Manhole 69 [in] New Worlds Science Fiction, November 1957

BALLARD, J. G.

Published by Nova Publications Ltd., London, 1957

Small 8vo., original printed wraps with illustration by Brian Lewis showing two astronauts repairing a ship; advertisement for Nova Publication?s magazine Science Fantasy to rear cover, and additional ads printed in blue to versos of wraps; pp. [i], 2-128; a very good copy, the paper toned, as is common, with rather heavy creasing along the spine, extending to covers; light rubbing and dirt marks; staples rusted, and beginning to come away, but holding firm; p. 26 folded with additional margin, likely caused during production.

Volume 22, No. 65 of New Worlds Science Fiction Magazine, in which Ballard contributes a rather wonderful unfortunate story title, which appears here for the first time in print. This copy signed by Ballard in blue ink to the contents page.

New Worlds was a British Science Fiction magazine which first appeared in 1936. Originally named Novae Terrae, it later became the best-selling UK science fiction magazine of its day, and is credited with sharing the early stories of such writers as Brian Aldiss and Thomas M. Disch with a wider audience, both of whom later became major names within the genre. Indeed, many of Ballard?s early stories appeared in the magazine for the first time, and it was the editor John Carnell who decided to publish the author?s first sale, Escapement, which appeared in the December 1956 issue. Thanks to Carnell?s support, Ballard was able to gain a firm footing in the genre, and later wrote that Carnell "recognized what I was on about from a very early stage and he encouraged me to go on writing in my own way." Here, Ballard contributes a short story which follows three characters who find themselves the subject of an unsettling experiment - they have had their ability to sleep surgically removed.

Also included in this publication is an interesting introduction by the editor on the subject of the space race, Russia, and cold war tensions.

Scarce. Seller Inventory # 233

Bibliographic Details

Title: Manhole 69 [in] New Worlds Science Fiction, ...
Publisher: Nova Publications Ltd., London
Publication Date: 1957
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good
Signed: Signed by Author(s)