About

Besides posting book reviews, once in a while I will be posting articles on the subject of pulps. I hope we can generate more interest for the Blog. If you would like to share an article on the pulps, you can send me a message in the Comments of a post.

Friday, February 26, 2016

 
February 26, 2016
 
99 Cent The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 4 Bonus!
The brand new The Great Gildersleeve, Volume 4 radio set is only 99 cents through March 10th, when you place any order for $25 or more.
Use Coupon Code 99CentCD for the Audio CD set or 99CentDownload for the download version.
 
 
The Great Gildersleeve became one of radio's most successful situation comedies, and sixty years after it left the airwaves, it continues to be a favorite among old-time radio fans. It was distinctive in that the series placed a strong emphasis on character-driven comedy, as opposed to the vaudeville-based slapstick of its parent show, Fibber McGee & Molly. As portrayed by Peary, the Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve character — who, on Fibber McGee, had a pronounced larcenous streak — mellowed considerably, settling into the comfortable role of kind and loving uncle to his niece and nephew. Assisted in the running the household by housekeeper Birdie Lee Coggins (Lillian Randolph). Outside the home, Gildersleeve's closest association was with Judge Horace Hooker (Earle Ross), with whom he had many battles during the first few broadcast seasons.
 
A unique bit of history was made when The Great Gildersleeve premiered across the radio airwaves back on August 31, 1941. It marked the first time in the Golden Age of Radio that a popular regular character on an already much beloved and popular radio program – Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve from Fibber McGee and Molly – was spun off into his own radio series.
 
Gildersleeve’s departure from Wistful Vista and move to Summerfield was explained by the unexpected passing of his brother-in-law. He moved there to raise his orphaned niece and nephew, Marjorie and Leroy Forrester and manage the estate their father had left for them. While on the train to Summerfield, Gildersleeve played a practical joke on Judge Horace Hooker, which only backfired on Gildersleeve, because the judge just happened to be the executor of his late brother-in-law’s estate. Yet Hooker and Gildersleeve eventually set aside their animosity for each other and became friends after the first season.
 
So sit back and enjoy the twelve original broadcasts offered in this collection and presented exactly as broadcast, complete with commercials for Kraft Foods.
6 hours - $8.99 Download / $17.98 Audio CDs
 
 
Having troubles ordering from the website?
Call us at 800-886-0551
 
 
by Frederick C. Davis writing as Curtis Steele
Read by Milton Bagby
 
 
 
A group of bitter men — a secret League of War — was ready to plunge the world into a new, earth-wide conflict. They issued orders, and bloody organized murder was loosed in the heart of Europe! And behind this carnage, a single man was scheming to make himself the Dictator of the World! Never before had a single person conceived such a colossal plan for profiting from the slaughter of humans. He had overcome all obstacles — except one lone avenger, Operator #5, America’s secret service ace. Can Jimmy Christopher, keep the nations of the world from hurling themselves into a war which can bring nothing but universal defeat, misery, and slavery?
 
Originally written by master pulpsmith Frederick C. Davis, the Operator #5 series was a clear forerunner of the spy and espionage genre, which exploded in the 1960s when President John F. Kennedy happened to remark that he enjoyed reading Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels. Soon, America was surrounded by spies. Jimmy Christopher was on the job a generation before them all, blazing the espionage trail, and keeping America safe from fascism and other wicked isms.
 
Frederick C. Davis began pitting James Christopher—otherwise Operator #5 of the United States Intelligence Service—against the Yellow Empire, variously thinly-disguised European dictators, and other torn-from-the-headlines global actors. The more Operator #5 exploits Davis wrote, the wilder and more horrific the threats to national security became: Wicked would-be conquerors, creepy cults, weird weather-controllers and famine-creating menaces to our mid-western breadbasket. Davis’ tales were disciplined, yet apocalyptic—a difficult accomplishment when you are tasked to turn out a 50,000-word novel every 30 days.
 
Into this unprecedented crisis plunged Jimmy Christopher. Only one man, but a man who embodied the American spirit — and stands prepared to perish to protect his country.
 
