Unspeakable McInch-Jack Vance short story

 Unspeakable McInch-Jack Vance short story

The Unspeakable McInch is a 17/18 page short story that was issued initially in the magazine Startling Stories in November, 1948.  Magnus Ridolph is hired to visit the planet of Sclerotto to identify and deal with a murderer named McInch, whose real identify is unknown.  The planet was settled by aliens from many different worlds who, despite their many differences, seem to get along and to have a functioning society. Tourists visit the planet just to see the many strange residents who live and work there. The authorities suspect that McInch is one of the city officials, each of whom is a different species.  After arriving at the planet Magnus makes the rounds to interview all of the major city officials.  The story is filled with bizarre, colorful alien creatures who make up the society and is a humorous and entertaining read. I’ve read it three times and rate it a 4 “Really liked it.”

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled The Complete Magnus Ridolph (1990)

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled The Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph (1980 DAW)

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled Gadget Stories (2005) part of VIE

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled Magic Highways: The Early Jack Vance, Volume 3 (2015)

Included in the Jack Vance collection titled Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph (1966)

Included in Magnus Ridolph (2017, Spatterlight) MRS (pb)

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