Blaylock, James P.

The Magic Spectacles

Bath, England: Morrigan Publications, 1991. Special First Edition. Hardcover in Slipcase. Signed by James P. Blaylock (Author), Lewis Shiner (Postscript Author), & Ferret (Illustrator). American fantasy author James P. Blaylock seemed to fictionalize his own life in this fantastical story about two young boys, named after his own sons, drawn into a mysterious world by a pair of magic spectacles found at a curiosity shop that seemed to appear out of thin air, delving into the young adult genre for the first time as a writer. Blaylock helped pioneer the steampunk subgenre of science fiction with multiple series of novels set in various eras and realms with creatures and stories inspired by the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien, Philip K. Dick, Jules Verne, and H.G. Wells. His first novel The Elfin Ship was published in 1982, and he was awarded the Philip K. Dick Award in 1988 for Best Original Science-Fiction Paperback for his fourth novel Homunculus. His entertaining comedic writing style easily translates between genres, and this story exemplifies his versatility. This is copy No. 55 of 250 limited edition copies: “Of this first edition, 260 copies include an additional postscript by Lewis Shiner. Of these, 250 are specially bound, slipcased and signed; and 10 copies are bound in leather and are for presentation purposes only,” as stated on copyright page. A hand-numbered illustrated title page sits opposite the title page with signatures of James P. Blaylock (author, in blue ink), Ferret (illustrator, in black ink), and Lewis Shiner (postscript author, in blue ink). Hardcover in unclipped dust jacket with slipcase: Special First Edition, as stated on copyright page. Book is in Very Fine condition, almost as new, with unmarked pages and very secure binding. Dust jacket is in Very Fine condition as well, the fine edges protected by the slipcase and little to no rubbing to front, back covers. Slipcase is in Very Fine condition, with minute rubbing evident and a couple fraying threads. Very Fine / Very fine. [Item #5557]

Price: $45.00