Edinburgh & London, William Blackwood & Sons, 1871. First Thus. Paperback. A very good copy. First book edition (wraps) following publication in Blackwood's magazine that same year. "Virtually founded the future war genre" [Clute & Nicholls, p211] (there are earlier texts such as Herbert Lang's The Air Battle but none were as influential and popular [Alkon, p40]). An anonymous (Prussian) 'Other Power' attacks and defeats England. Precursor to Wells' War of the Worlds. In Bleiler [p42]. 8pp ads to rear (recto of rear flap also carries ads). Locke speculates that multiple issues of this edition should exist given the popularity. His research indicated a possible issue point being the presence of the text 'The right of translation is Reserved' on later issues [Locke, Spectrum 1:p13]. Condition is very good with some soiling to the wraps and a little loss to one corner. Owner's inscription to title page. General wear, spine faded. A respectable copy overall. Cover art by W. Patterson [9356, Hyraxia Books].

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