History of the World, in Epitome: (for use in Martian infant schools)

London: Gaberbocchus Press 1962. First edition. Signed by Russell in blue ink at head of title page. 4.75"; x 3.25";. [16] pp., saddle-stapled. Paper stock with metallic-gold coating on one side, with illustrations (two black-and-white drawings by Franciszka Themerson and one photo reproduced in the text) printed on plain side. A few faint scuffs and creases to coated pages, still a bright copy. A signed copy of Bertrand Russell's 21-word, satirical summation of human history, first published here by the Gaberbocchus Press honoring Russell's 90th birthday. The contrast of the philosopher's bleak text and its shimmering presentation is reinforced by plain and ironically playful drawings by Franciszka Themerson, who founded the press with her husband and fellow-artist Stefan in 1948. . LikeNew. Softcover .