1991 To the Ends of the Earth: A Sea Trilogy comprising Rites of Passage, Close Quarters and Fire Down Below

Description

First Edition, Illustrated, Limited Edition, Signed, With Slipcase

The first edition, first impression of this work.

A signed limited edition, with this being no. 284 of 400 copies signed by Golding, and specially bound.

The first single volume edition of this trilogy: Rites of Passage (originally pub. in 1980), Close Quarters (originally pub. in 1987) and Fire Down Below (originally pub. in 1989).

The story is set on a former British man-of-war transporting migrants to Australia in the early 19th century. The novels explore class and man's reversion to savagery when isolated, reflect those of Golding's best-known debut novel, 'Lord of the flies'.

The personal copy of celebrated English science fiction author Brian Aldiss, best known for his 'Helliconia' trilogy. Associated with the British New Wave of science fiction, Aldiss received two Hugo Awards, one Nebula Award and one John W. Campbell Memorial Award.

Loosely inserted is a provenance notice signed by the executor of Aldiss's estate, his daughter Wendy.

In the publisher's original carboard slip case, with a label to the front board reading 'To our dear friend Brian with love on your 70th birthday from Susan & David'.