I’ve been on a bit of a kick buying out-of-print SF first editions signed cheap. I saw all of these in a major book dealer’s online catalog and thought they were worth picking up, especially since three of the authors are no longer with us. Now I need to put these up so I can catalog the huge haul of books in Denton I picked up this weekend…
(Blish, James) Stableford, Brian M. A Clash of Symbols:The Triumph of James Blish. Borgo Press, 1979. First edition hardback, a Fine copy in a Fine dust jacket (somewhat uncommon for Borgo, who usually went for plasticized decorated boards for their hardbacks), #17 of 62 signed/numbered copies signed by Stableford. Bought for $28. Non-fiction critical work, part of the Milford series, which I pick up in hardback when I chance across them for authors I’m interested in.
Campbell, Ramsey. Scared Stiff: Tales of Sex and Death. Scream Press, 1987. First edition hardback, #130 of 250 signed, numbered copies, a Fine copy in decorated boards, sans dust jacket, as issued, in a Fine slipcase. Bought for $20. I’m sort of collecting a complete Scream Press collection, but it’s fairly low on my list of priorities…
Clement, Hal. Small Changes. Doubleday, 1969. First edition hardback, a Near Fine+ copy with blindstamp on title page and crimping at head and heel, in a Near Fine- dust jacket with dust soiling to white background and a small closed tear and associated wrinkle to top front flap. Signed “”Hal Clement” (Harry C. Stubbs)”. Not overly common these days. Bought for $28. I’m trying to collect the complete Hal Clement, and have come pretty far in doing so (though finding the Ballantine hardback of Cycle of Fire is really, really tough). Hal came to Armadillocon one year, and not only did he sign a bunch of my books, I actually ended up giving him a ride to and from the con’s BBQ dinner, where we talked about his days flying B-24 Liberators in World War II.
Harrison, Harry. Skyfall. Faber & Faber, 1976. First edition hardback, a Fine copy in a Fine dust jacket, signed and dated (“82”) by Harrison. Bought for $20. I had four books signed by Harrison at (I think) Sercon 2, which it took him less than 10 seconds to sign “H. H.” in each. People tell me that Harrison’s signature got significantly longer if you bought him a drink…
Tucker, Wilson. Ice and Iron. Doubleday, 1974. First edition hardback, a Fine copy in a Fine- dust jacket with edgewear at head and heel, with review slip laid in. Inscribed by Tucker: “For Dave, at Nashville,/Wilson Bob Tucker/May 19, 1979”. Tucker was famous both as a writer and as a noted fan.