Anderson, Poul (1926–2001)

Dialogue with Darkness [Science Fiction Short Stories, Time Travel, Humanism, Ethical Speculation] [Signed]

New York: Tom Doherty Associates (TOR), 1985. First paperback printing.

Poul Anderson’s philosophical science fiction, signed by cover artist Tom Kidd. 

A first printing of Dialogue with Darkness, Poul Anderson’s late-career short story collection, notable here for its signed association: the copyright page bears the signature of cover artist Tom Kidd. While condition issues limit the copy cosmetically, the Kidd signature provides the principal collector appeal, especially for readers of classic Analog-era science fiction and illustration collectors.

Physical Description: Trade paperback. Illustrated wraps with cover art by Tom Kidd. Approximately 8 x 5.25 inches. [vi], 276 pages. Publisher’s ads present. 

Condition: Spine visibly curved and creased. Wraps rubbed with edge wear. Interior of wraps noticeably browned. Text block remains legible and intact. No loose pages. Signed by Tom Kidd on the copyright page. First printing. 

Scarcity Note: Common in unsigned form. Signed examples by Tom Kidd are uncommon, particularly on the copyright page rather than as laid-in material.

Dialogue with Darkness gathers eight stories spanning Anderson’s long engagement with scientific speculation and moral inquiry. These pieces, originally published between 1949 and 1970 in venues such as Astounding Science Fiction, Analog, and Worlds of If, explore time, responsibility, alien consciousness, and human limits. The collection emphasizes Anderson’s measured, idea-driven storytelling rather than action-forward space opera, making it representative of his mature philosophical mode. 

Contextual / Historical Significance Poul Anderson, a Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author, was a central figure in mid-century American science fiction, bridging the Golden Age and later New Wave sensibilities. This volume reflects his sustained interest in ethical consequences and temporal paradox. There is no major film adaptation associated with this work.

From the estate of Jeri Kandel of Sarasota, Florida. Jeri, an aspiring Sci-Fi/Horror author, was active in the Florida West Coast Sci-Fi–Fantasy community. She served as a volunteer for DragonCon in Atlanta and other Florida and Orlando conventions, and as an active member of ASFA, through which she acquired many notable genre associations. 

Subjects:Time travel, philosophical inquiry in fiction, humanism, short story collections, classic science fiction magazines, science fiction illustration Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction

Item #21408
ISBN: 0812530837

Price: $32.00