Books

The First UK printing published by Rich & Cowan, London in 1955. The author's first published work. First state with blue boards lettered in silver (the second state were bound in red boards). The BOOK is in Very Good condition with slight offsetting to the blank end-papers and free from inscriptions. A penned red letter 'D' to the upper front blank end-paper. Light pushing to the spine ends and a tiny bump to the upper front corner. Toning to the text-block with some light spotting in places and some small areas of staining to pages 166-176 (see images). The WRAPPER is in Very Good- condition with some light edge-wear. A small closed tear to the lower spine with some associated creasing. Some age related markings and light water staining to the panels which has lightly come through to the front panel and are more pronounced to the rear panel. A small amount of professional tape to the verso of the lower spine reinforcing a small loose fragment involving the letters 'Co' of the publisher's details 'Cowan'. Some toning to the lettering to the spine but the wrapper artwork by Rudland remains striking. This is the scarce first state wrapper which has the printed price of 10s 6d net to the lower front flap, and without the title 'World of Chance' to the lower rear panel. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. The author's second book, first collection of short fiction, and first hardcover book. A collection of 15 stories. Highly likely that this first state issue had a small print run, with the second state issue going into production later the same year with red boards, a revised price and textual differences to the rear panel of the wrapper. Extremely scarce to find as the first issue in any collectible condition. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

A Handful of Darkness is a collection of science fiction short stories by Philip K. Dick. It was first published in the UK in 1955 and features a variety of thought-provoking tales that exemplify Dick’s signature blend of unpredictable storytelling and philosophical exploration.