Background
John Russell Fearn was born on June 5, 1908, in Lancashire, United Kingdom. He was the son of a cotton salesman and a secretary.
(Harry Perrivale's expedition into the African jungle is d...)
Harry Perrivale's expedition into the African jungle is destined to be singularly ill-fated. Accompanied by native bearers, his wife Rita, and trader Caleb Moon, he hopes to find the legendary lost city of Akada. Moon has a treasure map that had once belonged to an earlier explorer who'd met his death twenty years before. But Moon has plans to kill Perrivale, abduct Rita, and keep the gold and ivory of Akada for himself. Then the party encounters a giant white man, Anjani, who speaks only the native dialect of the tribe with whom he has lived all his life. Who is this strange man, and how did he come to be there--and what is his connection with Akada? A thrilling jungle adventure in the tradition of Edgar Rice Burroughs, now reprinted for the first time in six decades!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1XVDRY/?tag=2022091-20
(Dick Palmer and Will Snell are great friends, both former...)
Dick Palmer and Will Snell are great friends, both former highwaymen who were subsequently exonerated. However, they become fugitives from the law again when members of a mysterious gang of murderers and kidnappers use their names to frame them. Then when the gang kidnap Palmer’s wife the two friends are plunged into a deadly struggle to rescue her. But they are up against an evil and secret organization — and the sadistic Simon Pendexter, who swings a ‘spiked boy’ . . . Praise for John Russell Fearn 'What do you get when a criminal with a well honed scientific mind joins forces with a crude, unthinking killer? Well, in the hands of John Russell Fearn, you get one fast paced, thrilling mystery that will have you guessing' - largeprintreviews.com 'I have yet to read a book employing the same murder method. It is unusual and imaginative ideas like this that make [Fearn’s] books worth tracking down and reading” – Pretty Sinister John Russell Fearn was an extremely prolific and popular British writer, who began in the American pulps, then almost single-handedly drove the post-World War II boom in British publishing with a flood of science fiction, detective stories, westerns, and adventure fiction. He was so popular that one of his pseudonyms became the editor of Vargo Statten’s Science Fiction Magazine in the 1950’s. His work is noted for its vigor and wild imagination. He has always had a substantial cult following and has been popular in translation around the world. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 52.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DM1HFQ6/?tag=2022091-20
(Gerald Dawson was the first to die—in an apparent road ac...)
Gerald Dawson was the first to die—in an apparent road accident. But when other members of his family receive mysterious telephone calls informing them of their own imminent demise, and the predictions come true, Scotland Yard soon realizes that a serial killer is at work. Baffled, the police call in Dr. Sawley Garson, a specialist in scientific puzzles. But can even he save the few remaining Dawsons from the cunning killer—a man who appears not to exist? Another classic "impossible crime" novel from a master storyteller.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065QXLPE/?tag=2022091-20
(There’s always a price to pay… Jess Burton and his sideki...)
There’s always a price to pay… Jess Burton and his sidekick Shorty Pearson ride into Yellow Gulch, desperate to find work after months on the road. They enlist into Wilton de Brock’s company, despite the fact that the pay is bad and de Brock’s reputation even worse. But after just a day of hard labour for barely any money, Jess realises the injustice of de Brock’s business. Talking to others in the camp, he realises what he has signed up for. De Brock treats his workers like slaves, with whippings common practice. Escape seems impossible, with de Brock having a firm grip on not just the work camp, but the whole of Yellow Gulch. Even the Mayor and the Sherriff are wrapped around his finger. But it doesn’t take the swashbuckling Jess long to take action, and when he kills one of the brutal guards, he has no choice but to try and escape. Jess makes it out to the countryside, where he meets Len Calvert and his rebellious daughter Fay. He explains his plan to the Calverts, about how he’s intending to rescue the other workers and overthrow de Brock’s brutal regime. Len Calvert wants nothing to do with it, but his daughter is inspired by Jess’ sense of justice. Jess frees the workers and joins forces with Fay. But will Jess be able to overthrow the ruthless de Brock? Or will he lose his life, like all those that have tried and failed before him …? Praise for John Russell Fearn 'A classic story of adventure and courage in the Old West.' - Tom Kasey, best-selling author of Trade Off. John Russell Fearn (1908-1960) is well remembered as almost single-handedly driving the post-World War II boom in British publishing with a flood of science fiction, detective stories, and westerns. His writing appeared under various pseudonyms and has been translated into many languages around the world. His other westerns include Thunder Valley, Rule of the Gun, Town Without Law, The Wreckers and Skeleton Pass.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWYKY7C/?tag=2022091-20
(No one is safe... A gang of criminals has established a f...)
