Lord Thomas Erskine — Armata

London, John Murray, 1817. Hardback. The first edition of the first part of Thomas Erskine's sci-fi novel, in which a man discovers a mysterious planet. The first edition.Part I of this poem, Part II was published separately later in 1817.'Armata' is a proto-sci-fi novel by Thomas Erskine. The brilliant novel follows an unnamed protagonist, who travels 7,000 by a great maelstrom to a mysterious planet called Deucalia, and to an Island on that planet named Armata, a satirical mirror of Britain. This first part of the novel sees a war between Decualia (Britain) and Capetia (France).By Scots politician and barrister Thomas Erskine.Four pages of adverts to the rear, dated February 1817. In the original paper covered boards. Externally, worn, textblock has split in two, between pages 48 and 49. Light rubbing and marks to the boards and spine. Minor bumping to the extremities. A small amount of loss to the head and tail of the spine. Spine is discoloured. Prior owner's ink inscription to the front paste down. Internally, binding is split between pages 48 and 49, gathering E is detached but present. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean with scattered spots. Prior owner's ink inscription to the title page. Good Only . Ill.: None. Good Only .