In 2014, the editors of Uncanny Magazine told us about the (fictional) history of the publication, starting with its pulp magazine origins in the 1930s. Then in 2015, they shared the (probably fictional) future history of the magazine, traveling a million years into the future. Today they’re getting down to brass tacks, explaining what it’s really like working at an award-winning science fiction and fantasy magazine known for its literary quality and Space Unicorn mascot.
The curator ran their fingers over their newest acquisition—an uncanny cabinet of curiosities. A gorgeous work of many makers, the cabinet mixed ebony, oak, tiger maple, and mahogany—holding a cacophony of decorated drawers covered with gemstones, ivory, marble, bone, pewter, tortoiseshell, painted stone, enamel, and brass. The artwork of each drawer told its own story—unicorns, wolves, and jaguars travelling through forests and fields, or even amongst the stars. Though the cabinet of curiosities wasn’t outwardly particularly large, the curator marveled at the number of drawers and their contents. It was as if the uncanny cabinet was bigger on the inside and contained universes.
They slowly, carefully slid open a drawer. Would it be a fossil? A vial? What treasure existed within?
They withdrew a catalog of storms beaten into brass hinges, and read.
