The Gaudy Shadows

London: Constable, 1970. First edition. Cloth. Near Fine/Good. 8" by 5.5". None. The first edition of this novel by science fiction writer John Brunner. A scarce work by Brunner, especially with the original unclipped dustwrapper. With the bookplate of Brunner to the front pastedown which depicts the author in cartoon form surrounded by several characters and figures from the science fiction genre. Inscription to recto of front endpaper from Brunner stating 'very loosely based on an old science fantasy novelette, John'. 'The Gaudy Shadows' is one of the numerous science fiction thriller works by Brunner who was an incredibly popular writer. It opens with the death of a rich and popular man named Sammy Logan. The novel follows Laird Walker's quest to find out what killed Logan, who according to police was scared to death. The work is often referred to as a drug mystery as according to the dustwrapper flyleaf the novel 'leads the reader through a maze of drug-induced fantasy to a climax where illusion is shattered on the rock of harsh reality.' John Brunner was a British science fiction author. He wrote many novels and stories, most notably his 'Stand on Zanzibar' which won him the 1969 Hugo Award for best science fiction novel. In original cloth-effect paper covered boards. Held in original unclipped dustwrapper. Externally, very smart with a small amount of bumping to the extremities and to the head and tail of spine. Bottom of front board is particularly bumped. Dustwrapper is sound with slight chipping to the extremities. Tear to the joints at the bottom of spine with a small loss. Chipping is heavier to the bottom of rear wrap. Wrap is sunned, particularly to the spine, with several visible handling marks over both the front and rear. Author's bookplate to front pastedown with a signed inscription to the recto of front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean throughout. Near Fine