Olaf Stapledon — Star Maker

London, Methuen, 1937 . First edition. Cloth. A wonderful copy of the first edition of Olaf Stapledon's imaginative and philosophical science fiction novel. The first edition, first impression of Olaf Stapledon's celebrated work of science fiction, describing the history of all life in the universe.Identified by Currey as the priority B binding, priced 2/- to back strip as called for. This is a remainder binding, with the front wrap featuring the front wrap of the priority A binding dust wrapper laid down.Stapledon's work tackles philosophical themes including birth, decay and death, and the relationship between creation and creator.Neat contemporary inscriptions to the verso of front wrap, and to the half title.Arthur C. Clarke considered this work as 'the most powerful work of imagination ever written', and Brian W. Aldiss termed it 'the one great grey holy book of science fiction&apos.Some of Stapledon's usual admirers, however, were appalled by the work's philosophy. In a 1943 letter to Arthur C. Clarke, C. S. Lewis described the ending as 'sheer devil worship&apos. In the publisher's original printer paper wraps. Back strip and perimeters of rear wrap age toned, with shelf wear to back strip head and tail. Inscription to verso of front wrap and head of half title. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .