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Collector Features & Identification
• Author: Ben Bova
• Book Series: The Grand Tour Universe
• Illustrator: John Harris (Jacket Painting)
• Publisher & Year: Tor Books / Tom Doherty Associates (2008)
• Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket (HCDJ)
• Edition: First Edition, First Printing (Trade Edition).
• Identification: Full number line present on the copyright page.
• Genre: Science Fiction / Hard Sci-Fi / Space Exploration
• Topics: Mars Colonization, Extraterrestrial Archaeology, Jamie Waterman, Martian Village, The New Morality
• Page Count: 432 Pages
About the Book (Synopsis)
In this brilliant, high-stakes installment of the Grand Tour universe, scientist Jamie Waterman has made the ultimate breakthrough: discovering the remains of a cliff-dwelling Martian village, proving intelligent life existed on the red planet sixty-five million years ago before a catastrophic meteor impact. But just as the excavation begins, the ultraconservative \"New Morality\" movement gains control of the U.S. government, immediately cutting off all funding for space exploration. As anthropologist Carter Carleton races to dig up the Martian remains, science and earthbound politics violently clash, forcing the crew into a desperate fight to save the Mars program and uncover the truth of the vanished alien race.
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. It is a completely unread publisher\'s overstock copy with specific liquidation markings and natural aging.
• Dust Jacket: Bright, uncreased, and completely intact, protected by Mylar. Absolutely no ripping or edge wear.
• 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 and feels entirely unread. DEFECT NOTE: There is noticeable, natural age-related tanning throughout the pages, which is a common oxidation trait for this specific paper stock. Additionally, there is a distinct black remainder mark (a small black dot) strictly limited to the bottom outer edge of the page block, indicating it was a liquidated overstock copy.
• Internal: There are no internal markings, 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: 1.30 in
• Weight: 1 lb 3 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
