Asimov, Isaac (1951-53) ‘Foundation’ trilogy, complete US signed and inscribed first edition, first impression set

Isaac Asimov (1951-53) ‘Foundation‘ trilogy, US first editions, first printings, all first state, published by Gnome Press. All three volumes are signed and inscribed by the author. Housed in a cloth bound clamshell case. The set is comprised of:

• ‘Foundation‘ (1951), first edition, first impression. Signed and inscribed by Asimov on the title page: “To Bruce | Isaac Asimov | 5 July 80” CURREY (A) Dark blue cloth with red lettering on spine. Galaxy on front cover. Words on spine horizontal. Boards are 21 cm high. Sheets measure 20.3 x 13.5 cm and are 1.9 cm across the top. Spaceships colored blue on front cover. Rear flaps feature Journey to Infinity and Typewriter in the Sky and Fear. Back cover: 3 titles plus forthcoming Fantasy Calendar for 1952. Gnome Press address given as 80 East 11th Street, N. Y. 3
• ‘Foundation and Empire‘ (1952), first edition, first impression. Signed and inscribed by Asimov on the front free endpaper: “For John Zola | mass fan | Isaac Asimov”. Currey (A) Red boards with black lettering lettering on spine. Galaxy symbol on front boards. “Gnome Press” on spine measures 2.2 cm across, sheets bulk 1.8 cm. Four-color cover with “A new science fiction novel by ISAAC ASIMOV” across front cover. Front flap says GNOME PRESS/NEW YORK. Back cover: Rear flap has DON’T MISS THE FIRST BOOK! printed in red. Gnome Press address given as 80 East 11th Street, N. Y. 3
• ‘Second Foundation‘ (1953), first edition, first impression. Signed and inscribed by Asimov on the title page: “To Ken Cohen | Isaac Asimov | 20 April 1984”. CURREY (A) blue boards with black lettering on spine. First state dust jacket with 25 titles on the back panel. Gnome Press address given as 80 East 11th Street, N. Y. 3.

Condition of the set: a beautiful near fine set with minor shelf wear only as shown. No previous owners’ scribbles, no bookplates, no stamps. The dust jackets are the original wrappers and completely unrestored with only minor edge wear.

A landmark science fiction series for which Asimov is best remembered alongside I, Robot (1950). The ‘Foundation’ trilogy won the special 1966 Hugo as best series of all-time beating Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy to Asimov’s own astonishment. Basis of the 2021 and ongoing Apple TV-series. Rare to be found with all three books signed AND inscribed, as well as all three volumes in the first Currey A state.