No one is safe... A gang of criminals has established a far reaching racket in counterfeit coins, making English gold sovereigns to order. The CID is on the case, but a mysterious epidemic of deaths from snakebites soon diverts their attention. However, Chief Inspector Dawson of the Metropolitan Division’s scientific branch discovers a hidden link between the deadly snake-bites and the counterfeit coins. Dawson is aided by Detective-Sergeant Harriday and Gwenda Blane, risking their lives attempting to bring down this ruthless homicidal racket . . . Praise for John Russell Fearn... 'What do you get when a criminal with a well honed scientific mind joins forces with a crude, unthinking killer? Well, in the hands of John Russell Fearn, you get one fast paced, thrilling mystery that will have you guessing' - largeprintreviews.com 'I have yet to read a book employing the same murder method. It is unusual and imaginative ideas like this that make [Fearn’s] books worth tracking down and reading” – Pretty Sinister John Russell Fearn was an extremely prolific and popular British writer, who began in the American pulps, then almost single-handedly drove the post-World War II boom in British publishing with a flood of science fiction, detective stories, westerns, and adventure fiction. He was so popular that one of his pseudonyms became the editor of Vargo Statten’s Science Fiction Magazine in the 1950’s. His work is noted for its vigor and wild imagination. He has always had a substantial cult following and has been popular in translation around the world. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 52.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D13D1LC/?tag=2022091-20
(Just how possible is the perfect crime? And if committed,...)
Just how possible is the perfect crime? And if committed, who would know? Richard Harvey, or “Ricky” to those close to him, is engaged to Valerie Hadfield, a wealthy actress with whom he fell in love with. However, as time has gone on during their engagement, he’s realised she’s not the women he thought she was. Despite his wishes for the engagement to be brought to an end, the vicious and vindictive Valerie threatens to cause a scandal, ruining his standing as a reputable chemist. More recently, Richard finds the affections of Joyce Prescott, a smart and friendly woman, and the two wish to marry. Frustrated with his situation, Richard muses over ways in which he can be rid of Valerie, freeing the way for his marriage to Joyce. It is at this point that he bumps into Chief Inspector Garth of Scotland Yard, a friend with whom he’s worked with in the past on cases that require his expert scientific abilities. With other members of the police force, the group soon get to discussing the nature of murder cases and modern forensic techniques. Garth believes that the advances in science make it virtually impossible for someone to commit the “perfect crime.” This gets Richard thinking about his options… With all of his experience working alongside the police force, particularly in forensics, he has all the knowledge he needs. All seems to be going to plan, he has thought of everything; covered his tracks in every way he could conceive. However, his own ego soon begins to betray him… He hasn’t in fact been quite as thorough as he had first thought and his plans soon begins unstuck as the tenacious Inspector Garth quickly begins to see the cracks in Richard’s story… Except for One Thing is a thrilling work of crime fiction from one of the genre’s greats. Praise for John Russell Fearn “I have yet to read a book employing the same murder method. It is unusual and imaginative ideas like this that make [Fearn’s] books worth tracking down and reading.” – Pretty Sinister “… A pioneer of science fiction […] he was one of the Greats of the earlier ages, and his name should be there with Hugo Gernsback, John W. Campbell, Stanley G. Weinbaum, Murray Leinster, and all the others whose thoughts and works formulated today’s modern science fiction.” —John Carnell, New Worlds John Russell Fearn was an extremely prolific and popular British writer, who began in the American pulps, then almost single-handedly drove the post-World War II boom in British publishing with a flood of science fiction, detective stories, westerns, and adventure fiction. He was so popular that one of his pseudonyms became the editor of Vargo Statten’s Science Fiction Magazine in the 1950’s. His work is noted for its vigor and wild imagination. He has always had a substantial cult following and has been popular in translation around the world. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 52.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WPBWZQ9/?tag=2022091-20
(Behind a locked door is a grisly murder scene… William Ba...)
