New York: Gnome Press, Inc., (1950).
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Softcover. First edition, wrappered issue, or possibly second printing (see additional information below). Pages browned, two small chips to the wrappers, a very good or a little better copy. One of reportedly 2500 copies (we have also heard the figure of just 200 copies from another source, which seems to be discredited) of the first edition sheets bound up by the publisher in wrappers duplicating the dustjacket art. The intention and publication history of this variant is disputed: it was done either as an "Armed Services Edition" or as a short-lived experiment in paperback publishing. The publisher also issued three other titles thusly, but quickly abandoned the project. One source asserts that these were reprinted in 1951 from the original printing plates (retaining the first edition statement). At any rate this is far rarer than the hardcover issue of the first edition. Basis, or more properly the inspiration, for the 2004 film directed by Alex Proyas and featuring Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, and Alan Tudyk. A rarity, the fragility of the construction assured that few of the copies survived.
Item #77154