Roger Zelazny- Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction March 1965.
Cover by by Ed Emshwiller, AKA EMSH.
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Good condition. Nice covers and spine. No writing. Book lays flat. Nearly very good condition. A miniscule amount of foxing on contents page, see picture. Page tanning.
The magazine includes a work of science fiction, the novella “The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of His Mouth” written by Roger Zelazny. First appearing in this March 1965 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, it received the 1966 Nebula Award for Best Novelette. Additionally, it earned a nomination for the 1966 Hugo Award for Best Short Fiction. The tale’s complexity contrasts with its concise, varied sentences.
A fresh literary tale, one that captivates with its unconventional approach. The title draws from the Book of Job, specifically verses 14 and 19 from chapter 41, which depict the mighty Leviathan: “Who can open the doors of his face?” and “Out of his mouth go burning lamps.” These Biblical references lend depth and intrigue to the storytelling.
PLOT SUMMARY
Venus was the setting for this narrative, a time when humanity routinely journeyed among the solar system’s diverse planets. Zelazny’s Venus, unlike the actual planet, resembled Earth with its breathable atmosphere, vast oceans, and native creatures. One such inhabitant was the fictional Ichthyform Leviosaurus Levianthus, a colossal 300-foot-long marine dweller known as “Ikky,” roaming the Venusian seas. Despite numerous attempts, capturing Ikky had proven unsuccessful.
Jean Luharich and Carlton Davits are the central figures. Luharich is a prosperous entrepreneur and public figure who finances and directs an expedition to capture an Ikky. The vessel they use is called Tensquare, a nuclear-powered platform originally designed by a wealthy entrepreneur who went bankrupt searching for an Ikky. Davits is a seasoned sailor hired for his experience on previous failed attempts. He had once been in Luharich’s position, a wealthy sportsman who hired Tensquare to catch an Ikky until an injury during a disastrous attempt he blames himself for. Years ago, Davits and Luharich had a brief romantic involvement that ended. Both are fierce competitors and skilled swimmers. Davits agrees to join on the condition he remains sober.
Davits was a crew member on a ship whose job was to dive into the water and attach an electronic lure to a cable. This lure was used to attract and capture a mysterious sea creature called the Ikky. However, Davits had to go very close to the Ikky to set up the lure, which was extremely dangerous. During one of his dives, Davits did manage to safely get back on the ship after setting up the lure. He then helped another crew member named Luharich to successfully capture an Ikky that had been attracted by the lure. But to do this, Luharich had to overcome her own fears – the same fears that had caused Davits to fail at capturing the Ikky earlier when he saw the terrifying face of the sea creature.