A Modern Utopia, H. G. Wells

Name: A Modern Utopia, H. G. Wells
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6905
Price: 13.30 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, W. Collins Sons & Co. Ltd., n.d.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 276.

Condition Report: Good. The original blue cloth boards remain sound and tightly bound, though they exhibit minor scuffing, edge-wear, and slight dulling to the spine and extremities. Internally, the text block edges are markedly tanned. There is scattered foxing and spotting that occasionally creeps into the page margins, though there are no loose leaves. A previous owner's neat ink signature and date ('J. R. Morton, Jan 30.') is present on the front free endpaper. Overall, a respectable, complete reading copy.

Catalogue Note: This undated early-to-mid twentieth-century edition of A Modern Utopia was issued by W. Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. as a more accessible reprint of Wells's 1905 original. Bound in standard blue cloth, it lacks the prestige of the true first edition but remains a sturdy and functional vintage reading copy.

The provenance is limited to a discrete previous owner's signature on the front endpaper. As a mass-market reprint from Collins, copies of this particular issue are relatively common on the secondary market, making it an ideal acquisition for readers seeking a vintage physical copy without the premium of a collector's true first printing.

First published in 1905, A Modern Utopia represents H. G. Wells's most ambitious attempt to outline his vision of an ideal society. Breaking away from traditional utopian narratives, Wells introduces a dynamic, scientifically advanced world state, a parallel Earth governed by a voluntary order of nobility known as the Samurai. Through a blend of imaginative fiction, sociological essay, and philosophical discourse, the book explores enduring themes of personal freedom, governance, eugenics, and economic equality, cementing its place as a cornerstone of speculative utopian literature.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: H. G. Wells

Book Publisher: W. Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Science Fiction

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 276

Book Publication Year:

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.