From Wikipedia on 03.03.2019: "It" is a horror short story by American writer Theodore Sturgeon, first published in Unknown of August 1940. The story deals with a plant monster that is ultimately revealed to have formed around a human skeleton, specifically that of Roger Kirk, in a swamp. P. Schuyler Miller described "It" as "probably the most unforgettable story ever published in Unknown. "Cover title reads This is "It" - Only One of the Thirteen Great Stories in THEODORE STURGEON'S New Book|from the Prime Press——WITHOUT SORCERY|Presented (Without IT's Illustrations) to THE TORCON." The 29 [Currey] leaves are printed one side only. Fewer than 200 (maybe as low as 50) copies printed. OCLC: 19372331, which states 30 leaves and two leaves numbered '30' To promote Without Sorcery, Prime Press published the story "It" in advance of the full collection. The book was published in paperback in an edition of 200 copies OCLC 19372331. 50 copies were given away at the Associated Fantasy Publishers party at the 6th World Science Fiction Convention and most were signed by Sturgeon. Few of the remaining copies were sold and the remainder are assumed destroyed.
Author
Theodore Sturgeon (1918–1985) is considered one of the godfathers of contemporary science fiction and dark fantasy. The author of numerous acclaimed short stories and novels, among them the classics More Than Human, Venus Plus X, and To Marry Medusa, Sturgeon also wrote for television and holds among his credits two episodes of the original 1960s Star Trek series, for which he created the Vulcan mating ritual and the expression “Live long and prosper.” He is also credited as the inspiration for Kurt Vonnegut’s recurring fictional character Kilgore Trout. Sturgeon is the recipient of the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the International Fantasy Award. In 2000, he was posthumously honored with a World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement.
