Library Addition: Signed First Edition of E. E. “Doc” Smith’s Second Stage Lensmen

Picked up another signed Doc Smith novel at a pretty good price:

Smith, Edward E., Ph.D. Second Stage Lensmen. Fantasy Press, 1953. First edition hardback, Currey Binding A (blue cloth lettered in gold), first issue, #368 of 500 numbered copies signed by Smith, a Very Good+ copy with large square of discoloration to inside front cover due to a bookplate (now laid in; see below) and a few instances of light spotting to boards, in a Near Fine- dust jacket with a couple of closed 1/2″ tears, modest edgewear at head, heel and points, and slight soiling to the rear cover, but otherwise a nice intact and very bright example of the dust jacket. Inscribed by Smith (as the subscriber copies frequently were): “To Joseph R. Brady,/Three in a row – Hot Dog! [Tic Tac Tow Game]/With sincere appreciation/Of your continued interest—/Edward E. Smith, Ph.D.” (Though it seems a fulsome, personal inscription, it’s quite similar to the one I have in my subscriber copy of Skylark Three to another subscriber.) Currey (1979), page 456. Chalker and Owings (1991), page 161. Kemp, The Anthem Series, page 41. Lucchetti, Doc: First Galactic Roamer, page 60. Won for $121.50 off eBay.

2nd Stage Lensmen

Second Stage Lensmen Signature

And here’s the bookplate that was once attached and now is loose and laid in, which features Edd Cartier artwork:

Second Stage Lensmen Bookplate

I wonder if the Cartier bookplate was offered as a freebie or add-on by Fantasy Press…

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One Response to “Library Addition: Signed First Edition of E. E. “Doc” Smith’s Second Stage Lensmen”

  1. David Hartwell says:

    Not a standard bookplate that I know of.

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