Daniel, Charles S. Ai: A Social Vision. Philadelphia: Miller Publication Co., 1892. First edition. Small octavo, pp. [1-2] [1-3] 4-296 [297] [298-300: blank]. Original crimson cloth, front and spine panels stamped in gold. Pencil ownership inscription scrawled on front free endpaper. Cloth very soiled and stained but unworn, with a solid binding; the pulpy, tanned text block is flexible and safely readable. #917. $45. A utopian reform novel set in Philadelphia with a tone that is either confused or cleverly subtle. Clareson (Science Fiction in America, 1870s-1930s 233) says it "can be read as a parody." Lewis (Utopian Literature, p. 50) takes it more at face value, as does Sargent (British and American Utopian Literature, 1516-1985, p. 94). Roemer (The Obsolete Necessity, pp. 192-93) calls it a "lighthearted and confusing narrative." The apparently easy-going hero of the tale, Ai, works among the poor and stresses small, voluntary, common-sense efforts to improve ghettoes. But he, and other characters, also advocate ruthless eugenics as the only truly effective means of curing society's ills. Architectural restoration seems to occupy their enthusiasm as much as social reformation. Ai finds himself elected an Episcopal bishop (the clergy comes in for satirical treatment) but he dies before much of his program can be achieved.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Ai: A Social Vision
Publisher: Miller Publication Co
Publication Date: 1892
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition
Condition: Fair
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

Store Description

When I began my bookselling business in 1996 I called it "Eldritch Books" because that adjective at least partly covered the type of material I offered (and because its similarity to my own surname seemed so -- eldritch). "Ghost stories" would be another handy, if somewhat reductive, term. Most of it is fiction from the 19th and early 20th century with a strong emphasis on the fantastic. Since the most familiar and relevant genre terms in use today -- "science fiction," "fantasy," "supernatural," "horror" -- were not so much in use when these books were first published, pegging them that way can be anachronistic. But that should give you the general idea. I don't have much in the way of American pulp (either in magazine or specialty press book form) but otherwise my interests range widely from high-brow to middle-brow to low-brow to amateur/eccentric. You're more likely to find rare and obscure works here than high spots. (Or at least they're obscure now, whatever their status was when first published.) In 2001 I went to work for L. W. Currey as cataloguer and general assistant. Since 2014 I've been back working on my own. I have exhibited at convention fairs (such as WFC and Readercon) in the past. I began collecting and studying antiquarian fantasy around 1980. Some of my essays have appeared in genre publications such as NYRSF, Wormwood and F&SF. I tend to carefully research my inventory and write extensive notes. (If another dealer wishes to make use of any of these notes, I'd appreciate the courtesy of putting such excerpts in quotes and giving proper attribution to me. That's what I do when I quote from any of my reference works.) I will be gradually listing my inventory on ABE over the coming years. I hope you find something of interest.

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Robert Eldridge, Bookseller
NY, U.S.A.

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