MARS - INSCRIBED TO DEAN & GINA ING, WITH TLS LAID IN

New York: Bantam Books, 1992. First Edition. Second volume in Bova's Grand Tour series, centered around the exploration and colonization of the solar system, inscribed to his long-time friend and fellow science fiction author Dean Ing. The accompanying letter discusses the possibilities of the Ing's visiting Bova in Connecticut ("Got the pool warmed up and new furniture in the guest bedroom"), Bova visiting the Ing's in Oregon, and seeing each other at WorldCon in Orlando. At its core, Bova reveals how badly he covets winning the Nebula Award, and solicits his friends' help: "Enclosed is a copy of Mars. Dean, if you like it well enough, I'd appreciate your recommending it for a Nebula Award. I would dearly like to be recognized by SFWA as a writer, rather than as a former editor or ex-president or whatever. We both know that awards are not bestowed on books by the impartial and all-compassionate gods; you have to get into the arena and plug away. I would deeply appreciate your help." A superb association copy. First Printing, trade issue. Octavo (24cm); tan paper and maroon cloth-covered boards, with titles stamped in copper on spine; dustjacket; [x],502pp. Inscribed shortly after publication to Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author Dean Ing and his wife on the title page: "To Gina + Dean - With all the good wishes in two worlds / Ben Bova / 28 June 92." Upper rear board corner gently tapped (though still sharp), else very Near Fine. Dustjacket is unclipped (priced $20.00), with light shelfwear, else Near Fine.

Laid into this copy is a TLS to the Ing's on Bova's stationary, dated 28 June, 1992. Typed letter on white bond (measuring 8.5" x 11"); 28 lines (219 words), and signed "Warmest regards, Ben (+ Barbara)" toward lower margin. Two old folds and some light handling, else Near Fine.