Science Fantasy No. 45, vol. 15 (SIGNED)

(London: Nova Publications 1961). 8vo. A softback with wraps. SIGNED BY J G BALLARD AT THE TITLE PAGE OF HIS NOVELETTE, 'STUDIO 5, THE STARS'". Kenneth Bulmer’s short novel ‘The Map Country’ and Sam Moskowitz’s article on Fitz-James O’Brien complete this bi-monthly issue. Very good. Wraps gently creased to spine, a trifle bumped at corners and tips. Contents a trifle toned but a nice copy overall. This is the first appearance of Ballard’s anticipatory short story, later included in both Four-Dimensional Nightmare (1964) and Vermillion Sands (1971). Increasingly cited, it concerns the use of the dystopian Verse-Transcriber, a form of AI capable of writing all forms of literature. For relief, this description was not composed by AI but of course, that’s what AI would say. Photographs/scans available upon request. Scarce with Ballard's signature. Photographs/scans available upon request.