Hit Me with Those Laser Beams
Original Illustration for the Story "The Surgeon's Knife" by Randall Garrett, Published in Universe Science Fiction (May 1954)
Publication: 195R.
Notes: This original pen-and-ink drawing, titled in pencil, appeared on page 37 of the May 1954 issue of Universe Science Fiction, with the illustration credited to "Lawrence,"as Stevens was professionally known.
The image illustrates this text, "It took only one glance for Smisson to recognize it. He grabbed at the dresser, where he had laid his Lindurst an hour before. The thing had barely moved more than a few feet when the hot, hissing beam from the energy weapon hit it full in the chest." Stevens in fact shows the energy beam hitting the floating ape-like alien in the face.
The image measures 6-3/4 by 4-3/4 inches on a 8-3/4 by 7 inch piece of cream-colored paper.
Stevens (1884–1960) took up illustrating pulp magazines during the Second World War, when he was a couple of decades older than most beginning artists. He retired in the 1950s, after just over a decade working as a pulp illustrator.
SOURCE: A bookseller who I have known for many years quoted it to me.
Edition + Condition: A fine drawing with production notes and markings in the bottom margin and on the back (verso). Not signed, as usual for Stevens's work.
Item No: #364227
Price: $3,000