 
Underwood-Miller, 1986. Hardcover. Book Condition:
Fine.
DustJacket:
Fine Ned
Dameron
(illustrator). Limited Edition.
For
sheer scope and
breath of
vision, whether
in the fantasy
or science
fiction genre,
you do not have
to go much
farther than a
read of Roger
Zelazny's work.
Younger
readers of
science fiction
and fantasy are
probably not
familiar with
Roger Zelazny,
as Zelazny's
life (1937-1995)
and writing
career was cut
short rather
early, age 58,
when he passed
on from kidney
failure,
resulting from
colorectal
cancer.
He
started
writing
Science
Fiction for
fanzines in
the 1950's,
writing and
selling short
stories to
Science
Fiction
magazines, on
a part time
basis between
1962 and 1965,
gradually
expanding his
repertoire to
include
novellas and
eventually
full length
novels. He
decided to
start writing
full time in
1969,
producing many
amazing novels
and
collections,
throughout the
rest of his
career. He won
the Nebula
award three
times (out of
14
nominations)
and the Hugo
award six
times (also
out of 14
nominations),
including two
Hugos for the
novels This
Immortal
(1966)
(originally
serialized
under the name
".And Call Me
Conrad" and
then his
seminal novel
"Lord of
Light".
Zelazny is well known for his adaption of many of the cultural mythological cycles (including Greek, Hindu, and Egyptian), into his stories and a constant theme in many of his works is immortality or people who become almost gods (as well as gods who have been brought down to a very human level). The book on offer, for sale, is a limited edition copy of Roger Zelazny's novel "Blood of Amber" which is volume II of his second series of The Chronicles of Amber. The Realm of Amber is one of only two real worlds (the other being The Courts of Chaos). We all live in mere shadow worlds that were created solely by the royal family of Amber, for their pleasure and amusement, and actually have no real substance at all (imagine that!). The first Amber series consisted of five novels, chronicling the adventures of Corwin, one of the Nine Princes of Amber, and follows the byzantine machinations of he and his brothers and sisters, each trying to control and scheme to become ruler of Amber (something like Game of Thrones, cosmic style). The second series of five novels chronicles the adventure of Merlin, Corwin's son, who is looking for signs of his father, who disappeared, amid more intrigues within the Amber royal family. The books are extremely vivid, in vision, writing, description and characterization with a lot of attention to detail. Be prepared for the head long thrill of a "Hell Ride" through shifting shadows, and introduction to the "Trumps", a deck of Tarot like cards, each depicting a member of the Amber Royal family, used as both a form of individual communication, and a transportation method (assuming your on good terms with the brother, sister, cousin, etc., involved!) The book on offer is in fine condition, handsomely bound in dark grey cloth, with silver stamping on the spine, published in 1986 by the small publishing house of Underwood-Miller. The inside of the book is clean and as new. A fine wraparound dustjacket is present, enclosed in a Brodart cover. with Red and Black lettering and cover art by Ned Dameron. The book is also housed in a fine suede slipcase, light grey blue in colour This copy is signed by Roger Zelazny on a special presentation page at the front of the book, and is #394 of 400 signed and numbered copies, as indicated on the presentation page. Many of these Underwood-Miller volumes went to libraries and very few survive in this condition. An extremely fine example of a rare volume for any Science Fiction collection and especially for the Zelazny enthusiasts out there! Bookseller Inventory # 1112   Underwood-Miller, 1980. Hardcover. Book Condition:
As New.
DustJacket: As
New Ned
Dameron
(illustrator). Limited Edition.
In my
opinion (for what
that it is worth),
Jack Vance (1916 -
2013) was one of
the greatest
specialty fiction
writers of the
20th to 21st
Centuries.
