LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Feb Grand Format Book & Manuscript #682  / 

57011

Edward E. Smith Ph.D History of Civilization

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Edward E. Smith Ph.D History of Civilization
<B>E. E. "Doc" Smith. </B></I><B><I>The History of Civilization:</B></I></B></I><I> </B></I><B><I>Triplanetary</B></I></B></I><B>, </B></I><B><I>First Lensman</B></I></B></I><B>, </B></I><B><I>Galactic Patrol</B></I></B></I><B>, </B></I><B><I>Gray Lensman</B></I></B></I><B>, </B></I><B><I>Second Stage Lensmen</B></I></B></I><B>, </B></I><B><I>Children of the Lens</B></I></B></I>. Reading, Pennsylvania: Fantasy Press, Inc., 1955. <BR>Special six-volume set in the publisher's rare original red cardboard box. Number 24 of 75 sets signed by the author on a limitation page bound into each volume. First volume contains a lengthy inscription from the author to a <I>"</B></I>friend of old and fellow-toiler in the vineyard of SF.<I>" </B></I>Six twelvemo volumes.<BR><BR>Publisher's original reddish-brown leather over maroon cloth, with original thick transparent plastic dust jackets, rarely seen on the books. Top edges stained red. All of the volumes show minor shelf wear from their storage in the box, and light yellow toning to the bottom edge. Overall, the set is in fine condition. The box and lid are worn, but remain intact, and are rarely seen with this set at all.<BR><BR>"Printed by Eshbach from original plates on fine linen weave paper...then bound in red half-leather with a special autograph page, all signed by the author and numbered, 60 presold before publication and inscribed to specific people, three were bound in full blue leather, one for Smith (now owned by his daughter) and two still held by Eshbach; the other 12 not resold were sold to old friends and collectors, the last one at the 1962 World SF Convention in Chicago....The box was indeed a box, not a traycase or slipcase; although form-fitting and matching (albeit in cardboard, not buckram), it actually had a shoebox-like lid. Only three sets with a lid in tact are known. Copies had thick transparent plastic jackets without imprinting so the books show through...Many sets today lack the box, or plastic, or both (the plastic discolored if shelved in sunlight for years, so many owners remove them and lose them; the books remain fine, better if the plastic's left on even if it is ugly...A legend in specialty publishing and fine bookmaking. A collector's dream...One of those specialty press productions that causes awe for many contemporary collectors." (Chalker 226) <I>From the Robert and Diane Yaspan Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Books & Catalogs (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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