Modern First Editions

Monkey Planet By Pierre Boulle First UK edition, first impression, published by Secker and Warburg in 1964. First published in French under the title 'La Planète des Singes' in 1963. The basis for the 1968 science fiction classic film adaptation 'Planet of the Apes'. Accompanied by a typed letter signed ("Pierre Boulle") dated April 2nd 1981, discussing autographed material, manuscript pages and thanking the recipient for their devotedness to his books. Boulle's satirical and philosophical tale of a civilisation ruled by apes, first published in France in 1963, quickly became one of the cornerstones of 20th-century speculative fiction. The English edition, retitled 'Monkey Planet', preceded the 1968 film adaptation starring Charlton Heston, which transformed the work into a major cultural phenomenon. The translation was undertaken by Xan Fielding, a British author, translator, journalist and traveller, who served as a Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent in Crete, France and East Asia during World War II. The accompanying autograph letter signed reads: "Herewith are the autographed plates & a photo. I will see if I can send you a few manuscript pages (I hate departing from them!). Many thanks for your devotedness to my books." Original green cloth, spine lettered in silver. A fine copy, the cloth bright and square, with only very slight traces of toning to edges. The dust jacket design, by Margaret Eastoe, features her striking line drawing of captive humans observed by their simian masters; an image that captures the novel's dark wit and satirical edge. Jackets in such well-preserved condition are uncommon, retaining the vivid pink lettering to the jacket spine and panels, showing a couple of single nicks to spine foot and to top corner of lower flap, a touch of rubbing to extremities and a small and faint stain to lower flap. A near fine copy overall.