The League of War Monsters is read with stirring intensity by Milton Bagby. Originally published in the February, 1935 issue of Operator #5 magazine.
 
5 hours - $9.99 Download / $19.98 Audio CDs
 
 
by Robert J. Hogan
Read by Nick Santa Maria
 
 
G-8 and His Battle Aces ran for 10 wild years. And every single G-8 sky saga was written by Robert J. Hogan. This was a rare thing back in the pulp magazine days, where the authors often wrote under house names and sometimes shared those bylines with other contributors. Naturally, telling the exploits of a high-flying hero such as the Master Spy every month without fail was a relentless and demanding gig. So it stands to reason that G-8 had his highs and his lows.
 
One of the highs was the series' premiere novel, The Bat Staffel. In an effort to hold the readers’ interest and keep from going stale, Hogan wrote dramatic G-8s such as The Blizzard Staffel, weird G-8s—Squadron of the Scorpion and The Death Monsters come to mind—and one-of-a-kind G-8 novels that fit into no convenient category.
 
Fangs of the Serpent introduced the villain of the title, the serpentine war cripple with the power of super hypnosis. This was no ordinary antagonist—not that any foe of G-8 was particularly ordinary—but the combination of this strange mesmerizing enemy agent, and the change-of-pace story, makes this one of the standout G-8 novels of the entire 1930s.
 
In this uncanny epic, the Flying Spy faces a challenge that tests his courage to the utmost. For his opponent this time is not a rival ace, nor a mad scientist, but an occult entity able to bend others to his malign will, one who twists and poisons both sides of the global conflict. Once the Serpent has G-8 in his power, escape seems impossible, victory remote and unattainable.
 
Strangely, Hogan never brought the Serpent back for an encore bout. Perhaps he was just too creepy even for G-8 and His Battle Aces magazine.
 
Once again, Nick Santa Maria brings G-8, Nippy and Bull to thrilling life in their desperate struggle to defeat a reptilian nemesis unlike anything they have ever before encountered. Originally published in the July, 1938 issue of G-8 and His Battle Aces magazine.
 
50% Discount on the Audio CD version - 5 hours - $9.99 Audio CDs
 
 
Doc Savage Double Novel ReprintsBooks by Will MurrayLost Radio Scripts bookDoc Savage Audiobooks
Sanctum Books completes its reprinting of all 182 original Doc Savage pulp novels with three hellish thrillers by Lester Dent writing as "Kenneth Robeson." First, the Man of Bronze struggles to prevent the Nazis from obtaining "The Devil's Black Rock," a mysterious force that could change the course of the war! Then, Doc and his aides team with three ghost hunters to destroy "The Pure Evil." Finally, Doc journeys to the gates of Hell and must battle demon-like creatures in order to return "Up from Earth's Center" in his legendary final pulp odyssey! This instant collector's item showcases the classic color pulp covers by Emery Clarke, Edd Cartier and George Rozen and Paul Orban's original interior illustrations, with historical commentary by Will Murray. Double Novel Reprint $14.95
 
 
by Will Murray and Lester Dent, writing as Kenneth Robeson, cover illustration by Joe DeVito
 
When a vivacious blonde convinces Monk Mayfair to skip an important sea voyage to London, and instead run off to her Louisiana plantation, Ham Brooks is very suspicious.
 
After Doc Savage enters the picture, things start popping. As in fists and guns. Finding themselves on a steamship bound for the Caribbean, Doc, Ham, and a reluctant Monk become embroiled in wartime intrigue surrounding the question of who is desperately trying to keep them off the Northern Star, and why?
 
