THE HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION. Reading, Pennsylvania: Fantasy Press, Inc., 1955. Octavo, six volumes, leather-backed cloth. Limited edition. One of 75 sets, each volume with inserted numbered limitation leaf signed by Smith. The first volume of this set (number 3) is inscribed by Smith to fellow fantasy writer E. Everett Evans: "To my friend / E. Everett Evans / who (I think) was the instigator / of this story [series?] which is brand / new, as far as I know, in all / fiction. / Thanks pal! / As ever thine -– / Doc / (Edward E. Smith, Ph.D.)." Collects the six-volume "Lensman" series comprising TRIPLANETARY, FIRST LENSMAN, GALACTIC PATROL, GRAY LENSMAN, SECOND STAGE LENSMEN, and CHILDREN OF THE LENS. "The greatest of the early golden age space opera." - Anatomy of Wonder (1987) 3-355. "The space opera to end all space operas, with humans and aliens arrayed (some on each side) in a cosmic war of Good and Evil, which even George Lucas would be hard put to top." - Anatomy of Wonder (1995) 3-167. Anatomy of Wonder (2004) II-1051 and II-1052. Survey of Science Fiction Literature III, pp. 1183-1187. A fine set in unprinted acetate dust jackets and publisher's cardboard box (the fragile box is lacking the lid and cracked and worn at edges). An excellent association set. (#168433).
Price: $8,500.00
"THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO / SEVENTY-FIVE SETS, OF THE / FIRST PRINTING OF EACH / VOLUME, NUMBERED, AUTO- / GRAPHED AND BOUND IN / HALF-LEATHER. / THIS IS SET NO. / ___" on limitation page of volume 1.