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Autumn Chills: Fine Horror and Mystery Literature

Thu, Nov 12, 2026 11:00AM EST
  2026-11-12 11:00:00 2026-11-12 11:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Autumn Chills: Fine Horror and Mystery Literature https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/autumn-chills-fine-horror-and-mystery-literature-24254
Our fall sale of fine books & manuscripts focuses on rare horror and mystery first editions, scarce pulps and zines, manuscripts, and more by the most famous authors of modern works in the genres of horror and mystery. Among the highlights are the true first edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula, and other cornerstones of the genre.
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Lot 345

SMITH, Edward E. (1890-1965). The "Lensman" Series / History of Civilization. Reading, PA / Hicksville, NY, 1948-[1962].

Estimate: $600 - $800
Starting Bid
$300

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

SMITH, Edward E. (1890-1965). The Complete "Lensman" Series.  Reading, PA / Hicksville, NY: Fantasy Press / Gnome Press, 1948-[1962]. 8vos. Complete in six volumes. All in publisher's bindings and dust jackets. FIRST EDITIONS OF FIVE VOLUMES, TWO SIGNED OR INSCRIBED, ONE IS THE GNOME PRESS REPRINT. Titles include: Triplanetary. Fantasy Press, 1948. Signed by Smith on the half-title. [And:] First Lensman. Fantasy Press, 1950. Signed limited edition, #310/500, inscribed to Peter Crawford. Jacket worn, chipped, with tape repairs on front, gutter after half-title cracking. [And:] Galactic Patrol. Fantasy Press, 1950. Jacket a bit sunned, occasionally chipped. [And:] Gray Lensman. Gnome Press reprint (1962; even though this is stated "First Edition," this is a reprint by Gnome Press). Jacket price-clipped. [And:] Second Stage Lensman. Fantasy Press, [1953]. Jacket price-clipped, some soiling to jacket. [And:] Children of the Lens. Fantasy Press, [1954]. Jacket price-clipped, somewhat foxed. 

"The greatest of the early golden age space opera." (Anatomy of Wonder, 3-355.) "The space opera to end all space operas, with humans and aliens arrayed (some on each side) in a cosmic war of Good and Evil, which even George Lucas would be hard put to top." (Anatomy of Wonder, 3-167.) 

Condition

Some general wear, soiling, a few volumes with tape repairs. Jackets unclipped unless otherwise noted. Generally very good. 

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