THURSDAY, August 9th at 7 p.m.: The Hardwood Pile, by L. Sprague de Camp

Never pick a fight with a dryad!

Long ago, someone imported a Norway Maple sapling to New England, where it thrived and grew into a tree. But the sapling was aslo home to Aceria, a maple spite, who came along for the ride. She didn't mind being transplanted; she was happy anywhere, just so long as her tree was safe.

   "Sprague possesses a sharp wit and a fine sense of humor."

-- Issac Asimov

First published in the September 1940 issue of "Astounding," The Hardwood Pile is a classic example of L. Sprague de Camp at his finest.

De Camp was widely regarded as one of the most imaginative and innovative writers from the late 1930's through the late 1940's, the heyday of science fiction.

In a writing career spanning 60 years, he wrote science fiction, fantasy and heroic fantasy along with notable works of non-fiction, including the definitive biography of H.P. Lovecraft.

Presented live in voice by Bear Silvershade