Books

Garden City: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1951. First edition. Mild foxing to top page edges, a fine copy in a nearly fine dust jacket with a small 9 mm closed tear to upper left front panel, mild shelf wear to upper corner tips, light shelf wear to spine ends with several tiny tears to head of spine panel. An attractive copy. (30439). Octavo, cloth. The precedes the British edition that has textual differences. Runner-up for the 1952 International Fantasy Award. [Reference: Anatomy of Wonder (1995) 3-199. Pringle, Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels 5].

"The Day of the Triffids" by John Wyndham, published in 1951, presents a dystopian world where humanity faces an unprecedented crisis. The narrative centers on Bill Masen, who wakes up in a hospital to find the world plunged into chaos after a dazzling meteor shower. People who watched the meteor shower have been rendered blind, and civilization rapidly collapses into disorder and panic. The story unfolds against the backdrop of triffids, bioengineered plants capable of mobility and deadly stings. Initially cultivated for their valuable oils, these plants become a significant threat after the blindness epidemic. With society in disarray, the triffids capitalize on the vulnerability of the sightless population, posing a lethal menace. Bill, having escaped the blindness due to an eye injury, must navigate this desolate landscape. He encounters a variety of characters, each dealing with the catastrophe in their unique way. Amidst the breakdown of law and order, he grapples with moral dilemmas, societal breakdown, and the struggle for survival. The novel delves into profound themes, reflecting on human nature, societal structures, and the fragility of civilization when faced with an unforeseen disaster. It prompts reflection on the consequences of unchecked scientific advancements and the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with adversity. As Bill traverses a desolate and perilous world, he seeks safety and a community untouched by the blindness epidemic. His journey is a poignant exploration of hope, resilience, and the complexities of human behavior amidst the breakdown of the familiar world order. "The Day of the Triffids" captivates readers with its compelling narrative, thought-provoking themes, and a gripping portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world where survival depends on adapting to unforeseen challenges and redefining the essence of humanity in an altered reality.

The USA first edition is bound in blue cloth with a spine stamped in green. (The UK first edition features a yellow dust jacket).