From New York City to the Bahama Banks, Doc Savage and his mighty men follow the trail, making new allies along the way, until they plunge into a hurricane of horror only some will survive…. Softcover $24.95
 
 
The Shadow
The Shadow Double Novel Reprints
 
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows! The Knight of Darkness proves that "crime does not pay" in startling pulp novels by Theodore Tinsley and Walter B. Gibson! First, disguised as both Lamont Cranston and Kent Allard, The Shadow investigates "Double Death" when a corpse is murdered-a full day after its actual death! Then, the Dark Avenger battles an eight-foot man of steel in "The Robot Master," a change-of-pace super-science thriller. Plus, a rare Iron Munro illustrated adventure by science fiction great Theodore Sturgeon and Golden Age of Comics legend Jack Farr! Double Novel Reprint $14.95
 
 
The Spider
The Spider Double Novel ReprintsThe Spider Double Novel ReprintsThe Spider AudiobooksThe Spider eBooks
Published by Sanctum Books
The pulp era's most lethal crimebuster wages his deadly war on crime in two violent thrillers by Norvell Page. The White House itself hangs in the balance as Richard Wentworth attempts to prevent a power-mad dictator from turning our nation into an "Empire of Doom." Then, the city burns as The Spider seeks to unmask the mysterious Munro, a murderous master of disguise who could be anyone in "The Spider and the Faceless One." This double novel pulp reprint showcases the original color covers by John Newton Howitt and Rafael De Soto, John Fleming Gould's classic interior illustrations and historical commentary by Will Murray. Double Novel Reprint $14.95
 
 
Magazines
 
 

Check out all the items at great prices in the Bargain Basement including a large selection of Audiobooks. Supplies are limited.
 
 

Comments From Our Customers!
 
Brent Porter writes:
Yikes, you are releasing so many items I want. I am so grateful for the high quality products you produce.
 
Bob Ricci writes:
Always a pleasure to order from your company!
 
If you'd like to share a comment with us or if you have a question or a suggestion send an email to Service@RadioArchives.com. We'd love to hear from you!
 

3 ways to order.
1. Website RadioArchives.com
2. Phone 800-886-0551
3. Email Reply to this email with what you want to order. Payment information will be sent to you.
 

Monday, February 22, 2016

Secret Mission: Istanbul


Secret Mission #5: “Istanbul” by Don Smith. Bill McKay, from the American State Department in Paris, contacts Phil Sherman requesting he drops what he’s doing and make a trip to Istanbul. There he is to be met by someone who will introduce him to a Russian agent wishing to defect to the US. He meets CIA agent David Conway in Istanbul and taken the Russian, but there is a catch. The Russian wants Sherman to bring his wife out for him. Against his better judgment, he agrees to carry a message to Tania, telling her agents will meet her with a boat. But Russian agents have her room bugged, and kill her contacts and she is arrested. Now Sherman feels obliged to help her escape and carry her back to Istanbul himself. There are a lot of twists, and Tania isn’t what she appears. This is another pretty good story featuring the occasional CIA operative, who only does favors for the agency. Why anyone would put their life at risk for an agency that would let them rot in jail, or be tortured, is anyone’s guess. However, Phil Sherman usually goes into every case knowing the worst could happen to him. The author is a good writer, but I was in Turkey around this period, and nothing sounded like the Turkey I was familiar with. A fun read, however.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Diamonds Are Deadly

Anna Zordan #3: “Diamonds Are Deadly” by James Eastwood. A mystery writer is written a serial for television, 13 episodes detailing the destruction of England by a mysterious terrorist organization. When the network sends the details to the government overseeing such programs, they reject the serial. However, someone steals the manuscripts for the first 12 episodes, and suddenly the program begins in real. Anna is sent to locate the author, and kept him safe until Sarratt can bring him in for interrogation. Unfortunately, the mastermind has his eyes on Anna, and things don’t go as planned. Anna is up against another woman equally as dangerous as she, and things may end badly for our super spy. At first, the plot seems idiotic, but the story really isn’t. This is the final entry in the series, and I think it’s the best. Although the first story reminded me of a play on Femme Nikita, this novel had more similarities to Modesty Blaise (at least a little bit). Maybe, if the series had continued, Anna Zordan would have truly become the super spy the author untended. Following is taken from this book, on Page 138: Names in parentheses are mine.
(Gloria) “You’re supposed to be highly intelligent.”
(Anna) “My IQ is 137.”
(Gloria) “Multilingual.”
(Anna) “Seven languages, including a smattering of Chinese.”
(Gloria) “An expert with weapons.”
(Anna) “Well, shall we say, small arms? I’m no good with the heavy hardware.”
(Gloria) “Unarmed combat.”
(Anna) “Care to try me?”
(Gloria) “You have a knowledge of economics, finance, and politics that enables you to sustain an intelligent conversation in almost any company. You have courage. You drive fast cars.”
(Anna) “A three time winner at Brands Hatch. And a couple of years ago I was within a millimeter of the Ladies Cup in the Monte Carlo Rally.”
(Gloria) “You can fly a plane.”
(Anna) “Simple types. Not jets.”
(Gloria) “And one of your hobbies is parachuting.”
(Anna) “So relaxing.”
(Gloria) “You’ve been an actress.”
(Anna) “Not a very good one. But it paid the rent.”
(Gloria) “You have a good body and an interesting, if not beautiful, face.”
(Anna) “Piquant, perhaps.”
(Gloria) “And sexually you are inventive, uninhibited, and – apparently on occasion – insatiable.”
(Anna) “So they tell me.”