In an active writing career spanning over sixty years (1945 to 2009, when he completed his autobiography), he wrote numerous novels, novellas, and short stories in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery genres (the Mystery books under his actual birth name of John Holbrook Vance). He received Hugo, Nebula and Edgar awards in his career, considered the highest honours in both the Science Fiction and Mystery writing circles. Interestingly, some of his best work was written in the 1980's and after, when he was declared legally blind, and wrote his novels with the aid of specialized computer software, created especially for his use. The book on offer, for sale, is a limited edition copy of Jack Vance's novel "The Face" which is Volume IV in his Demon Princes series, consisting of five interconnected novels, written over an extended period, between 1964 and 1981. They tell the incredible tale of one man's lone quest for revenge against the five Demon Princes, who slaughtered his family in a raid on his home, when he was a young boy. Each Demon Prince is a rather unique, eccentric, criminal mind of incredible power and exceptional ruthlessness. In this case his target is Lens Larque, cruel, brutal, megalomaniac - and those are his good points! The books are extremely well written, with a lot of vivid prose and attention to detail, reflective of Vance's own multiple personal talents and command of the english language. Be prepared to grab your dictionary a few times each read, as you may discover a few new words, used in correct context, in every volume. The name of the protagonist (Kirth Gersen) is also typical and reflective of most of Vances Sci-Fi novels, which exhibit rather, shall we say, exotic naming of characters! The book is in near fine condition, and is handsomely bound in blue leather, with gold and red foil stamping on cover and spine, published in 1980 by the small publishing house of Underwood-Miller. It is one of 150 copies (this being copy #49) which is signed and numbered by Jack Vance on a special limitation page at the front, out of a total print run of 700 copies, as indicated in the provenance on the last page of the book. Many of the books produced by Underwood-Miller went to libraries and as such, very few survive in this exceptional a condition. An as new example of a rare volume for inclusion in any Science Fiction collection, and especially for the Vance enthusiasts out there!. Bookseller
Inventory # 1111
  Underwood-Miller, 1981. Hardcover. Book Condition: As New. DustJacket: As New Ned Dameron (illustrator). Limited Edition. In my opinion (for what that it is worth), Jack Vance (1916 - 2013) was one of the greatest specialty fiction writers of the 20th to 21st Centuries. In an active writing career spanning over sixty years (1945 to 2009, when he completed his autobiography), he wrote numerous novels, novellas, and short stories in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery genres (the Mystery books under his actual birth name of John Holbrook Vance). He received Hugo, Nebula and Edgar awards in his career, considered the highest honours in both the Science Fiction and Mystery writing circles. Interestingly, some of his best work was written in the 1980's and after, when he was declared legally blind, and wrote his novels with the aid of specialized computer software, created especially for his use. The book on offer, for sale, is a limited edition copy of Jack Vance's novel "Star King" which is Volume I in his Demon Princes series, consisting of five interconnected novels, written over an extended period, between 1964 and 1981. They tell the incredible tale of one man's lone quest for revenge against the five Demon Princes, who slaughtered his family in a raid on his home, when he was a young boy. Each Demon Prince is a rather unique, eccentric, criminal mind of incredible power and exceptional ruthlessness. In this case his target is Attel Malagate the Woe, malicious and malevolent - and that's on his good days! The books are extremely well written, with a lot of vivid prose and attention to detail, reflective of Vance's own multiple personal talents and command of the english language. Be prepared to grab your dictionary a few times each read, as you may discover a few new words, used in correct context, in every volume. The name of the protagonist (Kirth Gersen) is also typical and reflective of most of Vances Sci-Fi novels, which exhibit rather, shall we say, exotic naming of characters! The book is in as new condition, and is listed as "First American Hardcover Edition" on the information page. It is handsomely bound in light tan leather, with medium and reddish brown stamping on cover and spine, published in 1981 by the small publishing house of Underwood-Miller. The inside of the book is clean and as new. It is one of 175 copies (this being copy #41) which is signed and numbered by Jack Vance on a special limitation page at the front, out of a total print run of 700 copies, as indicated in the provenance on the last page of the book. Many of the books produced by Underwood-Miller, particularly the trade copies, went to libraries and as such, very few survive in this exceptional a condition. An extremely fine example of a rare volume for inclusion in any Science Fiction collection, and especially for the Vance enthusiasts out there!. Bookseller Inventory # 1109
