Pattern for Conquest

Smith, George O.

Published by Gnome Press, New York, 1949

Language: English

Condition: Used - Very good Hardcover

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Sold by The Quill and Parchment Booksellers, Red Wing, MN, U.S.A.

AbeBooks Seller since 12 April 2026

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Used - Hardcover

Condition: Used - Very good

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About this Item

Story & Significance
George O. Smith built his reputation in the pages of "Astounding Science Fiction," where his Venus Equilateral stories made him one of the defining voices of Golden Age hard SF. "Pattern for Conquest," published by Gnome Press in 1949, was one of his earliest appearances in hardcover - a novel-length expansion of his serialized work, now in permanent form from the press doing more than any other publisher to give the pulp generation's best writers a lasting shelf life. The story follows humanity's first interstellar war, with Smith bringing his trademark engineering precision to questions of strategy, propulsion, and the mechanics of combat across impossible distances. It's quintessentially Golden Age in its confidence that problems, even civilizational ones, yield to clear thinking and technical mastery.

Physical Description
First edition, with the first edition statement on the copyright page, as confirmed by Currey ("Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors," revised edition). Currey notes that a circa 1952 armed forces reprint in paper wrappers retains the first edition statement on the copyright page, the physical book itself is the necessary point of distinction. Chalker and Owings record a total print run of 5,000 copies, of which 2,000 were the paperback armed forces issue, placing the hardcover trade edition at approximately 3,000 copies. Dust jacket art by Edd Cartier. The jacket is in Very Good condition: some rubbing and minor chipping to the front panel and spine, no tears, unclipped with the original $2.50 price intact. The book is Very Good+: square with sharp corners, one minor stain to the top of the text block and to the rear pastedown. Interior pages are clean and exhibit minor tanning with no writing or markings.

Collector's Note
A scarce title in collectible condition, and an important early Gnome Press hardcover for any serious collection of Golden Age science fiction. The combination of an intact, unclipped Edd Cartier jacket and a clean, square book makes this a superior example of a title that rarely surfaces in this state.

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Bibliographic Details

Title

Pattern for Conquest

Publisher

Gnome Press, New York

Publication Date

1949

Language

English

Binding

Hardcover

Edition

First Edition.

Printing

1st printing

Condition

Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition

Very Good

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Store Description

Rare First Edition Science Fiction and Classic Literature The Quill and Parchment Booksellers specializes in rare, first edition, and first printing science fiction and classic literature. Our inventory focuses on collectible copies selected for literary significance, condition, and long-term collectability. Our approach to book collecting is what makes us different. Our focus is research and documentation. Founder Matt Thompson, a trained journalist and editor, applies careful bibliographic analysis to every book we offer. Each volume is examined for first edition points, printing statements, number lines, dust jacket issue markers, board colors, binding variants, and other identifying characteristics to ensure accurate representation. We also distinguish carefully between true first printings and book club editions, later printings, and variant states. Every book is accompanied by a structured research dossier outlining: Verified first edition and first printing identification points Condition assessment using established rare book grading standards Dust jacket pricing and issue details Printing history where available Provenance or association copy information, when applicable Our goal is transparency. When you acquire a rare or collectible book from The Quill and Parchment, you understand precisely what establishes its rarity and why it qualifies as a true first edition or significant issue. We offer books suitable for both serious collectors and those beginning their rare book collecting journey, including high-grade investment-quality first editions, carefully vetted mid-tier collectible copies, and readable vintage editions of important works in speculative fiction and classic literature. Whether you are searching for a first edition science fiction classic, researching how to identify a first printing, or building a curated rare book collection, The Quill and Parchment provides accurately described, carefully researched books for collectors who value precision and trust. If credible bibliographic evidence ever contradicts our findings, we will accept the return and issue a full refund.

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