Mission of Gravity
by Hal Clement

Illustrations by Vincent Di Fate

Limited Edition - $45.00
Fine, w/o dj as issued; new and unread, direct from the publisher
OUT OF PRINT FROM THE PUBLISHER

Easton Press, 1987; 224 pp.; Masterpieces of Science Fiction Collection

Mission of Gravity was originally serialized in Astounding Science Fiction magazine in April–July 1953. Its first hardcover book publication was in 1954, and it was first published as a paperback book in 1958. Clement published three sequels to Mission of Gravity, a 1970 novel called Star Light, a 1973 short story called "Lecture Demonstration", and a 2000 short story, "Under". Mission of Gravity was nominated for a "Retro Hugo" Award for the year 1954.

The story is set on a highly oblate planet named Mesklin, which has surface gravity that varies between 700g at the poles and 3g at the equator. The story is told from the points of view of one of the local intelligent life forms and a human explorer. The locals are centipede-like, in order to withstand the enormous gravity, and terrified of even small heights (because in 700g even a tiny fall is fatal).

Like all Easton Press editions, this book features:

• Premium Leather Binding
• Silk Moire Endleaves
• Distinctive Cover Design
• Hubbed Spine, Accented in Real 22KT Gold
• Satin Ribbon Page Marker
• Gilded Page Edges
• Long-lasting, High Quality Acid-neutral Paper
• Smyth-sewn Pages for Strength and Durability
• Beautiful Illustrations