The Skin Trade [Association Copy] [Signed by George R. R. Martin] [Rick Berry Illustrations]

SIGNED FOR SF CRITIC D. DOUGLAS FRATZ - GEORGE R. R. MARTIN'S AWARD-WINNING WEREWOLF NOIR IN A FINE ASSOCIATION COPY. A superb association copy of George R. R. Martin's World Fantasy Award-winning novella, blending hard-boiled detective fiction with visceral supernatural horror. Originally published during Martin's pre-Game of Thrones period, The Skin Trade remains one of his most acclaimed shorter works, capturing the urban menace and psychological tension that helped define modern dark fantasy. This copy carries added significance through its direct connection to influential science-fiction critic, editor, and reviewer D. Douglas Fratz. Signed by Martin on Fratz's personal bookplate, the volume becomes more than a signed edition-it stands as a tangible link between one of fantasy's most celebrated authors and a major figure in speculative-fiction criticism and fandom culture. KEY FEATURES +++ Visuals: Features atmospheric cover art and interior illustrations by Rick Berry. +++ Binding: Black cloth with copper-gilt spine titles and a front-cover werewolf motif. +++ Content: A private detective noir set against a backdrop of lycanthropy; originally published in 'Night Visions 5'. +++ Associated Names: Signed by the author for D. Douglas Fratz (1952-2016), influential editor of 'Thrust' and 'Quantum' science fiction journals. +++ Provenance: From the personal library of D. Douglas Fratz. +++ Imprint: WSFA Press (Washington Science Fiction Association), 2013. +++ Specs: 7.25 inches tall / 158, [1] pages. CONDITION: Fine / Fine -- No flaws or blemishes; gift quality. The copper-gilt remains bright, the dust jacket is crisp and unclipped, and the text block is pristine. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- George R. R. Martin is globally recognized for 'A Song of Ice and Fire', but 'The Skin Trade' (1988) represents his mastery of the horror genre, for which he won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novella. This WSFA Press edition was a labor of love by the fans of the Washington Science Fiction Association, produced during the height of Martin's 'Game of Thrones' fame. This specific copy transcends the standard 500-copy signed limitation. By bearing a signature on the personal bookplate of D. Douglas Fratz, it serves as a physical record of the professional respect between Martin and one of the genre's most prolific reviewers. SUBJECTS: George R. R. Martin, Werewolves, Urban Fantasy, Horror, Detective Fiction, D. Douglas Fratz, Science Fiction Criticism, WSFA Press, Association Copy, Horror, Modern First Edition, Signed Edition.…