Thursday 2 April 2009

Abominazione!

Since 1952, Italian science-fiction magazine Urania has been publishing a novel or short-story collection (usually translated into Italian, rather than by an Italian author) each month. Over that time the covers have ranged from standard 1950s pulp to thuddingly obvious literalism to a sort of thick-eared surrealism that almost approaches genius with the extent of its awkward invention--like the work of a brain-damaged Dali forced to use his left hand only. The shoe-horning-in of a nude or semi-nude woman is also frequently necessary. Just sit back and marvel.




















I've read a number of these books in their original English, but these covers make them seem new and strange. As far as I can recall, no Bob Shaw novel I ever came across featured a one-armed woman in her undies and a man in a wheelchair watching the moon explode. It seems like the sort of thing I'd remember.

Much, much more here.

4 comments:

Steerforth said...

Completamente folle!

These covers are completely 'out there' and make the weirder efforts from the Anglophone world look relatively staid.

It's always good to see a gorilla wearing a monocle.

JRSM said...

If you ever read a comic called 'Doom Patrol' (either the original 1960s version by Arnold Drake, or the 1990s version by Grant Morrison, both highly recommended), you can rejoice in a pair of villains who go by the names Monsieur Mallah and The Brain. The first is a super-intelligent French-speaking gorilla who is in love with the second, a super-intelligent brain in a jar.

Natasha Rosen said...

I have nominated you for the SPLASH award.

JRSM said...

Thank you, Natasha! I'm going to have to put some thought into my own nominations. More soon!