Ehrlich, Dr. Paul

Eco-Catastrophe!

San Francisco, CA: City Lights Books, 1970. First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. "In the following scenario, Dr. Paul Ehrlich predicts what our world will be like in ten years if the present course of environmental destruction is allowed to continue." (Preamble, pg. 5) A famously frightening & prophetic essay by Dr. Paul Ehrlich, the acclaimed & prize-winning American biologist & prolific author. Originally published in the September 1969 issue of Ramparts magazine, this is a reprint of the article published as a pamphlet by the iconic City Lights imprint in January 1970. With front cover reproduction of a wood engraving by M.C. Escher. According to Cook's definitive descriptive City Lights Books bibliography, 5000 copies were initially printed with a price of 50 cents, as referred to on back cover of this copy. It is noted that there have been subsequent printings that do not bear any printing notice on copyright page (No. 78, pg. 85). Therefore, we cannot determine positively that this copy is from the first printing, but believe that it is- the original price is noted as above, & it appears to be of half-century vintage as of this writing, though in very fine condition (see below). While Dr. Ehrlich's timing & particulars were somewhat off, the world has by now, unfortunately, largely caught up to his predictions- although hopeful solutions are being fitfully implemented, are more steps being taken ultimately forward or backward? A now-classic City Lights collectible in very fine condition with only mild rubbing & a bit of browning to front, back covers & stapled spine; very light wear & a few tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; mild rubbing & spotting to edges of text block; staples in process of rusting with very minimal interior bleeding. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at corners of some page leaves; touch of bleeding noted above. Very Fine. [Item #3793]

Price: $25.00