London: George Newnes, 1901. First British edition. Preceded by the first U.S. edition. Finely bound in later full crushed morocco with gilt to spine. Internally unmarked but with a bit of toning. Complete with all 12 plates. A pleasant copy.

When businessman Mr. Bedford and scientist Mr. Cavor undertake a journey to the moon, they discover an extraterrestrial world governed by Selenites -- insect-like creatures who are far more technologically advanced than Earth's humans and unaware of violence or war. Ultimately, the two men are captured by the moon's native community, and only Mr. Bedford escapes. It has been called the first alien dystopian novel in English; and it has spawned numerous television, film, and radio adaptations as well as later science fiction short stories and novels (Stableford). Near Fine (Item #5093)