In an active writing career spanning over sixty years (1945 to 2009, when he completed his autobiography), he wrote numerous novels, novellas, and short stories in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery genres (the Mystery books under his actual birth name of John Holbrook Vance). He received Hugo, Nebula and Edgar awards in his career, considered the highest honours in both the Science Fiction and Mystery writing circles. Interestingly, some of his best work was written in the 1980's and after, when he was declared legally blind, and wrote his novels with the aid of specialized computer software, created especially for his use. The book on offer, for sale, is a limited edition copy of Jack Vance's novel "Showboat World" which while not being part of a continuing series, takes place on Big Planet, a huge world, 25,000 miles in diameter, created by Vance, migrated to and eventually populated by every non-conformist, misanthrope, dissident, miscreant, and socially isolated culture in the entire Galaxy! It tells the story of the Riverboats of the River Vissel, and most especially Appolon Zamp, master of "Miraldra's Enchantment", who ply their trade, bringing entertainment to the river inhabitants therein, on a world so diverse, that each port of call brings its own set of taboos, and traditions as well as its own set of bewildering political undercurrents. In the story, a competition has been set, and an enormous prize has been offered, in a far off land upriver - the question is, can the crew of Miraldra's Enchantment both survive and profit from the experience? The story is extremely well written, with a lot of vivid prose and attention to detail, reflective of Vance's own multiple personal talents and command of the english language. Be prepared to grab your dictionary a few times each read, as you may discover a few new words, used in correct context, in every volume. The name of the protagonist (Appolon Zamp), and the names of the other rapscallions plying the River Vissel are typical and reflective of most of Vances Sci-Fi novels, which exhibit rather, shall we say, exotic naming of characters! The book is in as new condition, is listed as First Cloth Edition on the information page provided at the front, and is handsomely bound in brown leather, with gold stamping on both the cover and spine, published in 1983 by the small publishing house of Underwood-Miller. The dust jacket is also clean, bright and as new, depicting an allegorical scene as told within the story, as illustrated by artist Ned Dameron, and is enclosed in a clear protective cover. The inside of the book is clean and as new. It is one of 200 signed and numbered copies of this limited edition run (this being #51) out of a total print run of 700 copies, as indicated in the provenance on the last page of the book. An additional 20 copies are also signed, and marked as "Presentation Copy", as also indicated by the provenance. Many of the books produced by Underwood-Miller went to libraries and as such, very few survive in this exceptional a condition. An extremely fine example of the limited, signed edition of this engaging Vance story, for inclusion in any Science Fiction collection, and especially for the Vance enthusiasts out there! Signed by Author(s). Bookseller
Inventory # 1107
The
Houses
of Iszm -
Jack Vance
Underwood-Miller, 1983. Hardcover. Book Condition: Fine. DustJacket: Fine. Chris Miller (illustrator). Limited Edition. In an active writing career spanning over sixty years (1945 to 2009, when he completed his autobiography), he wrote numerous novels, novellas, and short stories in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery genres (the Mystery books under his actual birth name of John Holbrook Vance). He received Hugo, Nebula and Edgar awards in his career, considered the highest honours in both the Science Fiction and Mystery writing circles. Interestingly, some of his best work was written in the 1980's and after, when he was declared legally blind, and wrote his novels with the aid of specialized computer software, created especially for his use. The book on offer, for sale, is a limited edition copy of Jack Vance's novella "The Houses of Iszm".At about 22,000 words, it was originally published in the science fiction pulp magazine Startling Stories in 1954, and expanded and reissued (30,000 words) as part of the famous "Ace Double" series, in 1964 (a book with two novella length stories, back to back, which you flipped over to read, published by Ace Books), along with another Jack Vance novella "Son of the Tree". It tells the story of the Planet Iszm, inhabited by a race called the Iszic who have evolved the native trees into living homes, which grow naturally with all the conveniences and luxuries which anyone would require (Wireless? Internet enabled appliances? - it boggles the mind!). Each of the trees they sell is exported at a great price, worth billions, and at great profit, due to the Iszic's monopoly on the product ......... until a human botanist attempts to steal a female tree! As with most of Vances prose, the book is extremely well written, imaginative and detailed, with many of the stylistic elements that would characterize Vance's later work. The name of the protagonist (Aile Farr) is very typical of most of the characters in Vances novels, which exhibit rather, shall we say, exotic naming of characters! The book is in fine condition, almost as new, and is handsomely bound in dark blue leather covers, with gold stamping of lettering on spine, published in 1983 by the small publishing house of Underwood-Miller. A fine Beige, Green and Brown sketched Dustjacket is present, also in fine condition, illustrated by Chris Miller, depicting a scene from the story. The cover is encased in a clear Brodart plastic cover, to preserve its condition. The book is one of 200 signed and numbered copies of this limited edition (this being #11) out of a total print run of 700 copies, as indicated in the provenance on the last page of the book. An additional 20 of the 700 are also signed, but are marked "Presentation Copy", as indicated on the page above. Many of Underwood-Miller's titles went to libraries and as such very few now exist in this exceptional a condition. A fine signed and numbered example of a rare volume for your Science Fiction Collection and especially for the Vance enthusiasts out there! Signed by Author(s). Bookseller
Inventory # 1101
Underwood-Miller,
1981.
Hardcover.
Book
Condition: As
New. No
Jacket. Randy
Broecker
(uncredited)
(illustrator).
Limited
Edition.