Unfortunately, the one problem with the stories is that they end un-climatically, with a whimper instead of action. That is where the series falls short of ever hoping to compete with Modesty Blaize, and leaves Anna Zordan only moderately a super spy. Still, the stories are a lot of fun, and interesting reading.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Radio Archives

 
February 12, 2016
 
 
99 Cent Gunsmoke, Volume 1 Bonus!
The brand new Gunsmoke, Volume 1 radio set is only 99 cents through February 25th, when you place any order for $25 or more.
Use Coupon Code 99CentCD for the Audio CD set or 99CentDownload for the download version.
 
 
Around Dodge City and in the territory on west — there’s just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers  and that’s with a U.S. Marshall and the smell of “Gunsmoke”! “Gunsmoke” starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America — and the story of a man who moved with it. I’m that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshall — the first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It’s a chancy job — and it makes a man watchful ... and a little lonely.
 
Gunsmoke was an adult western and was the creation of writer, John Meston, and producer-director, Norman Macdonnell. It absolutely took the country by storm. Variety Magazine, the show business journal, called it "an amazing presentation," and The New York Times labeled it "Something new and entirely exciting in radio." Listeners began sending in thousands of letters voicing their approval. Nothing like it had ever been heard on radio before and was a complete departure from earlier radio western programs such as Tom Mix, The Lone Ranger, and Red Ryder. The dialog, the sound effects, and the music were top notch. Program stories centered around the cattle town of Dodge City, Kansas in the 1870s, with William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Georgia Ellis as saloon owner Kitty Russell, Parley Baer as the marshal's assistant Chester Good, and veteran actor Howard McNear as country doctor Charles Adams. And the music of Rex Khoury added the final touches. If there ever was a program that accurately depicted the raw violence and danger of the early American west, radio Gunsmoke was it.
 
Matthew 'Matt" Dillon is someone who believes that fairness and justice, tempered with understanding and compassion, is paramount in his city. Even though he frequently laughs at Chester's corny jokes, he can be as tough as nails when the need arises. Tangling with Marshal Dillon is something cowboys from trail herds, and outlaws, try to avoid at all costs. As Matt says, he is the first man they look for and the last they want to meet.
 
Listen to the Sparkling Audio Quality in Radio Archives restoration of Gunsmoke, Volume 1.
 
6 hours - $8.99 Download / $17.98 Audio CDs
 
 
Having troubles ordering from the website?
Call us at 800-886-0551
 
 
by Norvell W. Page writing as Grant Stockbridge
Read by Nick Santa Maria
 
 
In the heart of New York’s Chinatown, on his imperial throne, guarded by swordsmen and gunmen and a labyrinth of death traps, sat the Arch-Criminal of all time. Master of life and death, of disease, of horrible, crawling things — the Emperor of Vermin released destruction over city and nation. The Spider, Master of Men, champion of humanity, fought with every ounce of his cunning, against the monster who personified evil incarnate — while one faithful servant gave his life in this, the Spider’s most bitter, hopeless battle, and Nita herself was faced with a doom more ghastly than any criminal mind had conceived before!
 
