PERELANDRA (First edition - fifth impression - near fine in the original dustwrapper)

C. S. Lewis

Published by John Lane / The Bodley Head, London, 1948

A fifth impression of the true first edition, published in 1948, in a complete and original near fine dustwrapper. The second volume in the Ransom trilogy. "Perelandra" was first published in 1943, and reprinted twice in that year, once in 1944, before this printing from 1948. The dustwrapper used throughout these printings is of the same design, but the thickness and quality of the paper varies. All however are quite thin and very prone to edge wear, tears and loss. This copy is in exceptional condition. ***Near fine in black cloth-covered boards with gilt titles to the spine (most editions of the book between 1943 and 1951 are produced in blue cloth with either gilt or dark-blue titles). The gilt is still beautifully bright having been preserved by the dustwrapper. Head and tail of spine hardly creased at all, and no tears to the fragile cloth. Corners sharp. The boards are clean and unmarked. Some light foxing marks around the edges of the page block, but much lighter than usual. No reading lean to the binding, and perfectly straight boards, despite the very thin card used (please see scans). Spine tight. Interior pages beautifully clean, with just some light sporadic foxing mainly to the first and last few pages. No inscriptions - just a period ink stamp at the bottom of the rear pastedown 'The Times Bookshop, 42 Wigmore Street, W.1'. None of the usual offsetting to the endpapers. ***In a remarkable near fine original and complete dustwrapper, which has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of 8s 6d net on the front flap, along with the correct '5th impression' stated on the front flap. Unlike most copies found now, there is no loss to the dustwrapper and no creases. Just the slightest of rubbing and creasing at the extremities. The back panel, which has a white background, is extraordinarily clean. No fading or browning to the spine of the dustwrapper. ***192mm x 133mm. 256 pages. ***'"Perelandra" is the second volume in C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. The other volumes in the trilogy are 'Out of the Silent Planet' (1938) and 'That Hideous Strength' (1945). ***A fifth impression of the true first edition, published in 1948, in complete and original condition. No significant flaws. Extremely uncommon in this state. Very few of these early post-war editions have survived intact as the bindings are so fragile. Copies from this period in their original dustwrappers in complete condition are extremely scarce now as the dustwrappers are so thin and fragile. A collector's copy. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc. Seller Inventory # 8875

Bibliographic Details

Title: PERELANDRA (First edition - fifth impression...
Publisher: John Lane / The Bodley Head, London
Publication Date: 1948
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
Edition: First Edition