Erewhon: or, Over the Range
Originally published anonymously in 1872, Samuel Butler's Erewhon is a utopian satire of Victorian society. it is set in a fictional country discovered and explored by the novel's protagonist. At first glance it appears to be a utopia, but it becomes clear that is not the case, and eventually the protagonist plans an elaborate escape. It is one of the earliest examples of the notion of artificial intelligence to appear in literature. Butler is credited with being the first author to conceive of the possibility of machines developing consciousness. An important work, and an early predecessor to works like Brave New World and Nineteen Eighty-Four. The first edition is quite scarce. Octavo, original bevel-edged brown cloth, stamped in black and gold, with top and fore-edges untrimmed.
Hardcover. First Edition, First Printing. London: Trübner & Co., 1872. #10717.
Early owner's gift inscription on front free endpaper. The binding is tight and solid, with some minor repairs at spine ends and strengthening of inner hinges by a paper conservator. Very good copy of a difficult book to find in such nice condition. Housed in a custom slipcase with chemise.