Asimov, Isaac (1953) ‘Foundation’, UK first edition with original signed letter

Isaac Asimov (1953) ‘Foundation‘, UK first edition, first printing, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson. Plus, an original typed letter by Isaac Asimov on his personal stationary, signed ‘Isaac’.

Condition: the book is in near fine condition withous previous owners’ scribbles. No library stamps, no bookplates, no stamps. Slight shelf wear and a whiff of foxing to the page block edges. The dust jacket is in very good condition. Not price clipped with minor chips and short tears to the edges as shown.

The letter: Asimov’s personal stationary with his New York address at the head. Dated 9 February 1979, addressed to John Mason. Asimov humorously complains about Mason’s plans to organise several conferences. Asimov reveals his fear of flying and suggests a conference venue within the New York vicinity so he could actually attend. In very good condition with usual central fold, a creas to the left corner and remnants of archival tape to edges as shown.

A landmark science fiction novel and the first book in the seminal trilogy for which Asimov is best remembered alongside ‘I, Robot’. 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.