Asimov, Isaac (1954) ‘The Caves of Steel’, UK first edition with original signed letter

Isaac Asimov (1954) ‘The Caves of Steel‘, UK first edition, first printing, published by Boardman & Company. Including an original typed letter on Asimov’s personal stationary, signed ‘Isaac’.

Condition of the book: a near fine book which has a neat previous owner’s name and date written on the ffep. Typical ghosting to endpapers. The dust jacket is very good and NOT price clipped showing the 9s 6d net price as called for. Some edge wear including a small chip to the rear top fold.

The letter: in near fine condition with usual central fold. Two pin size holes to top left corner indicating that it was stapled at some point. The letter, written in June 1974 and addressed to Al Schuster, mentions a Star Trek convention and Asimov confirms that he will turn up on an informal basis, but humorously hints that he would prefer if somebody else could give a speech as he did so at the past three successive conventions.

‘The Caves of Steel’, an unusual novel combining sci-fi with detective crime fiction, was nominated for the Retro Hugo. Together with ‘I Robot’ and ‘The Naked Sun’ part of Asimov’s seminal Robot series which developed the famous three laws of robotics. A film adaptation is in development.