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Edward E. "Doc" Smith, Ph.D. Typescript for the third volume in the Lensman series, Galactic Patrol, with revisions thro...
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Description
Edward E. "Doc" Smith, Ph.D. Typescript for the third volume in the Lensman series, Galactic Patrol, with revisions throughout in the author's hand. [No place, no date (but c. 1937)].Large 4to (280 x 215 mm). Typescript, ribbon copy on yellow (1-98) and blue (99-331) paper, (title-page on thinner paper) and 332 pages (numbered 1-192, 192-a, 193-331); double-spaced on rectos only (approximately 100,000 words); with hundreds of corrections, additions, and deletions in ink and pencil; several pages with additions and revisions on the verso in ink and pencil (one typed); chemise and clamshell.
Title inscribed in pencil in upper right corner: "Original manuscript / First vol. in Lensman Series." The word "Lensmen" appears for the first time on page 1 in holograph (ink) above the crossed-out word "Patrolmen." Page 14 contains calculations (in pencil) of the number of words per page. Page 58 contains a holograph note in red pencil: "Part I About a thousand words too long, but can't cut out much more. Can't add technical details of drive cut out (see pag. 21). Will have to bring most essential parts in bit by bit in future chapters." The verso of page 129 contains a diagram in purple pencil of special coordinates, probably constructed to assist the author's visualization of a scene in deep space.
Galactic Patrol was first published in Astounding Stories, August 1937-February 1938. The first book edition, with illustrations by Ric Binkley, was published in 1950 by Fantasy Press, Reading, Pennsylvania.
Condition: First and last leaves a bit worn, two small stains to corners on verso of page 25, small piece torn from outer blank margin of page 114, two tiny tears to outer blank margin of page 115, some areas of slight discoloration to pages 310 and 311 (mostly on verso), final page (331) slightly browned on the verso, with some edgewear, a small piece torn from lower left corner, and a few small chips and tears. An excellent example, and a wonderful opportunity to see the novel evolve in the margins and on the versos as the author conducts a dialogue with himself, posing questions in colored pencil, answering in another color, and making the final revisions in ink.
References: see Chalker and Owings, The Science-Fantasy Publishers, p. 160 and Currey, p. 456 (for the first edition in book form).
[Together with:] Typed Letter Signed by Edward E. Smith to Roy [A. Squires], dated Aug. 19, 1937, on Edward E. Smith, Ph.D., 313 Homecrest Road, Jackson, Michigan letterhead. One quarto page (11 x 8.5 inches). "Here's the rough draft... I would, however, really appreciate your criticism of this yarn as soon as you have had time to give it a thoughtful reading. I would particularly like to know which parts, or spots, you think the best, and which the worst, and why. This, of course, is to act as a check on my own opinions, and those of others, in future work... In regards to book publication of the Skylarks - William Crawford, of Everett, Pennsylvania, who operates variously as the Visionary Publishing Co., the Fantasy Publishing Co., Unusual Stories, Marvel Tales, and the Lord knows what else, has the MS of the Skylark of Space, and fully intends to bring it out as a book some day."
[And:] Typed Letter Signed by W. Lawler to Roy A. Squires, dated September 17, 1937, on Street & Smith Publications, Inc., 79 7th Avenue, New York, Art Department letterhead: "We have your letter of August 16 and are forwarding to you under separate cover a couple of illustrations of Dr. Smith's 'Galactic Patrol.'" One 4to page (11 x 8.5 inches).
[And:] Typed Letter Signed by Barry R. Levin, dated "10/17/80," on Barry R. Levin, Science Fiction & Fantasy Literature, 2253 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 90064 letterhead, appraising a collection of six items relating to Galactic Patrol, including the original typescript and the two Typed Letters Signed. One 4to page (11 x 8.5 inches). In the original envelope.
[And:] Roy A Squires Catalog 9: A Fantasy and Science Fiction Panmixia.
Provenance: Roy A. Squires (Science Fiction and Fantasy collector, book dealer, and small press publisher); The Bob and Diane Yaspan Collection.
Auction Info
2025 December 15 Rare Books Signature® Auction #6323 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
15th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 10
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