[Rarebooks] FS - The Clockwork Man (sci-fi 1st)

[GREENFIELD BOOKS]

*ODLE, E. V. /THE CLOCKWORK MAN/*. Bound in original brown cloth with 
"clockwork" device to front board. William Heinemann Ltd., London. 1923. 
1st edition. Small 8vo, pp. [10], 213.

Bleiler calls this "science fiction in the manner of H. G. Wells, 
contrasting extreme scientific developments with British village life 
and personalities, perhaps with a philosophic point to make." The 
"clockwork man" is a being from 8,000 years in the future who 
mysteriously appears in the village of Great Wymering, at the beginning 
of the village cricket match, and bedevils the players and the village 
residents, challenging ideas, morals and preconceptions until the 
clockwork mechanism in his head runs down and he needs attention from 
the village doctor. Described as the "first major cyborg novel" (see the 
Exploring Dystopia website and Stableford's "Scientific Romance in 
Britain, 1890-1950"). The first American edition was published by 
Doubleday in 1923, from the Heinemann sheets. Our copy has a slightly 
crinkled spine, with the spine ends compressed (but not pulled). The 
corners of the boards are bumped. There is a faint discolouration to the 
cloth of the rear board, and some light general spotting and scuffing. 
There is a light smudge to the foredge of the text block. The binding is 
very slightly sprung, but the hinges and endpapers are tight, and the 
text block is solid. The endpapers and the contents are free of former 
owner's markings. Overall, the book is in good plus condition. No dust 
jacket.

Price: $475.00.

Terms of sale - The price is net in USD, and the book is offered subject 
to prior sale. Payment by check or credit card. Postage and packing 
charge is $7.50. Returnable within seven days of receipt if not as 
described.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Greenfield Books Ltd.
Member: ABAC/ILAB
217 Academy Road,
Winnipeg, MB R3M 0E3 Canada
Toll-free: 866-263-BOOK (2665)
Telephone: 204-488-2023
Web site: http://www.greenfieldbooks.com
*Secure credit card payment service available*