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Edward E. "Doc" Smith, Ph.D. First Lensman....
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Description
Edward E. "Doc" Smith, Ph.D. First Lensman. Reading, Pennsylvania: Fantasy Press, 1950.8vo. In-text illustrations and dust jacket by A. J. Donnell. Publisher's blue cloth; spine stamped in gilt; original pictorial dust jacket.
FIRST TRADE EDITION. THE DEDICATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO LONG-TIME FAN E. EVERETT EVANS, THE DEDICATEE, on the dedication page: "Dear Everett- This is a special; in sincere appreciation of the help you have given me through the years and the inspiration of your continuous support. In that appreciation I am signing this, for the first and probably the only time- Doc."
Edward Everett Evans (1893-1958), known variously as "EEE" and "3E" (among others), was an early science fiction fan, a "Michifan" and "Galactic Roamer," serving as secretary of that "Doc" Smith fan club. Though he began as an ardent science fiction fan, Evans became a professional science fiction author in his own right. In the 1950s, he published two "very Smithlike novels" (Moskowitz) aimed at teenagers, both published by Fantasy Press. Evans died in 1958 while writing another novel, Masters of Space. In tribute to his long-time fan and to help Evans' wife sell the story, "Smith did a complete revision and polishing job and the story ran as a collaboration in If magazine (November, 1961 - January, 1962)" (Moskowitz). The "Big Heart Award," presented annually at the World Science Fiction Convention, was established in his honor in 1959. Administered by 4E (Forrest J Ackerman), the first recipient was E. E. "Doc" Smith.
Condition: Touch of edgewear and minor soiling to joints; light soiling to top edge. Dust jacket unclipped (priced "$3.00"); chip to front panel affecting "Edward" with loss (approximately 25 x 25 mm); loss to front flap fold; other chips and edgewear; later embossed plastic shelf label ("A") affixed to spine panel; some scuffing and wear, particularly to spine panel; tear to rear panel taped on recto; a few small stains to front panel. Despite flaws, one of - if not the - most important copy of this book.
References: Barron, Anatomy of Wonder (1976), 4-548; Barron, Anatomy of Wonder (1987), 3-355; Currey, p. 456; Magill, Survey of Science Fiction Literature, III-1183; Sam Moskowitz, Seekers of Tomorrow: Masters of Modern Science Fiction (Hyperion Press, 1974), pp. 9-26; Pringle, p. 137.
Provenance: E. Everett Evans (presentation inscription). From the collection of David Aronovitz.
Auction Info
2026 May 13 The David Aronovitz Collection of Important Science Fiction and Fantasy, Part I Rare Books Signature® Auction #6336 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2026
13th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
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