Behind a locked door is a grisly murder scene… William Barridge, a meek and mild solicitor’s clerk, browbeated by his wife and pushed around by his colleagues, is found lying on the floor of his locked office with a knife in his back in the middle of a workday. But how could a man so innocuous have had any enemies? When Superintendent Henshaw investigates, it becomes evident that Barridge had mysterious dealings with his brother in Australia — and an association with an attractive divorcee. But Henry Minton, Barridge’s employer — was the only person with a key to the locked office… Part of Fearn’s highly acclaimed Locked Door series, this fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing until the last page. Praise for John Russell Fearn “I have yet to read a book employing the same murder method. It is unusual and imaginative ideas like this that make [Fearn’s] books worth tracking down and reading.” – Pretty Sinister “… A pioneer of science fiction […] he was one of the Greats of the earlier ages, and his name should be there with Hugo Gernsback, John W. Campbell, Stanley G. Weinbaum, Murray Leinster, and all the others whose thoughts and works formulated today’s modern science fiction.” —John Carnell, New Worlds John Russell Fearn was an extremely prolific and popular British writer, who began in the American pulps, then almost single-handedly drove the post-World War II boom in British publishing with a flood of science fiction, detective stories, westerns, and adventure fiction. He was so popular that one of his pseudonyms became the editor of Vargo Statten’s Science Fiction Magazine in the 1950’s. His work is noted for its vigor and wild imagination. He has always had a substantial cult following and has been popular in translation around the world. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 52.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GHWAH84/?tag=2022091-20
(For cinema projectionist Sid Elbridge, it seems that thin...)
For cinema projectionist Sid Elbridge, it seems that things can't get much worse. First, circumstantial evidence has made him the prime suspect in the police investigation of a robbery at the cinema where he works. Secondly, his fiancée Vera has been horribly killed in the same theatre, victim of a falling light fixture. Then he discovers strange, intricate patterns traced in the dust on the wooden frame of a still-case. There's something very wrong about this "accident," he now realizes, and begins investigating what actually happened. Slowly he realizes that a ruthless murderer is lurking in the shadows, and only Sid can uncover the PATTERN OF MURDER! Another great mystery story by a British master of intricate plot twists.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091X70LO/?tag=2022091-20
(There was no indication in Atkinson’s notes as to whether...)
There was no indication in Atkinson’s notes as to whether his creations had proved to be as blissfully innocent as he had expected; nothing to explain the wrecking of his equipment. If the robot man and woman had done that, then they were capable of anything. Finally collected into one anthology, six classic short stories written by sci-fi legend, John Russell Fearn. Lunar Vengeance begins with the first ever attempt at reaching the moon. One giant leap for man quickly turn to tragedy and confusion as the rocket plummets back to Earth. Hartley Dean, or ‘Hart’ to his co-workers, cannot believe what has happened, he simply must find out what caused such a catastrophic accident. Could it have something to do with an ancient civilisation being uncovered in the Egyptian Sahara, Tri-Konam? Hart is determined to find out for himself. But will he too lose his mind? Deadline in Space tells the story of unrest on a Plutonian outpost. The year at the start of events in The Arbiter is 2080 and war has finally been eradicated from the world. The Mental Gangster begins with five criminals making their escape from an asteroid penitentiary beyond Pluto. In the post-atomic world of March of the Robots humanity needs rebuilding. In Solar Assignment, Len Dayton and Rex Lanson are on a mission to explore Pluto for resources. Praise for John Russell Fearn: “… A pioneer of science fiction […] he was one of the Greats of the earlier ages, and his name should be there with Hugo Gernsback, John W. Campbell, Stanley G. Weinbaum, Murray Leinster, and all the others whose thoughts and works formulated today’s modern science fiction.” — John Carnell, New Worlds John Russell Fearn was an extremely prolific and popular British writer, who began in the American pulps, then almost single-handedly drove the post-World War II boom in British publishing with a flood of science fiction, detective stories, westerns, and adventure fiction. He was so popular that one of his pseudonyms became the editor of Vargo Statten’s Science Fiction Magazine in the 1950’s. He has always had a substantial cult following and has been popular in translation around the world. His other works with Venture include The Golden Amazon, Waters of Eternity, and War of the Scientists.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075LVPFNT/?tag=2022091-20
John Russell Fearn was born on June 5, 1908, in Lancashire, United Kingdom. He was the son of a cotton salesman and a secretary.
Fearn first became interested in science fiction while at school. He graduated from high school.
In his youth, Fearn drifted in and out of random jobs, including stints as a cotton salesman and a movie projectionist, before settling into a full-time writing career in 1933. His first published work was a series about film stars, which appeared in the British periodical Film Weekly in 1931.
Fearn published his novels using different pseudonyms such as Hugo Blayn, Hank Carson, Dennis Clive, Hank Cole, Polton Cross, Astron Del Martia, Spike Gordon, Volsted Gridban, Griff, Conrad G. Holt, Preston James, Nat Karta, Clem Larson, Paul Lorraine, Mike McCoy, Jed McCloud, Jed McNab, Lawrence F. Rose, Frank Russell, John Russell, John Cotton, Geoffrey Armstrong, Bryan Shaw, Vargo Statten and Earl Titan.
