The Left Hand of Darkness

London: MacDonald Science Fiction, (1969). First British edition, 1st impression. 8vo. 286 pp. Original octavo violet paper-covered boards, stamped in gold, in original unclipped (£1.50) dust-jacket. Light edge wear, a few nicks, a closed tear to front panel edge. Protected in archival mylar. Book is tight, square and firm. Light wear to edges with, a trace foxing to top text block. Page edges with light vintage toning. Light curling to spine foot. Interior is clean and unmarked.

Dust Jacket: Near Fine

Hardcover: Near Fine

“The Left Hand of Darkness is a science fiction novel by U.S. writer Ursula K. Le Guin. Published in 1969, it became immensely popular, and established Le Guin's status as a major author of science fiction. The novel is set in the fictional Hainish universe as part of the Hainish Cycle, a series of novels and short stories by Le Guin, which she introduced in the 1964 short story "The Dowry of Angyar". It was fourth in sequence of writing among the Hainish novels, preceded by City of Illusions, and followed by The Word for World Is Forest. The Left Hand of Darkness has received highly positive critical responses since its publication. In 1970 it won both the Nebula Award, given by the Science Fiction Writers of America, and the Hugo Award, determined by science fiction fans. In 1987, science fiction news and trade journal Locus ranked it number two among "All-Time Best SF Novels", based on a poll of subscribers. The novel was also a personal milestone for Le Guin, with critics calling it her "first contribution to feminism.”