CLARKE, Arthur C. 2001: A Space Odyssey (Inscribed Ex Libris bookplate of Arthur C. Clarke)

Norwalk, Connecticut: The Easton Press, Collector’s Edition, 1993. Collector’s edition. Octavo. pp. 221. Full genuine leather, richly gilt to boards and spine, with decorative spacecraft motif in gold. All edges gilt, silk moiré endpapers, sewn binding, archival-quality paper. Illustrated by Vincent DiFate. Introduction by James Gunn. Near fine. Binding crisp and unfaded; gilt bright; text clean throughout. Bookplate neatly laid in, inscription bold and legible. A superior example.

Association & Provenance:

With a printed and inscribed Ex Libris bookplate of Arthur C. Clarke, signed and dated by Clarke: “To Ed Sougard – congrats on sharing my birthday! Best wishes / Art C Clarke / 16 Dec 93”

A highly desirable association copy, linking Clarke personally to the volume; such signed bookplates are significantly scarcer than the more commonly encountered loose signatures.

2001: A Space Odyssey stands as one of the foundational works of modern science fiction, written in parallel with Stanley Kubrick’s film and forever altering the genre’s literary and cinematic language. Easton Press editions are valued for their craftsmanship, but copies with direct authorial association—particularly signed and dated bookplates—occupy a markedly higher tier of collectability.

Arthur C. Clarke signed material has tightened considerably in recent years. Association copies with personalised inscriptions are especially sought after by collectors of science fiction, space history, and landmark twentieth-century literature.

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