Manly Banister: A Craftsman of Pulp ImaginationManly Banister (1914–1986) was a prolific and imaginative American writer primarily active during the vibrant pulp magazine era, from the late 1930s through the 1950s and into the early 1960s. Banister was a skilled contributor to the thrilling, fast-paced worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and like many pulp authors, he often wrote under various pseudonyms to maximize his output and appear in competing magazines. He was a frequent presence in magazines such as Amazing Stories, Planet Stories, Other Worlds Science Stories, Fantastic Adventures, and Imagination. His work is characteristic of the period: action-oriented narratives, often set on distant planets or in dystopian futures, featuring brave heroes, strange alien races, and mind-bending scientific concepts (or at least, concepts that were mind-bending for the time!). He had a knack for creating vivid settings and weaving tales of adventure and cosmic peril. "Conquest of Earth" stands as a prime example of Banister's storytelling prowess and his contribution to the science fiction genre. While "Conquest of Earth" is a significant work, Banister's bibliography includes other notable contributions:· "The Rebellious Urm" (1952, published in Planet Stories): Another example of his planetary adventure style.· "The Scarlet Saint" (1956, published in Amazing Stories as "The Helpful Robots of Epsilon C"): This title, like "Conquest of Earth," hints at his use of evocative, almost heroic naming conventions.· "Devil's Acres" (1954, published in Imagination): Showcasing his versatility within speculative fiction.· Shorter Works: A multitude of novelettes and short stories that appeared in various pulp magazines, each contributing to the rich tapestry of early speculative fiction. His ability to craft complete, engaging narratives within the constraints of shorter forms was essential for a pulp writer.Manly Banister's legacy is that of a dedicated writer who consistently delivered entertaining and thought-provoking tales for a readership hungry for escapism and wonder. "Conquest of Earth" exemplifies his talent for blending high-concept science fiction with thrilling adventure, making it a noteworthy piece for anyone looking to explore the energetic and foundational period of pulp science fiction. His work offers a valuable window into the imaginative wellspring from which much of modern science fiction has drawn.