In an active writing career spanning over sixty years (1945 to 2009, when he completed his autobiography), he wrote numerous novels, novellas, and short stories in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery genres (the Mystery books under his actual birth name of John Holbrook Vance). He received Hugo, Nebula and Edgar awards in his career, considered the highest honours in both the Science Fiction and Mystery writing circles. Interestingly, some of his best work was written in the 1980's and after, when he was declared legally blind, and wrote his novels with the aid of specialized computer software, created especially for his use. The book on offer, for sale, is a limited edition, numbered, signed copy of Jack Vance's novel "The Pnume" which is Volume IV in his Tschai series, consisting of four interconnected novels, written between 1968 and 1970. They tell the incredible tale of a spacefarer shipwreaked on the Planet of Tschai, which is inhabited by four main races (The Chasch, Wankh, Dirdir and Pnume) and who is on a quest to get off the planet and home. On the way he meets other humans and picks up a number of associates, that are human in nature, but with many and varied differences both in culture, fetishes and form (Alien Abduction of humans as servants must be big business in the galaxy, as everyone seems to be doing it!). Each volume of the series deals with his encounters with a different one of these races, each of whom is rather unique and eccentric in habit. In this case he encounters the Pnume - secretive, retiring, and the biggest collectors in the galaxy (something like us science fiction junkies!). He learns the secret of Foreverness in this concluding book - and the ultimate secret of Tschai itself! The books are extremely well written, with a lot of vivid prose and attention to detail, reflective of Vance's own multiple personal talents and command of the english language. Be prepared to grab your dictionary a few times each read, as you may discover a few new words, used in correct context, in every volume. The name of the protagonist (Adam Reith) is almost mainstream in comparison to some of the characters in Vances novels, which exhibit rather, shall we say, exotic naming! However, Reiths companions (Anacho, Traz, and Zap-210) more than make up the difference. The book is in fine condition, and is handsomely bound in light magenta cloth covers, with silver foil stamping on cover and spine, published in 1981 by the small publishing house of Underwood-Miller (listed as first cloth edition on the copyright page). A card is affixed to the front cover, depicting a painting of a Pnume, by artist David Ireland. The card itself has some slight edge flaws, which seem to have occurred during manufacturing process. The inside of the book is clean and as new, also containing a beautiful illustrated map of Tschai, and illustrations by artist Ned Dameron throughout. An owners book plate has been affixed to first inside protective page, but has not been used. The book is one of only 111 signed copies of this limited edition run (this being copy #71), out of a total print run of 1000 copies, as indicated in the provenance on the last page of the book. This book has been signed by both author Jack Vance and illustrator David Ireland as inscribed on the special limitation page included in this edition. A fine signed example of an extremely rare volume for your Science Fiction Collection, especially for the Vance enthusiasts out there! Signed by Author(s). Bookseller
Inventory # 1085
 Augmented Agent - Jack Vance Underwood-Miller, 1986. Hardcover. Book Condition: As New. No Jacket. Joe Pearson and James Schull (illustrators). Limited Edition. In an active writing career spanning over sixty years (1945 to 2009, when he completed his autobiography), he wrote numerous novels, novellas, and short stories in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Mystery genres (the Mystery books under his actual birth name of John Holbrook Vance). He received Hugo, Nebula and Edgar awards in his career, considered the highest honours in both the Science Fiction and Mystery writing circles. Interestingly, some of his best work was written in the 1980's and after, when he was declared legally blind, and wrote his novels with the aid of specialized computer software, created especially for his use. The book on offer, for sale, is a limited edition copy of Jack Vance's story collection "The Augmented Agent" which contains 8 of his uncommonly published short stories, written between 1951 and 1967, and originally published in various pulp science fiction magazines of the time, including Astounding, Marvel Science Stories, Amazing, and Thrilling Wonder Stories. These include "Shape-up" (1953), "The Man From Zodiac" (1967), "Golden Girl" (1951), "The Planet Machine" (1951), "Crusade to Maxus" (1950), "Three Legged Joe" (1953), "Sjambak" (1953), and the title story "The Augmented Agent" (1961 - published under the title "I-C-A Bem"). An introduction is contained at the beginning of the book, written by Steven Owen Godersky, who also edited this collection. The book is in fine condition, and is listed as a first edition on the information page at the front. It is clothbound in dark blue covers with silver spine lettering, and is contained in a wraparound dust jacket, which is dark grey with purple highlights, illustrated by artist Ned Dameron. The volume was published in 1986 by the small publishing house of Underwood-Miller. The inside of the book is clean and as new, but contains no illustrations The book is one of the trade copies of this limited edition run which are unsigned and unnumbered. It is unclear as to how many copies of this print run was published as no provenance page is contained on the last page of the book, a trait which is unusual in the Underwood Miller titles. It is know that at least 201 copies of this edition exist, as the signed, numbered edition is limited to 200 copies (plus this trade copy!). Many of Underwood-Miller's limited trade titles went to libraries and as such very few now exist in this exceptional a condition. A fine trade example of a rare volume of Vance,s early short story work, for your Science Fiction Collection and especially for the Vance enthusiasts out there! Bookseller Inventory # 1099 |
| |
 |
|
Science
Fiction and Fantasy
|
