About this Item
Philip K. Dick (1962) The Man in the High Castle , US first edition, first printing, published by Putnam. With three original letters by PKD addressed to Patricia Warrick, academic of sci-fi, who wrote Mind in Motion: the Fiction of Philip K. Dick (1987). In the letters Dick reveals why the title The Man in the High Castle was chosen along further symbols within the novel. Accompanied by copies of Warrick s correspondence with Dick. Condition of the book: fine in near fine dj. Clean throughout; no previous owner s scribbles, no bookplates, no stamps. Boards clean and not bumped. Lettering on the spine and front panel vibrant, NOT rubbed out. Top stain unfaded. Dj is clean with the slightest of edge wear as shown. Not price clipped displaying the correct USD 3.95 underneath TMITHC. Inner spine not darkened. A touch fade of the red colour of the Japanese battle flag on the spine. However, far less than common. A dream copy. The letters: three original typed letters by PKD, addressed to Patricia Warrick with their corresponding mailing envelopes; and three copies of letters by Patricia Warrick addressed to Dick. Great content in which Dick and Warrick discuss TMITHC as well as Dick s Philosophy and hidden meaning of featured names. The content of all three original letters has been published in The Selected Letters of Philip K. Dick Volume Five 1977 1979″ In letter one, dated 8 October 1977, Dick reveals that High Castle is a historical fortress revered by Bohemians because of the role it played in the 30-Years War [1618-1648]. The High Castle became a symbol of the centre of religious and political freedom against the autocratic Catholic Hapsburgs. The title of Dick s novel is a symbol of Abendsen s revolt against the tyranny of the Nazis. Dick further explains that the protagonist s name Abendsen , symbolically opposes the Nazi Reich which is essentially an Eastern Power. Dick further explains how he researched the Nazi cult of castles where young SS officers were trained. Lastly, the title was chosen in an ironic way as Abendsen does not live in a castle-like structure as it is only a rumour much like the sci-fi writer Bob Heinlein. Signed in full as Philip K. Dick in black ink. In near fine condition with minimal handling signs and usual two central folds to fit the envelope. In letter two, dated 27 October 1977, He reveals a further layer in the name choice Abendsen , but refutes the idea of Yang of Taoism in his 1961 thought process. Dick explains that he is Zoroastrian in his theology believing in the Gnostic duality that the world has been created by an evil deity which is being overthrown by a wise mind. He then mentions that he finally met Robert Heinlein in person, but did not get along with his wife. Signed with Phil with a handwritten postscript at the bottom P.S. enclosed is a snapshot of me, with a German friend, taken at Metz. I am the Bearded One. What do you look like, pray tell? I am eternally curious. In near fine condition with light creases and usual central folds to fit the envelope. In letter three, dated 18 Nov 1977, Dick responds to seeing Patricia s photo with May I buy you a drink? He further explains why he believes in the Gnostic duality. Then he provides more information on the SS castle system, and explains that his interest in the Naziz derives from WWII and him majoring in German at high school. He also admired German culture and wanted to understand it better by learning the language. He reveals that every novel is a crisis for him as he worries that he would not be able to finish it. Signed with Phil . In near fine condition. Three copies of Warrick s correspondence are included with the questions she had for Dick, and also showing her wit. Both also start to beome personal in their letters. Prof Warrick and Philip K. Dick would correspond very frequently until his death. TMITHC won Philip K. Dick his only Hugo Award in 1963. First and Fine.
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