Startling Stories May 1948 – The Mask of Circe by Henry Kuttner Cover
Published in May 1948, this is the Canadian edition of Startling Stories at the height of the Golden Age of science fiction, when sword-and-sorcery blended freely with SF themes. The cover dramatically illustrates Henry Kuttner's novel 'The Mask of Circe,' depicting a Roman-helmeted warrior wielding a sword while shielding a dark-haired woman in a green gown from a colossal mechanical eye-like device — blending mythological antiquity with pulp science fiction menace in classic Thrilling Publications style.
A Roman gladiator battling a giant mechanical cyclops eye while rescuing a swooning beauty in a slinky gown — this cover gleefully smashes mythology, science fiction, and action-adventure into one gloriously overwrought tableau. The red-plumed helmet and blazing energy beam push it firmly into peak pulp territory.
“THIRTY-TWO ADDITIONAL PAGES THIS ISSUE! STARTLING STORIES May 20¢ A THRILLING PUBLICATION THE MICROSCOPIC GIANTS A Hall of Fame Classic By PAUL ERNST THE Mask OF CIRCE An Astonishing Novel By HENRY KUTTNER SHARE IN CANADA'S FUTURE: BUY SAVINGS BONDS”
