s t: A Classic Science Fiction Novelette about Mars and Northwest Smith and "The Tree of Life and " is a classic science fiction novelette by Catherine L. Moore (pen name C. L. Moore). This is a great story, offering a good sampling of Moore's and "Weird Tales and " output from the 1930's. C. L. Moore wrote alongside her husband, Harry Kuttner. The two became acquainted after Kuttner wrote her a letter, thinking (due to her pen name) that she was a man. Going by her initials was largely a practical matter; at the time Catherine Moore was writing, there was a strong prejudice that science fiction writing should be masculine, and female authors had a very difficult time getting an audience. Most notable female science fiction authors either used initials or gender-neutral pseudonyms, for a good many years after that era. It wasn't until fans dug up the obituary of James Tiptree Jr.'s mother that and "he and " was identified as Alice Sheldon. After all these years, and "The Tree of Life and " remains a great read, and excellent introduction to the works of Catherine, or C. L. Moore.