H. G. Wells — Tono-Bungay

London, Macmillan, 1909 . First edition. Cloth. An excellent first edition of H. G. Wells's semi-autobiographical novel about the rise and fall of one Edward Ponderevo. The first editon, first issue of this work. With advertisements to the rear correctly dated 1.09. The novel follows Edward Ponderevo, whose aggressively marketed patent medicine, "Tono-Bungay", brings him sudden wealth before collapsing amid financial speculation and fraud. Narrated by his nephew, George Ponderevo, the novel combines a coming-of-age story with a critique of Edwardian capitalism, consumer culture, and imperial ambition, contrasting scientific progress with commercial illusion. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Boards bright, back strip age toned, with shelf wear to back strip tail. Internally, binding lightly strained to centre. Pages clean and bright. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .