ROCKET PROPULSION WITH AN INTRODUCTION TO THE IDEA OF INTERPLANETARY TRAVEL. London: Chapman and Hall Ltd., 1952. Octavo, pp. [1-4] 5-7 [8] 9-235 [236: blank], 56 figures, some of which are photographic on plate paper, 18 tables, original decorated blue cloth stamped in silver. First edition. The author's first book on rockets and space travel, a semi-technical work devoted to rocket propulsion and its potential use for space exploration and interplanetary travel. In June 1936, Burgess founded the Manchester Interplanetary Society, which merged with British Interplanetary Society in late 1945. "Appendix D," pp. 225-28, is a useful "Brief History of the Rocket and Interplanetary Movement in Great Britain." Was considered particularly useful for engineers who were not specialists in rocketry. "Scholarly and careful explanation of the design principles of various types of rockets. Can be especially recommended to engineers not working in the rocket field" (Ley). The 1954 second edition was brought "up to date by replacing most of the early work on rockets by later reports" (preface). Ciancone 31c. Ley, Rockets, Missiles, and Space Travel, revised edition, 1957, p. 490. Interlibrum 270 #49 (citing this edition). Bookplate of early aeronautics collector Merritt Edward Peck affixed to the front paste-down. A very good copy in very good pictorial dust jacket with some wear at edges,35 mm closed tear at top edge of front panel, and several internal tape mends. Both editions of this book are uncommon. (#160311).
Price: $200.00
"First published, 1952" on copyright page.