Mars and Its Canals (with two page autograph letter signed)

Percival Lowell

Published by The Macmillan Company, New York, 1906

About this Item

First edition, first printing of Lowell's landmark in early planetary astronomy, presenting the influential (and controversial) theory that the linear features on Mars were vast canals constructed by intelligent beings. Laid in is a two-page autograph letter signed (?Percival Lowell?) on Lowell Observatory letterhead, dated December 16, 1906, addressed to Gherardi Davis (1858?1941), the prominent New York lawyer, collector, and published author, whose correspondents included numerous scientists and political figures of the era. In the letter, Lowell discusses the exhibition of photographs at the American Museum of Natural History, references canal diagrams in Mars and Its Canals (p. 293), and comments on the reddish color of Mars, comparing it to that of the Painted Desert of northern Arizona. An excellent scientific letter reflecting Lowell?s ongoing defense of his Martian canal theories, written the same year as the book?s publication.

New York: The Macmillan Company, 1906. Publisher's original green cloth, lettered in gilt top edge gilt; pp. xv, [1], 393, [1], [1 ads]. With the original plates and tissue guards, further illustrated with numerous in text photographs, maps and woodcuts. A very good copy. Binding remains sturdy, a touch overopened in the middle, barely noticeable expert archival glue reinforcement to front hinge. Light general shelfwear and rubbing to boards with a faint crease to spine. Davis' short inscription and date to title page, else internally clean. The two page letter shows just a touch of toning and the original mailing folds. A nice copy with a content-rich letter, presenting as an especially desirable association copy.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1759334819693

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mars and Its Canals (with two page autograph letter signed)
• Publisher: The Macmillan Company, New York
• Publication Date: 1906
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Very Good
• Dimensions: 12W x 9H x 4D inches 12 inches width by 9 inches height by 4 inches depth
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)