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Edward "Doc" E. Smith, Ph.D. The History of Civilization. The complete Lensman series, comprising: Triplanetary, F... (Total: 7 )
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$3,750.00
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Description
Edward "Doc" E. Smith, Ph.D. The History of Civilization. The complete Lensman series, comprising: Triplanetary, First Lensman, Galactic Patrol, Gray Lensman, Second Stage Lensmen, Children of the Lens. Reading, Pennsylvania: Fantasy Press, Inc., 1955.Six volumes, 8vo. Frontispiece in each volume, other in-text illustrations. Publisher's red leather-backed cloth boards, spines gilt; publisher's red cardboard box.
LIMITED EDITION, number 37 of 75 copies. PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR on the limitation page in volume 1: "To Two Veree nice people / Roy and DeeDee Lavender / With heavenly thanks for your appreciation and in hope that we will be able to review our friendship (or would "chields" be a better word?) at least twice a year from now on - and with my best personal regards - Doc / (Edward E. Smith, Ph.D.)." Additionally SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR on limitation pages in each of the other five volumes.
"A legend in specialty publishing and fine bookmaking. A collector's dream - or nightmare - since sets have been offered for upwards of $5,000. One of those specialty press productions that causes awe for many contemporary collectors" (Chalker and Owings).
In 1991, Chalker gave the current location of this set, inscribed to Roy Lavender, as part of his personal collection (third edition, 1991).
[Together with]: A small archive of typed letters (some signed, some original, some carbon copies) from the publisher of Fantasy Press, Inc., Lloyd Eshbach, to one William D. Grant, an early investor in the press (1954-1958). In a letter dated 8 March 1956, Eschbach adds a postscript: "I still have 24 of the Smith sets to sell. I cut the order to 75 from 100. The sets would have cost entirely too much if I had run only 50 - the number of advance orders I had received. Maybe you know some other fan who might want a set." He writes on 10 July 1955, "I never got around to letting you know that I've reserved #42 of the deluxe Smith sets for you. I still don't have enough orders to go ahead with the binding, by the way..." The letters, which began cordially, quickly devolve as Grant seeks to reclaim his investment in 1957 and goes without acknowledgement or return from Eshbach. The press was facing significant financial difficulties by this time, and had, essentially, already folded in 1956, before Grant sought to reclaim his funds. The last letter, dated 21 July 1958, includes the line from Eshbach, "The S-F book field is dead." We leave you to draw your own conclusions as to the veracity of this statement today.
Condition: Spines lightly sunned. Publisher's box lid lacking as usually found (Chalker and Owings: "only one set with a lid in tact is known"); worn and scuffed; some joints split or starting.
References: Chalker and Owings, The Science-Fantasy Publishers, pp. 162-163; Currey, p. 456.
Provenance: Roy and DeeDee Lavender (presentation inscription); 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: 6
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 164
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