If you’re collecting every first edition of a popular, prolific writer’s books, chances are you may have to settle for a less-than-ideal copy of famous or (as in this case) hard-to-find titles. Vance, Jack (as Alan Wade). Isle of Peril. Mystery House, 1957. First edition hardback, an Ex-Library copy with most of the usual flaws… Continue reading Library Addition: First of Jack Vance’s Isle of Peril
Month: June 2026
Shoegazer Sunday: Cigarettes After Sex’s “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby”
With 59 million views on YouTube, I may be late to the party for this one. The obvious point of comparison is Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.” The band hails from El Paso.
Library Addition: Signed First of Dan Simmons’ The Abominable
This was the last Simmons title I didn’t own. Simmons, Dan. The Abominable. Little Brown, 2015. First edition hardback, a Fine copy in a Fine dust jacket, signed by Simmons. Bought off eBay for $50, the opening bid. The only Simmons first I lack is the trade first of The Fifth Heart, which preceded the… Continue reading Library Addition: Signed First of Dan Simmons’ The Abominable
Library Addition: Micheal Swanwick’s Basil, Pepper, Salt, and Garlic Greens
Been a while since the last Dragonstairs Swanwick chapbook: Swanwick, Michael. Basil, Pepper, Salt, and Garlic Greens: A Year in a Witch’s Kitchen. Dragonstairs Press, 2026. First edition chapbook original, #16 of 80 signed, numbered copies, a Fine copy. Short stories tied to seasonal dishes. I will have copies of this available in the next… Continue reading Library Addition: Micheal Swanwick’s Basil, Pepper, Salt, and Garlic Greens
Library Addition: Signed First of Greg Bear’s Take Back the Sky
I picked this up because I had the first two books in the War Dogs trilogy and I found this signed first for less than cover price. Bear, Greg. Take back the Sky. Orbit, 2016. First edition hardback, a Fine copy in a Fine dust jacket, signed by Bear. Third book in the War Dogs… Continue reading Library Addition: Signed First of Greg Bear’s Take Back the Sky
Marcia Lucas, RIP
Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning editor of Star Wars and wife of George Lucas, died at the end of May. Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning editor who first took audiences to a galaxy far, far away with 1977’s “Star Wars,” has died at the age of 80, her family confirmed. Marcia, part of the editorial team for… Continue reading Marcia Lucas, RIP
Library Addition: Signed First of Andrew Vachss’ Flood
Another Half Price Books find: Vachss, Andrew. Flood. Donald I. Fine, 1985. First edition hardback, a Fine-copy with slight bumping at head and heel, in a Near Fine+ dust jacket with a 3/4″ hairline crease at bottom front panel, and slight bumping at head, heel and points, signed by Vachss. His first novel, a mystery.… Continue reading Library Addition: Signed First of Andrew Vachss’ Flood