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H. G. Wells. When the Sleeper Wakes....
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Sold on May 13, 2026 for:
$5,250.00
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Description
H. G. Wells. When the Sleeper Wakes. London and New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1899.8vo. Half-title. Inserted frontispiece and 2 additional illustrations by H. Lanos. Publisher's red cloth, front cover and spine stamped in gilt.
FIRST EDITION. PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR on half-title: "S. T. Bowkett from H. G. Wells." This story was first printed serially in The Graphic.
"When the Sleeper Wakes has never received the critical attention that it deserves, both for its ideas and its literary quality" (Bleiler). "H. G. Wells calls it 'one of the most ambitious and least satisfactory of my books,' and tells how it was written against time in 1898 when he was "overworked,' and badly in need of a holiday" (Wells).
Sidney Bowkett (c. 1860-1947) was a playwright and childhood friend of Wells. During Wells' formative years, he and Bowkett shared an intellectual companionship that proved deeply influential. Frequently recalled in Wells' autobiography, Bowkett and Wells remained friends throughout their lives (H. G. Wells, Experiment in Autobiography).
Condition: Spine darkened; slightly leaned; small abrasions to spine head and tail; spine scratched; soiling to boards; edges rubbed; corners bumped. Hinges cracked; text over-opened; browning and stains.
References: Bleiler, The Early Years, 2332; Currey p. 527; Hammond B6; Locke I, p. 228; Wells 15.
Provenance: Sidney Bowkett (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: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 237
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