The War in the Air
London: George Bell & Sons, (1908). Splendid First Edition of this noted Wells novel beautifully rebound in navy full oasis morocco leather with a color illustration depicting the battle embossed into the front panel. Gilt titles on spine, raised bands and extra gilt decoration makes this highly collectible copy even more so. The story was written in 1907 and depicts a war happening in the late 1910s – then a future history, which can be considered as a retroactive alternate history. The basic assumption behind the plot is that immediately after the Wright Brothers' first successful flight in 1903, all of the world's major powers became aware of the decisive strategic importance of air power, and embarked on a secret arms race to develop this power (there is a reference to the Wright Brothers themselves disappearing from public view, having been recruited for a secret military project of the US Government – as were other aviation pioneers in their own respective countries). The general public is virtually unaware of this arms race, until it finally bursts out in a vastly destructive war which destroys civilization. An intriguing undertaking by Wells, a truly lovely copy and a highly desirable item. Item #10197
Price: $2,250.00