In the early phase of his career, Fearn founded what is known as the “thought variant” school of writing, which is characterized by an interest in pseudoscience. Fearn invented the popular science fiction theme of tapping the brain’s dormant powers in his first sci-fi novel The Intelligence Gigantic. The novel explores the idea that the imperfect perception of humans can be remedied “with a nerve connection to make the entire brain of use,” according to Philip J. Harbottle, discussing Fearn’s brain-tapping in St. James Guide to Science Fiction Writers. Amazing Stories, Fearn’s publisher, serialized the book in 1933, producing many variations on this theme. This concept also inspired many amazing brain stories by other writers including Campbell and Robert Heinlein.
Likewise two of Fearn’s short stories, “Liners of Time” (1935) and “Zagribud” (1937), offer pseudoscientific explanations for events in outer space. Published in serial form, the stories take imaginative leaps into the world where invisible cities, planet-obliterating miscreants, and fearless interplanetary time travelers exist. At the core of these adventures lies the idea of “differing time-lines capable of being altered and manipulated by an unscrupulous time-traveler,” according to Harbottle. Each volume of the series adds a new twist on the theme, producing in sum a collection of cosmic adventures.
Though most of his fiction fit into potboiler templates, Fearn nonetheless escaped the traps of his own genre. While his followers produced rehashes of old themes, Fearn managed to stay one step ahead of the pack with his original ideas and sense of timing. He seemed to understand what the market would bear, and when. When pseudoscience grew stale, Fearn added human and adventure elements to his stories. And when the science fiction market became saturated, Fearn started to write Westerns.
As a Britain-based writer, Fearn’s knowledge of the American West was based solely upon films. However, he provided a fresh angle—“a lighter side of the West,” according to Twentieth-Century Western Writers reviewer Mike Stotter—that homegrown writers missed. The “Merridrew” series features the adventures of Jenkinson Talbot Merridrew, an English butler and playboy who finds himself among outlaws and oil barons, encountering local sheriffs, and traveling through railroad towns in the Wild West with his fellow expatriate Bradley Wood. The series juxtaposes the English way of life with the American one, providing endless fodder for laughs and mishaps. Fearn “packs his stories full of action and vivid characterization,” according to Stotter, and produces progressively “more outrageous” tales.
Publishers today, including Gryphon Books and Borgo Press, have taken a new look at Fearn. Many of his 1940s-era editions have been dusted off and reprinted for a modern audience. Once again, Fearn has emerged from the heap of serial writers.
Undaunted by the United States’s domination of the science fiction genre, Fearn, writing under various pseudonyms, flooded the British market and himself became a staple of pulp fiction in the 1940s and 1950s. With equal energy, Fearn conquered the book market for Westerns.
Fearn wrote very quickly, often producing as many as two novels a month.
His stories, ideas and books influenced the work of such writers as Jack Williamson (The Legion of Time) and Isaac Asimov (The End of Eternity), Campbell and Robert Heinlein.
By the time of his death in 1960, Fearn had amassed a sizable readership for his serial offerings. The Toronto Star Weekly, which published weekly installments of the Golden Amazon series, was hard-pressed to find a replacement for Fearn. Though many well-known science-fiction writers applied for the job, “all were rejected; no other writer could duplicate Fearn’s unique, popular style”, according to Harbottle.
(Behind a locked door is a grisly murder scene… William Ba...)
(Just how possible is the perfect crime? And if committed,...)
(There was no indication in Atkinson’s notes as to whether...)
(There’s always a price to pay… Jess Burton and his sideki...)
(Dick Palmer and Will Snell are great friends, both former...)
(Harry Perrivale's expedition into the African jungle is d...)
(For cinema projectionist Sid Elbridge, it seems that thin...)
(Gerald Dawson was the first to die—in an apparent road ac...)
(You are all in danger... Gordon Drew’s return to his home...)
(No one is safe... A gang of criminals has established a f...)
Quotes from others about the person
“Fearn has a way of getting right to the roots of the process of communication by means of a series of archetypes and symbols, which, when put together in a logical and continuous sequence provide the basis for a means of immediate communication ... With his apparent simplicity of message, he manages to concentrate into ten lines the fears, the hopes, and dynamism of dozens of pages of other writers’ work. This is the real basis for his success, and the reason why, as a writer, he is destined never to die.” - reviewer Ugo Malagut
Fearn married Carrie Worth in 1956.
