Astronauci: Powiesc fantastyczno-naukowa [The Astronauts] - first edition and later edition [inscribed and signed by Stanislaw Lem]

Set of two books: (1) Octavo (210 x 155mm). First edition, first impression, Lem's first science fiction novel. Original pictorial white-blue cloth, black titling to spine and front cover. Cover designed by Jan S. Miklaszewski. Wear with small tears along edges, bent corners, rubbed edges, small tears between p. 169-175 on the bottom (text intact), cover soiled (mostly rear panel), pages toned, occasionally spotting inside. Else good copy, with no inscriptions or stamps. Contains map and a drawings by author. (2) Octavo. Later edition from 1967 (4th edition). Signed and inscribed by Stanislaw Lem: "Pani Ewie Burzynskiej na pamiatke naszej rozmowy w Kielcach, Stanislaw Lem, Krakow listopad 67" (To Mrs. Ewa Burzynska in memory of our conversation in Kielce, Stanislaw Lem, Krakow November 67). Original yellow softcover, dustwrapper in black and yellow. The jacket has some tears and chipped edges, the book is in very good condition. A rare copy with a bold dedication by the author. "The Astronauts" stands as one of Lem's most famous novels, first published in 1951. Partly constrained by the political norms of the era, it was sentenced to oblivion by the author for many years out of necessity. However, Lem's incredible success owes much to his exceptional talent, which even during those dark and difficult times for artists, managed to craft an original work of art that transcended the limitations of contemporary decision-makers. In this pioneering Lem novel about interplanetary travel, there's an abundance of extraordinary imagination and a firm belief that wisdom will ultimately triumph over political madness. The portrayal of Venus, poised for an attack on Earth but previously ravaged by fratricidal war, remains a poignant reminder of the consequences wrought by primitive practicalism and the hunger for power.