The Rim of the Unknown

by Frank Belknap Long

Haunting fantasies by a master of horror:
The Spiral Intelligence
The World of Wulkins
The Man with a Thousand Legs
Guest in the House
The Trap
Fuzzy Head
The House of Rising Winds
Mr Caxton Draws a Martian Bird
The Cottage
The Man from Time
Preview

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Aka Lyda Belknap Long.

Frank Belknap Long was a prolific American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including early contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos. During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (at the 1978 World Fantasy Convention), the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (in 1987, from the Horror Writers Association), and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977).

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good collection of some of Long's better short fiction focusing on his science fiction but with a couple of horror pieces thrown in for flavor. The oldest story is from a 1927 issue of Weird Tales (Long was a member of the Lovecraft circle), but most of these stories are taken from 1950's titles like Fantastic Universe, Thrilling Wonder Stories, Science Fiction Plus, and Astounding SF. Long was extremely prolific, but most of the stories here are fun and polished pieces that reminded me, curiously enough, of Clifford D. Simak's work. A bit creaky in spots, of course, but still fun reading.

[Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spotty collection full of some good stuff, such as the last three stories, set in a world where men labor ceaselessly in a bizarre world of giant insects, as well as the Trap, an inventive little sf story. Many of the stories center on themes of family, children, domesticity of a sort, which is obviously not what one thinks of re: Lovecraft circle, but so what? Some of the stories are clunky though and have a bit too much of the 50s sitcom in them. The good ones are worth rereading and I will.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sat on my shelf for years as I was less interested in Long's sci-fi, but its actually an enjoyable read. Most of these date from the 40's-50's, and the stories are unquestionably pulpy and the science dated. "The Man With A Thousand Legs", from all the way back in 1927, anticipates a legion of 50's sci-fi monster films. Others such as the "mini-men" stories which close the book are quite weird. Long could be an erratic writer, sometimes elegant, sometimes laughably pulpy, but these stories are among his stronger writing.

[Loton Cagle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arkham House book which I bought way back int 1970's directly from Arkham House. I have read the book several times. Frank B. Long is much maligned by many people as being a terrible writer but I disagree. His stories do have a certain charm and character to them though he will never be considered a great writer. I still think he is not bad and of interest because he was part of the "Lovecraft Circle".

[Henrik]

April 8, 2012:

"The Spiral Intelligence":

Cute, somewhat, hm, innocent science fiction story from the 1950s. Stronger in the beginning than at the end. All in all charming.

May 18, 2012:
"The Man From Time":

Cute little time traveller story with a little love story blended into it. Reflective. I had a good feeling afterwards.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

not interested enough to continue