Books

Octavo, original black boards, spine lettered in red. An early binding of black boards lettered in red, with no priority established, this binding seems less common. Clarke's first SF book. Text differs from those printed in the earlier World (1951) and Sidgwick and Jackson (1953) editions. [Reference: Anatomy of Wonder (1987) 3-103]. A fine copy in a fine dust jacket with slight rubs to the spine panel. An attractive copy. (28526).

Prelude to Space is Arthur C. Clarke's first science fiction novel, first published in 1951. It narrates the events leading up to humanity's first mission to the moon, exploring the ambitious dreams and technological challenges of the space race that was to come. As with much of Clarke's work, it emphasizes the scientific aspects and possibilities of spacefaring, with a mixed focus on engineering issues and human perspectives.