Practical Man's Guide, A-Jack Vance short story

Practical Man's Guide, A-Jack Vance short story

A Practical Man's Guide is a 9 page short story that was initially released on August, 1957 in Space Science Fiction Magazine.  It is a humorous story about a Ralph Banks, editor of Popular Crafts Monthly. In addition to articles, sketches, photographs and working models of various crafts and inventions, he also receives some very odd plans, formulas and suggestions that are filed in a large basked labeled Screwball Alley.  Ralph receives a bizarre set of directions with sensational claims from a man who provides a return address at the Archives of the Smithsonian Institute. He calls the Institute to talk with the man, but is unable to reach him initially. So while waiting for the return call he begins compiling ingredients for the formula that the man has provided.  It is all light hearted and fun. I’ve read it several times and I rated it a 3 “Liked it.”

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled The Dark Side of the Moon (1986)

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled Dream Castles: Early Jack Vance, Vol. 2 (2012)

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled World-Thinker and Other Stories (2017)

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