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Simple, Fast search of the FictionMags Index
Simple, fast search of the FictionMags Index. It’s finally here. https://pulpflakes.com/fmisearch/ The FictionMags Index (FMI) is the biggest online index of English language fiction published in periodicals. Search the FMI by author or artist name, magazine title or look for a specific issue by date or issue number. Tips and tricks While search tolerates partial… Continue reading Simple, Fast search of the FictionMags Index
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Secrets of the Mask, part 10: Let Darkness Fall
Last week, we took in an issue at the peak of Joe Shaw’s reign; it delivered hard-boiled at it’s peak but circulation didn’t improve. The publisher brought in a new editor, Fanny Ellsworth. She wasn’t afraid to tinker with Shaw’s formula and introduced darkness into Black Mask’s fiction. Did it work? Fanny Louise Ellsworth (1905-1983)… Continue reading Secrets of the Mask, part 10: Let Darkness Fall
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Secrets of the Mask, part 9: Hard times
The seeds of greatness were there in last week’s review of an early Shaw edited issue, this week we’ll see them blossoming to their full glory in the November 1933 issue and possibly understand why hard times were happening despite that. The package The cover is by J. W. Schlaikjer, whose run of about fifty… Continue reading Secrets of the Mask, part 9: Hard times
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Secrets of the Mask, part 8: February 1927, Hammett’s back
Last week, we read how Joe Shaw joined Black Mask and changed it; this week, I’m reviewing the February 1927 issue, from the first year of Joe Shaw’s editorial reign. At this point the magazine hadn’t developed into the 100% pure hard-boiled version it became later. Westerns, detective and adventure stories were promised by the… Continue reading Secrets of the Mask, part 8: February 1927, Hammett’s back
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Secrets of the Mask, part 7: Shaw spells success
Last week, we found Phil Cody looking for an editor. He found the right man. Joseph T. “Cap” Shaw always wanted to be a writer and editor. He was editor of his college newspaper and a track athlete. After graduation, he became a reporter and then worked at a publishing company before joining a textile… Continue reading Secrets of the Mask, part 7: Shaw spells success
Hi Sai, am loving your analysis here! Very well written. Just a small correction. Clayton went bankrupt and sold titles…
Thanks, Barry.
Another great article Sai, looking forward to the next one.
I think Shaw was a victim of his own success. He developed great authors, paid them well and they responded…
Thanks for catching that, Sheila. I had a senior moment there, having published an article on that very topic recently…