sioux Spaceman (cover by Ed Valigursky;1960; listed as "First Book Publication") and D-437b RICHARD WILSON And Then the Town Took Off (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "Complete Novel")

And Then the Town Took Off was also published in a pulp (Infinity Science Fiction) in January and February 1958 (two-part serial).  Here is the cover art for the January 1958 edition (with Part 1 of the story).

Original preliminary cover art by Emsh for And Then the Town Took Off.  Gouache on illustration board, 6.5” x 4.25.” Artist's stamp on verso in ink (Ed Emshwiller), with ACE Letter-Number series and art editor notations in pencil.

D-443 MANLY WADE WELLMAN The Dark Destroyers (cover by Ed Valigursky;1960; listed as "Abridged") and D-433b BRIAN ALDISS Bow Down to Nul (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "First Book Publication")

D-449 GORDON R. DICKSON The Genetic General (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "First Book Publication") and D-449b GORDON R. DICKSON Time to Teleport (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "Complete Novel")

Original cover art preliminary by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for Time to Teleport.  Acrylic on board. 6" x 4.25" (image). Artist's stamp verso, with art editor's directions in margins.  Note the ACE Letter-Number series on top margin.

D-453 KENNETH BULMER The Earth Gods Are Coming (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "complete novel") and MARGARET ST. CLAIR The Games of Neith (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "first book publication")

The Earth Gods are Coming is from the story "Of Earth Foretold" first published by Kenneth Bulmer in the British continuation of Science Fiction Adventures in May 1960.

D-457 PHILIP K. DICK Vulcan's Hammer (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "first book publication") and D457b JOHN BRUNNER The Skynappers (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "complete novel")

Preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for Vulcan's Hammer.  Gouache on board.  6" x 4.25" (image area).  Story title and ACE Letter-Number series at top.  Art editor comment on right margin  (in pencil; "show light coming from eyes of hammers").  Artist name and address written on verso. Note the similarity of this preliminary art with the final cover art.

D-465 JOHN BRUNNER The Atlantic Abomination (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "first book publication") and D-465b DAVID GRINNELL (aka DONALD A. WOLLHEIM) The Martian Missile (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "complete and unabridged")

Spine view of D-465

D-471 JOHN BRUNNER Sanctuary in the Sky (cover by Basil Gogot; 1960; listed as "complete novel") and D-471b JACK SHARKEY (aka JOHN MICHAEL SHARKEY) The Secret Martians (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "first book publication")

D-479 WILSON TUCKER To the Tombaugh Station (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1960; listed as "first book publication") and POUL ANDERSON Earthman, Go Home! (cover by Emsh; 1960; listed as "complete novel")

Earthman, Go Home! was originally published as A Plague of Masters in Fantastic Stories of Imagination (December 1960 and January 1961).

D-485 ROBERT A. W. LOWNDES The Puzzle Planet (cover by Emsh; 1961; listed as "first book publication") and D-485b LLOYD BIGGLE, JR. The Angry Esper (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1961; listed as "complete novel")

D-491 FRITZ LEIBER The Big Time (cover by Emsh; 1961; listed as "first book publication") and FRITZ LEIBER The Mind Spider and Other Stories (cover by Emsh; 1961)

Spine view of D-491

Preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for The Big Time.  Gouache on board.  7" x 5.25." Story title and ACE Letter-Number series at top.  Art editor comment on left margin and sizing comment at bottom margin (in black grease pencil).  Art editor also appears to have marked his change on the image in black grease pencil.  Artist name and address written on verso. Note the similarity of this preliminary art with the final cover art.

Preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for The Mind Spider and Other Stories.  Pencil on thin paper.  7" x 5.5." ACE Letter-Number series at upper right and "Emsh' in pencil on bottom right margin.  Note that the final cover art is much different than this sketch, even though it has elements of the final cover art.

D-497 RAY CUMMINGS Wandl the Invader (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1961; listed as "first book publication") and D-497b KEITH WOODCOTT (aka JOHN BRUNNER) I Speak For Earth (cover by Emsh; 1961; listed as "complete novel")

Original preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for I Speak For Earth. Gouache and tempera on board. Image area 6" x 4.5." Signed in pencil (Emsh) lower right. Note that the original title for this piece is "We Who Are Man" with the ACE Letter-Number series D-497 in pencil on top border. There is a crease on left side that runs top-to-bottom producing the damage (in red).

D-507 KENNETH BULMER Beyond the Silver Sky (cover by Emsh; 1961; listed as "complete novel") and D-507b JOHN BRUNNER Meeting At Infinity (cover by John Schoenherr; 1961; listed as "first book publication")

Spine view of D-507

Original preliminary cover art by Ed 'Emsh' Emshwiller for Beyond the Silver Sky.  Mixed media on board.  Image area 5.5" x 7." Signed in pencil (Emsh) lower right.  Title and ACE Letter-Number series in top margin.  Editor's notes and size suggestions on board margin.  Emsh name in pencil lower right.

Meeting At Infinity is the first cover by John Schoenherr for ACE Doubles.

JOHN C. SCHOENHERR (b. 1935) attended the Pratt Institute (Brooklyn) and studied with Stanley Meltzoff. Biology was always an interest, but he preferred to draw the dissections, rather than perform them. Thus, as a freelance illustrator, he was prolific in science fiction genre as well as in wildlife paintings and illustrations for young adult and children books. His interior illustrations have brought to life many a story in Astounding Science Fiction (and later Analog) and influenced many other artists. He won the Hugo Award for Best Artist (1965) for his illustrations of Frank Herbert's Dune, and received numerous awards (Caldecott Medal, 1988) and accolades for his work in children's literature and wildlife portrayal.

D-509 ANDRE NORTON The Beast Master (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1961; listed as "abridged") and D-509b ANDRE NORTON Star Hunter (cover by Emsh; 1961; listed as "first book publication")

D-517 A. BERTRAM CHANDLER Bring Back Yesterday (cover by Ed Valigursky; 1961; listed as "first book publication") and D-517b CLIFFORD SIMAK The Trouble With Tycho (cover by John Schoenherr; 1961; listed as "complete novel")

D-517 was released June 1961 and is the last of the D-series. The F-series starts with F-104 on July 1961.

Last update: 08 December 2020

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