Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 31

Authentic Science Fiction, No. 31, March 15, 1953 This British science fiction monthly, edited by H.J. Campbell, features Charles L. Harness's full-length novel *The Rose*, described in the editorial as "lyrical, nostalgic, brilliant." The story follows Anna van Tuyl, a psychiatrist and composer with a spinal deformity who has been crafting a ballet score based on Oscar Wilde's tale of a nightingale sacrificing itself to create a red rose. Struggling with her physical transformation and inability to complete the work's climax, Anna receives encouragement from Matthew Bell regarding a potential staging at the annual Rose Festival. The issue also contains E. Everett Evans's short story "Never Been Kissed," offering a new perspective on human settlement on Mars. S.J. Bounds concludes his serial "Frontier Legion" in this final installment. Additional content includes guest commentary by William F. Temple, book reviews, letters from readers, a science-fiction handbook section, and American commentary by F.J. Ackerman.