The Homunculus

by David H. Keller, M.D.
Cover by L. Robert Tschirky

Prime Press First Edition

Description: Hardback book published by Prime Press in 1949. This is one of the B state copies (the A state was 112 numbered, signed, slipcased copies). As described in Currey's guide to SF first editions, there is no statement of edition or printing on the copyright page.

From the front flap: Colonel Horatio Bumble retired to his ancestral home in the little town of Posert anticipating a tranquil old age in the company of his charming wife, Helen, and Pekingese dog, Lady. He finds civilization complicated by the high cost of living and his inability to secure labor at any price.

Being the last male Bumble he deeply regrets his childlessness and intensely longs for a son who will perpetuate the family name.

In the short space of a year all of his problems are solved through the assistance of Pete and Sarah, at first very unusual servants and later delightful house guests. With their assistance the repeats Paracelsus' experiment of masculine parthenogenesis. This for a time makes him a national figure and leads to adventures of fantastic nature.

It would be very unfair to the reader to disclose the final ending of Bumble's very scientific experiment. It is sufficient to say that, without publicity and in an entirely unexpected manner, all conflicts are resolved and all dreams come to a happy awakening.

The Honunculus is a novel free of all bitterness. It does, however, convey a truth. "A man can do anything he wants to if he thinks he can and is willing to make the effort." This should be kept in mind by all despondent dreamers who are dissatisfied with life ss they find it.

About the author (from the rear flap): David H. Keller was born in Philadelphia in 1880. Educated in the Boys' Central High School and the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, he deserted city life to become a horse and buggy doctor. After ten years of such service he became a Neuro-Psychiatrist and for many years lived with and loved the abnormals of society in various State Hospitals.

It is not surprising that Dr. Keller served actively in both World Wars, being retired at the age of sixty-five with the permanent rank of Lieutenant Colonel. From the time of the French and Indian Wars a Keller has always participated in each conflict. Thus Colonel Keller maintained the military traditions and patriotic concepts of his ancestors.

Always a story-teller he writes more for pleasure than monetary return. However, in the last twenty years he has contributed many worth while tales to the Science Fiction and Weird Magazines. These stories have become popularly known as "Kelleryarns."

Retired now from both military and medical practice Dr. Keller is devoting his time exclusively to writing. The Homunculus is his second new novel written since 1947.

Condition: Binding - near fine, slight spine lean, bottom of spine bumped, page edges age darkened and very slightly soiled. Dust jacket - very good, minor edgewear and wrinkling, a little damaged and wrinkled at top and bottom of spine with a few short tears, minor soiling and rubbing, not price clipped, in dust jacket protector.

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