H. G. Wells — The Undying Fire: A Contemporary Novel

London, Cassell and Company, 1919 . First edition. Cloth. The first edition of H. G. Wells's literary retelling of the story of Job, in the scarce original dust wrapper. From the library of Brian Aldiss, vice-president of the H. G. Wells Society. The first edition, first impression, with April 1919 code to final leaf.In the scarce original unclipped dust wrapper.In this work, Wells presents a retelling of the book of Job from the Old Testament. Set in the time of World War 1, Job Huss, school master, has to wrestle with the meaning of life as his world falls apart.The personal copy of celebrated English science fiction author Brian Aldiss, best known for his 'Helliconia' trilogy.Aldiss was greatly influenced by Wells's work, and was vice-president of the international group in Wells' honour, the H.G. Wells Society.Loosely inserted is a provenance notice signed by the executor of Aldiss's estate, his daughter Wendy. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with unclipped dust wrapper. Bumping to back strip head and tail, with back strip age toned. Faint pencil inscription to front free endpaper. Dust wrapper back strip significantly age toned, with small loss to back strip tail, and light chipping to back strip head. Rear wrap tenderly held to back strip, with significant closed tear to fold. Internally, generally firmly bound though a touch strained in places. Pages bright, with light spotting and handling marks. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed/Very Good.