Star Maker [Wrappers Issue] by STAPLEDON, Olaf (1886-1950); Bip Pares [illustrates] - 1937

London: Methuen, 1937. First Edition. Pictorial Wrappers. Fine. First Impression, Third Issue, of this cornerstone of mystical fiction, "probably the most powerful work of imagination ever written" (Arthur C. Clarke) and "the one great grey holy book of science fiction." (Brian Aldiss). 8vo (197 x 130mm): xii,339 [1,printer's imprint]pp, including three plates. Publisher's cream card covers with pictorial paper overlay (front panel of first-issue Bip Pares dust jacket affixed to front cover), priced 2/- on spine. Currey Binding B. A superb example, virtually pristine (likely unread), tightly bound and clean throughout. Satty & Smith A7.1.1.3. Currey, p. 468. Bleiler (Supernatural Fiction) 1514 ("one of the richest books in fantastic literature"). Anatomy of Wonder (1987) 2-112 ("A magnificent work by any standards; the most important speculative work of the period."). Pringle (Ultimate Guide), p. 296. ("the ultimate vision of the end of all things. An essential work.") Roberts (History of Science Fiction), p. 170 ("a novel for which even the most extravagant superlatives are insufficient"). Locke I, p. 205 (a "panoramic and fantastically imaginative history of the universe"). A masterwork by one of the giants of science fiction, a history of intelligence in the universe and the quest for ultimate meaning, "Star Maker tackles philosophical themes such as the essence of life, of birth, decay and death, and the relationship between creation and creator. . . . The disembodied travelers encounter many ideas that are interesting from both science-fictional and philosophical points of view. These include the first known instance of what is now called the Dyson sphere." (Wikipedia) Ethel "Bip" Pares (1904-1977) is "a name seen so often on some of the most eye-catching designs of the nineteen-thirties and forties. . . . She has long been admired and collected—she is said to have designed some 600 dust-jackets in all . . . " (blog post by Laurence Worms, Ash Rare Books) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).