RALPH 124C 41+: A ROMANCE OF THE YEAR 2660. Boston: The Stratford Company, Publishers, 1925. Octavo, pp. [1-2] [1-8] 9-293 [294: blank], eleven inserted plates with illustrations by Frank R. Paul, original blue cloth, front and spine panels stamped in gold. First edition. Widely acclaimed upon its initial appearance in 1911 as a serial in Gernsback's magazine, MODERN ELECTRICS, this interplanetary novel by "the father of modern science fiction" is virtually unreadable today. However, historically, its impact and the prominence of its author in the SF field, elevates it to cornerstone status in the SF genre. "The literary treatment is on a very low level, but RALPH 124C 41+ is renowned for its many highly imaginative technological projections. These include clear descriptions of radar, book and newspaper microfilms and microfiches, television, plant hormones, wireless transmission of power ... etc." (Bleiler, p. 282). Anatomy of Wonder (1976) 2-80; (1981) 1-77; (1987) 1-37; (1995) 1-37; and (2004) II-431. Bleiler, Science Fiction: The Early Years 863. Clareson, Science Fiction in America, 1870s-1930s 335. Lewis, Utopian Literature, p. 70. Locke, A Spectrum of Fantasy, p. 90. (Locke variant B, no priority). Sargent, British and American Utopian Literature, 1516-1985, Additions. Survey of Science Fiction Literature IV, pp. 1751-54. In 333. Bleiler (1978), p. 81. Reginald 05900. A fine copy in fine dust jacket with light wear along top edges, several small closed tears to upper rear panel, 10 x 20 mm v-chip from bottom left spine end, very tiny chip to bottom right spine end, and 10 x 30 mm v-chip at bottom edge of rear panel. A superior copy of this book in a fresh, bright example of the uncommon jacket with fine four-color illustration by Paul on front panel. Rare in this condition. Enclosed in a custom quarter blue leather clamshell box. (#111921).
Price: $12,500.00
No statement of printing on copyright page.