The New Race of Devils

The New Race of Devils (1921) by John Bernard, a pseudonym of Annie O'Meara de Vic Beamish, is a striking and little-known contribution to early twentieth-century dystopian literature. Set in the aftermath of war, the novel envisions a group of German scientists who, through artificial insemination and selective breeding, attempt to engineer a new race of supermen, men of superior intellect and physical strength yet devoid of empathy or moral judgment, intended as an unstoppable warrior caste for a future conflict with England. The results do not unfold as their creators intend, and the novel's interest lies in how and why. Published when eugenics carried genuine scientific respectability, Bernard's skepticism toward the movement was notably ahead of the cultural consensus. Bleiler praised it as "mature, sophisticated, and well-written," and both Clarke (Tale of the Future) and Sargent (British and American Utopian Literature, 1516-1985) identify it as an early and significant example of the eugenic dystopia. Its pseudonymous authorship has contributed to its obscurity, and it remains one of the more difficult titles in the pre-Brave New World dystopian tradition to locate in any condition. Exceptionally scarce, with few recorded institutional holdings, and seldom encountered with the original dust jacket or in collectible condition.

Hardcover. First Edition, First Printing. Octavo original decorated blue boards stamped in black and blind. London: Anglo-Eastern Publishing Company, Ltd., [1921]. #11384.
Very good copy, with paper evenly toned, in the original dust jacket showing moderate wear and some internal staining.