For ten grim years, the Spider battled the underworld, imprinting his scarlet seal on the bodies of the criminals he slew. No one knew his name. His face was unknown. Pursued by the police, sought by the mob, the Master of Men crushed crime with a blazing intensity never witnessed before or since. Now he’s back with a vengeance in a new series of audiobooks retelling his pulp-pounding exploits.
 
Never before or since has there been a hero like the Spider. Driven, hunted, and violently committed to exterminating criminals of all calibers. A self-appointed savior of humanity, driven manic-depressive, and possibly undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, the Spider was known as the Master of Men.
 
“There’s a madness that gets in me when the Spider walks....” Wentworth once admitted.
 
The most compelling of the classic pulp heroes, Richard Wentworth had a fiancé, a coterie of equally committed aides, and a tense relationship with New York Police Commissioner Stanley Kirkpatrick, Wentworth’s best friend, but also a dedicated lawman sworn to send the Spider to the electric chair—no matter who he turns out to be.
 
Nick Santa Maria again takes on the dual role of Richard Wentworth, aka the Spider, Master of Men, for this powerful story. Dragon Lord of the Underworld originally published in The Spider magazine, July, 1935.
 
5 hours - $9.99 Download / $19.98 Audio CDs
 
by Robert J. Hogan
Read by Nick Santa Maria
 
 
Out of war-torn skies soars…G-8 and His Battle Aces! The greatest combat pilot of the War to End All Wars, G-8’s true name was stricken from all official records. Flying a supercharged warplane, backed by his wild wingmen, Bull Martin and Nippy Weston, G-8 fought the most horrific foes the Kaiser could throw at him.

The creation of writer Robert J. Hogan, G-8 and His Battle Aces appeared in the magazine of that same name for over a decade. Envisioning the expected strain on the writer’s imagination a monthly novel would enact, Steeger and Hogan agreed that the new series would soon grow stale if they didn’t spice it up with elements of the fantastic. This recipe ranged from merely super-scientific death rays to unabashedly supernatural manifestations. Nothing was taboo in G-8. Hogan was a pioneer of over-the-top plotting generations before the term was coined.

For our newest exciting G-8 release, we have selected Patrol of the Cloud Crusher, a particularly wild tale torn from the June, 1936 issue. Hogan outdoes himself by pitting his hero against an astounding threat—titanic disembodied hands reach out of the clouds to ensnare and crush Allied aircraft! Even the Master Spy is baffled.

It begins with a ghostly hand that snatched an important clue and vanished! If that wasn't baffling enough, a patrol flying past a giant cloud encountered a monster arm whose crushing fingers destroyed their warplanes.

Taking to the skies, G-8 rushes to investigate the so-called Hand of Providence that had seemingly taken the German side in the war. But it was one thing to fly into that hell cloud. Quite another to survive the encounter!

When the Flying Spy and his Battle Aces take on the challenge of the Patrol of the Cloud Crusher, will they return––or will their own aircraft be pulverized by the seemingly supernatural power? Herr Doctor Kreuger strikes again!

Nick Santa Maria narrates this ripping yarn of World War I air-to-air combat with his usual mastery.
 
50% Discount on the Audio CD version - 5 hours - $9.99 Audio CDs
 
 
Magazines
Sanctum Books presents two more 1939 novels starring the cowled crimefighter whose adventures paralleled Batman's and inspired Two-Face's origin, written by Norman A. Daniels as "G. Wayman Jones" for future Batman editors Mort Weisinger and Jack Schiff. First, mass murders set the Nemesis of Crime in pursuit of a ring of satanic killers as "The Black Bat Strikes Again." Then, "The Black Bat's Challenge" is to unmask the hidden leader of a vicious gang of beggars! Golden Age of comics bonus: "The Mask Returns!" in a rare 1940 Golden Age classic from Nedor's Exciting Comics #2. This instant collector's item features both classic color pulp covers and the original interior illustrations by Harry Parkhurst, with historical commentary by Will Murray and Anthony Tollin. Double Novel Reprint $14.95
 
