Wells, H.G. (1895) ‘The Time Machine’, UK first edition later issue with handwritten and signed letter

Herbert George Wells (1895) ‘The Time Machine‘, UK first edition, later issue, published by Heinemann. 32 pages of advertisements at the rear starting withe Donovan Pasha title as shown. Hardback bound in oatmeal coloured cloth with the Sphinx embossing and lettering in purple. Together with an original handwritten and signed H.G. Wells letter. There are several issues or states of the first edition. The collectable market considers the version with 16 pages of ads and embossing in purple as the first issue or state. There are also other, later issues without any ads at the back.

Condition of the book: a beautiful near fine specimen without any internal foxing. The contents page is uncut as shown. One light squash to top front corner as shown.

The letter: penned on his 52 St James Court Stationary Wells responds to an interview request to a Mr Collins closing with yours sincerely H.G. Wells. Near fine with usual folds to fit an envelope. Presented in a  beautiful grey buckram folder with a Wells photograph mounted on the front. The folder’s spine is lettered in gold: “H.G. Wells Letter”.

The Time Machine was Well’s breakthrough novel; a classic sci-fi novel and father of all subsequent time travelling stories. A landmark book with a beautiful letter.