The Story & Significance
A.E. van Vogt’s The World of Ā is a cornerstone of the "Golden Age." This 1948 Simon & Schuster release marked the title’s first transition from the pages of Astounding Science-Fiction into a permanent hardcover format. Centered on the principles of General Semantics and non-Aristotelian logic, it remains one of the most intellectually ambitious works of the era.
Physical Description & Provenance
Binding: True First State blue cloth boards; spine remains square with original gold/gilt lettering. (Note: Many later reprints use different board colors; blue is the diagnostic for the 1948 first printing). The board also bear marks from a previously taped on Brodart cover and the back board’s hinge is split.
Dust Jacket: Features the original Leo Manso surrealist artwork. The jacket shows shelf wear and chipping at the head and tail, consistent with a copy of this vintage. There is a small tear on the top of the front flap
Internal Markings: This copy carries a unique piece of "department store provenance" with a red stamp from Shartenbergs Inc. of Pawtucket, RI. A small black mark-out is present on the front flyleaf, but the text block remains clean, crisp, and tightly bound.
Collector’s Note This is the true first hardcover appearance, distinguished by its original blue cloth. The Shartenbergs stamp adds a layer of retail history, making this a perfect acquisition for a collector who values a book with a story.
The Story & Significance
A.E. van Vogt’s The World of Ā is a cornerstone of the "Golden Age." This 1948 Simon & Schuster release marked the title’s first transition from the pages of Astounding Science-Fiction into a permanent hardcover format. Centered on the principles of General Semantics and non-Aristotelian logic, it remains one of the most intellectually ambitious works of the era.
Physical Description & Provenance
Binding: True First State blue cloth boards; spine remains square with original gold/gilt lettering. (Note: Many later reprints use different board colors; blue is the diagnostic for the 1948 first printing). The board also bear marks from a previously taped on Brodart cover and the back board’s hinge is split.
Dust Jacket: Features the original Leo Manso surrealist artwork. The jacket shows shelf wear and chipping at the head and tail, consistent with a copy of this vintage. There is a small tear on the top of the front flap
Internal Markings: This copy carries a unique piece of "department store provenance" with a red stamp from Shartenbergs Inc. of Pawtucket, RI. A small black mark-out is present on the front flyleaf, but the text block remains clean, crisp, and tightly bound.
Collector’s Note This is the true first hardcover appearance, distinguished by its original blue cloth. The Shartenbergs stamp adds a layer of retail history, making this a perfect acquisition for a collector who values a book with a story.
Image 1 of 12
Image 2 of 12
Image 3 of 12
Image 4 of 12
Image 5 of 12
Image 6 of 12
Image 7 of 12
Image 8 of 12
Image 9 of 12
Image 10 of 12
Image 11 of 12
Image 12 of 12