THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS

(London): Macdonald, 1969. About fine in about fine jacket.. Signed first UK edition of the famous radical science fiction novel on gender and isolation by one of the most influential writers in the genre — an exceptionally beautiful copy. In this novel, inhabitants of the alien planet "Winter" are androgynous, becoming temporarily male or female at periods of fertility. The protagonist is a male visitor from another world, thrown into political machinations that take him on a journey of survival across the ice with a single companion: a native whom he instinctively distrusts. While reckoning with different ways to envision gender, they develop a deep human bond that becomes central to their survival. Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula awards, this UK edition was issued the same year as the US first. One of the great science fiction novels that feels more significant with each passing year. Signed copies are quite scarce. 7.75'' x 5''. Original textured purple paper boards, gilt-stamped spine. In original unclipped (£1.50 / 30s) color pictorial dust jacket. 286 pages. Only a touch of bumping to spine ends. No fading, no marks: crisp and clean. (Inventory #: 46939)