Books

New York: Ballantine Books, 1953. First Edition. Asbestos Binding. Fine/Fine. First edition in perhaps the nicest example of this dust jacket extant in the world today; a rarity that practically glows. Number 25 of 200 copies with limited issue asbestos binding, hand numbered and signed by Ray Bradbury on the colophon. Approximately 50 copies of which were sold in trade dust jackets though not called for, and this is one of those copies. [viii], 199, (3) pp. Johns-Manville Quinterra asbestos binding, lettered in red. Fine, with light ambient toning to the boards, light offsetting to the front free endpaper and contents lightly tanned. In a Fine dust jacket, with absolutely no fading (we have never seen one without fading); two micro-tears to the edge, a minuscule crease to the top corner of the rear panel and trivial rubbing at the folds. The classic dystopian, anti-censorship novel, plus two short stories "The Playground" and "The Rock Cried Out." A sought-after signed limited…

"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury is a dystopian novel set in a future society where books are outlawed, and critical thinking is suppressed. Firemen like Guy Montag are tasked with burning books to maintain social conformity and prevent dissent. Montag, initially content with his role, gradually becomes disillusioned with the oppressive regime. He starts to question the lack of intellectual freedom and begins secretly hoarding books, despite the grave risks associated with possessing them. His curiosity about the banned literature grows, leading him to seek knowledge and understanding in a world dominated by mindless entertainment and shallow pursuits. As Montag's curiosity deepens, he encounters Clarisse McClellan, a young woman whose inquisitiveness challenges his perceptions. Clarisse introduces him to new ideas, awakening his dormant curiosity and prompting him to reevaluate his life and society's values. Montag's internal conflict intensifies when his wife, Mildred, immersed in a world of superficial entertainment and technological distractions, betrays him by reporting his book collection to the authorities. Forced to confront the consequences of his actions, Montag becomes a fugitive, hunted by the government's oppressive forces. Throughout his journey, Montag meets individuals who still cling to fragments of the past, preserving literary works by memorizing them to pass on to future generations. He encounters a group of intellectuals who have dedicated themselves to preserving the knowledge contained in books, vowing to rebuild society once it has collapsed. Bradbury uses "Fahrenheit 451" to critique a society that values conformity over critical thinking, where the suppression of knowledge results in a population devoid of individuality and empathy. The novel explores themes of censorship, the power of information, the dangers of mindless consumption, and the importance of preserving intellectual freedom. In the end, Montag's pursuit of knowledge and truth leads to an intense confrontation with the oppressive regime, ultimately sparking a rebellion. The novel ends with a glimmer of hope as Montag joins a community of rebels who are committed to rebuilding a society that values intellectual curiosity and free thought. "Fahrenheit 451" remains a poignant and cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of intellectual suppression and the erosion of individual freedoms in a society driven by censorship and conformity. Bradbury's work continues to resonate, serving as a reminder of the significance of literature, critical thinking, and the preservation of knowledge in safeguarding the essence of humanity.

Presence of '451' on the fireman's helmet on the original cover, absence of reviews or later awards, and dust jacket price of $2.50 may indicate a first edition.