GAIL, Otto Willi (1896-1956); Max Valier (introduces)

[Spaceships] [Rockets] Mit Raketenkraft Ins Weltenall : vom Feuerwagen Zum Raumschiff [Into space with rocket power. From the fire truck to the spaceship]

Stuttgart: K. Thienemanns Verlag, 1928. First Edition. Pictorial Boards. First Printing, in German, of this classic, an "incunabula" of rocket literature. Crown 8vo (203 x 142mm): 106,[6]pp, with eight inserted leaves of plates from photographs (of rockets, racing cars, and portraits) on coated stock and further illustrations and diagrams in text by Max Valier. Publisher's line-backed pictorial boards. An excellent example, about Fine, tightly bound and bright and clean throughout. Ciancone 71. Fine-. Item #BB2400

Dedicated to Fritz von Opel, sponsor of the renowned Opel-Rocket car inspired by the Austrian rocketry pioneer Max Valier. Valier, who wrote the introduction to this work, was something of a daredevil, and became the first casualty of liquid-fuel rocket development in 1930, when his engine blew up during testing at his workbench. Gail was a respected German science journalist and close friend of Valier, whose science-fiction accounts were filled with realistic descriptions of rocket construction, launches, and the experiences of crews. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $199.00