Hard Science SF

Analog brings a dependable collection of hard-science fiction stories, novellas, and frequently, a serialized novel. Almost all of them are worth reading; I'm having trouble thinking of an Analog story that made me give up before reaching the end. While its sister publication Asimov's tends more to the social-SF or more literary forms, Analog sticks to a formula of hard-SF with some recurring features: one factual science article, one speculative science article, and a short SF humor piece (Probability Zero). Analog also has a lively letters column, where editor Stanley Schmidt or the story authors often reply. And Schmidt's editorials are always a good read.

Some of the factual science articles well-compliment the stories, some just don't have any relation (and if I skip anything in Analog, it's some of the drier fact pieces). Some excellent write-ups such as a comparison between long-term weather data and historical regime changes could lead to several future stories in the magazine.

Dependable, high-quality, and enjoyable.

One change in publication not mentioned here: both Analog and Asimov's have gone to 10 issues a year from 11, with 2 "double issues" instead of one per year. The double issue is always a treat but then one must wait 2 months for the next regular issue!

Great Idea, Inadequately Executed

The idea behind Analog magazine appears to be to create a blend of Asimov's (science fiction and fantasy novellas, novelettes, short stories, and poems, plus book reviews and editorials) and Scientific American (hard science nonfiction articles). Analog achieves this goal, but has three flaws: the fiction is not as good as Asimov's, the editing (as in basic error-catching related to grammar and spelling) is below the level of Asimov's or Scientific American, and they often/usually miss the opportunity to pair up a nonfiction article with a conceptually related piece of fiction. I periodically try Analog, but keep ending up with a sense of mild dissatisfaction.

Reminiscence

I haven't actually read Analog for about 20 years, but it was my introduction to science fiction very nearly 40 years ago, when I shared a flat (sorry, must use American, an appartment) in New York with one of John W. Campbell's editorial assitants! Since then, the genre has provided education, solace, amusement - and some disdain from others - and I despair at how few really good new English SF writers there seem to be. However, anyone (and I do mean anyone) who tries Analog with an open mind will find it a revelation.