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Collector Features & Identification
• Author: Ben Bova
• Book Series: The Grand Tour Universe
• Illustrator: Pamela Lee (Jacket Painting)
• Publisher & Year: Bantam Spectra Books (1992)
• Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket (HCDJ)
• Edition: Book Club Edition (BCE).
• Identification: Standard Book Club Edition markers are present on the dust jacket flaps. No publisher gutter code is present on the rear pages.
• Genre: Science Fiction / Hard Sci-Fi / Space Exploration
• Topics: Mars Colonization, Jamie Waterman, Valles Marineris, Planetology, Space Expedition
• Page Count: 501 Pages
About the Book (Synopsis)
Mars is the monumental cornerstone of Ben Bova\'s sweeping Grand Tour universe. Geologist Jamie Waterman is a last-minute addition to the first international manned expedition to the red planet. Pushed to the absolute limits by grueling training, brutal Earth-bound political sabotage, and explosive personality clashes, the crew finally reaches the lethal, frozen Martian landscape. As they explore the unimaginably massive chasm of Valles Marineris, Jamie makes a staggering discovery that completely rewrites the history of the solar system—if the hostile planet doesn\'t kill them first.
Archival Preservation
• Mylar Shield: Protected by a professional-grade, archival-safe 1.5-mil Mylar cover.
• Full-Wrap Backing: The dust jacket is stabilized with acid-free, pH-neutral paper backing. This prevents edge-creasing and protects against acidic migration from the boards.
• Structural Integrity: Stored upright in a smoke-free, climate-controlled environment. The binding is exceptionally firm and resistant.
Condition Report
This book ranges from Very Good to Like New condition internally, with a professionally stabilized cosmetic defect on the exterior jacket and a provenance mark.
• Dust Jacket: Bright and protected by Mylar. DEFECT NOTE: There is a noticeable rip on the jacket located at the very top of the spine, stretching slightly toward the back cover. I have professionally stabilized this tear using my acid-free paper backing. You can visibly see the white archival paper through the rip, ensuring the jacket suffers no further degradation and is perfectly locked in place.
• Binding & Boards: Tight, square, and completely firm. Absolutely no tape marks, glue residue, tearing, or rips to the naked boards.
• Text Block: The internal architecture is exceptional. The pages are brilliantly white, crisp, and clean. It is completely stiff and feels entirely unread.
• Internal: PROVENANCE NOTE: There is a previous owner\'s bookplate affixed to the inner front board. Aside from the bookplate, there are no other markings, library stamps, or remainder marks.
Why This Listing Has Premium Pricing
This is a preserved collector asset that respects forensic honesty. You are paying for verified quality and professional curation:
○ Deep Forensic Research: I conduct meticulous research on every book, thoroughly checking number lines and publisher markers to guarantee exactly which printing you are receiving.
○ The Craft of Preservation: Hardcover books arrive protected by high-grade archival sleeves with acid-free backing.
○ Unmatched Transparency: I provide honest, detailed descriptions of the surface characteristics and structural integrity, ensuring you know exactly what is in your collection.
○ Transparent Pricing & True Shipping: I charge exactly what the post costs me. The listing price reflects the honest market value of a flawless, unread, fully verified first printing.
○ 360° Video Display & Comprehensive Photography: Please see all pictures and the included video to know exactly what you are getting. I utilize a rotating display platform to provide a full 20-second 360-degree rotation of the actual book.
Buyer Inquiries
○ Questions: If you have any questions about this listing or need to see additional details, please reach out. I am always happy to answer any questions you might have.
Physical Dimensions (Books Only)
• Height: 9.50 in
• Length: 6.50 in
• Width: 1.50 in
• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
Shipping & Handling
• Your book will be shipped with protective padding in a safely padded box or a bubble-wrapped envelope. I ship within 1-2 business days.
• Service: USPS Media Mail
