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Isaac Asimov. I, Robot....
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Sold on May 13, 2026 for:
$35,000.00
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Description
INSCRIBED BY ASIMOV TO "DOC" SMITH, THE FATHER OF MODERN SCIENCE FICTION
Isaac Asimov. I, Robot. New York: Gnome Press, Inc.,
[1950].8vo. Publisher's red cloth, spine and front board stamped in black (Currey binding A); original pictorial dust jacket.
FIRST EDITION. PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO SCIENCE-FICTION GREAT E. E. "DOC" SMITH ON THE DATE OF PUBLICATION on the front free endpaper: "For: Edward Elmer Smith / with respect and admiration / Isaac Asimov / 12/2/50."
E. E. "Doc" Smith (1890-1965) was an accomplished and well-respected science fiction author. He was a chemist by trade, earning degrees in chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from George Washington University. He worked for years as a chemist and food scientist, pioneering doughnut mixes. His lasting legacy is, and will be, his essential contribution to the evolution of the science fiction genre. "'Doc' Smith was a father image to thousands of the science-fiction readers and he regarded them with a benign paternalism that implied he regarded them all as his 'children'" (Moskowitz).
In 1963, at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C., First Fandom presented its Hall-of-Fame Award to Edward E. Smith for his pivotal contributions to science fiction. John W. Campbell, Jr., fellow science-fiction author and decades-long editor of the foundational science-fiction magazine Astounding Science Fiction, remarked, "Smith made the last big breakthrough in science fiction; we're still waiting for someone else to make another."
A REMARKABLE ASSOCIATION.
Condition: Some dampstaining to top fore-corner of front board, resulting in color lightening, also a little discoloration to top fore-corner of rear board; light foxing to rear endpapers. Dust jacket unclipped (priced "$2.50"); red staining to verso of front panel and front flap, corresponding to discoloration on front board; some wear at folds; some edgewear with a few short tears; some scuffing to spine and front panels.
References: Barron, Anatomy of Wonder (1976), 4-40; Barron, Anatomy of Wonder (2004), II-49; Currey, p. 17; Sam Moskowitz, Seekers of Tomorrow: Masters of Modern Science Fiction (Hyperion Press, 1974), pp. 9-26; Pringle, p. 180.
Provenance: E. E. "Doc" Smith (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: 13
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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