 
Doc Savage Double Novel ReprintsBooks by Will MurrayLost Radio Scripts bookDoc Savage Audiobooks
The pulp era's legendary superman returns in two action-packed thrillers by Lester Dent writing as "Kenneth Robeson." First, just as evidence of their evil deeds materializes, unscrupulous Wall Street financiers disappear, victims of a vengeful monster called "The Sea Angel," in an expanded novel with never-before-published prose from Lester Dent's original manuscript.Then, an urgent plea from a powerful politician lures Doc Savage to Kansas City to unmask the diabolical Mr. Jones in "The Devil is Jones". This instant collector's item reprints the classic color pulp covers by Robert G. Harris and Charles J. Ravel and the original interior illustrations by Paul Orban, with historical commentary by Will Murray plus a "Portrait of a Doc Savage Collector." Double Novel Reprint $14.95
 
 
The pulp era's legendary superman returns in two action-packed thrillers by Lester Dent writing as "Kenneth Robeson." First, just as evidence of their evil deeds materializes, unscrupulous Wall Street financiers disappear, victims of a vengeful monster called "The Sea Angel," in an expanded novel with never-before-published prose from Lester Dent's original manuscript.Then, an urgent plea from a powerful politician lures Doc Savage to Kansas City to unmask the diabolical Mr. Jones in "The Devil is Jones."This instant collector's item leads off with a knockout painting by James Bama, and also reprints the classic color pulp covers by Robert G. Harris and Charles J. Ravel and the original interior illustrations by Paul Orban, with historical commentary by Will Murray plus a "Portrait of a Doc Savage Collector." Double Novel Reprint $14.95
 
 
 
by Will Murray and Lester Dent, writing as Kenneth Robeson, cover illustration by Joe DeVito
 
When a vivacious blonde convinces Monk Mayfair to skip an important sea voyage to London, and instead run off to her Louisiana plantation, Ham Brooks is very suspicious.
 
After Doc Savage enters the picture, things start popping. As in fists and guns. Finding themselves on a steamship bound for the Caribbean, Doc, Ham, and a reluctant Monk become embroiled in wartime intrigue surrounding the question of who is desperately trying to keep them off the Northern Star, and why?
 
From New York City to the Bahama Banks, Doc Savage and his mighty men follow the trail, making new allies along the way, until they plunge into a hurricane of horror only some will survive…. Softcover $24.95
 
 
The Shadow
The Shadow Double Novel Reprints
 
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows! The Master of Darkness confronts international intrigue in two thrilling espionage novels by Walter B. Gibson writing as "Maxwell Grant." First, The Shadow journeys to Paris and Moscow to undermine a Bolshevik conspiracy to seize "The Romanoff Jewels" in one of Walter Gibson's most acclaimed novels! Then, the Dark Avenger is summoned to Washington, DC in "Crime Under Cover" to prevent a hidden spymaster from acquiring the Neutralizer, the ultimate weapon of war. BONUS: counterintelligence agent Tim King examines "Spycraft and The Shadow" plus a Shadow espionage thriller from the Golden Age of Radio! This instant collector's item showcases the classic color pulp covers by George Rozen and Graves Gladney plus the original interior illustrations by Tom Lovell and Paul Orban, with original commentary by Will Murray and Anthony Tollin. Double Novel Reprint $14.95
 
 
The Spider
The Spider Double Novel ReprintsThe Spider Double Novel ReprintsThe Spider AudiobooksThe Spider eBooks
 
 
 

Check out all the items at great prices in the Bargain Basement including a large selection of Audiobooks. Supplies are limited.
 
 

Comments From Our Customers!
 
Charles Hatfield writes:
You really have an outstanding business. I love your products.
Chuck Wullenjohn writes:
Fort Laramie is an excellent series. I look forward to listening to each program in order. I have been a very satisfied customer.
If you'd like to share a comment with us or if you have a question or a suggestion send an email to Service@RadioArchives.com. We'd love to hear from you!
 

3 ways to order.
1. Website RadioArchives.com
2. Phone 800-886-0551
3. Email Reply to this email with what you want to order. Payment information will be sent to you.