by

Paul French (aka: Isaac Asimov)

Book Description: Lisboa, «Livros do Brasil», «Colecção Argonauta N.º50», 1959 16mo.

Cover Artwork: Lima de Freitas

Edition: First Portuguese Edition

Book Condition: Fine. Interior intact.

"Colecção Argonauta" is a legendary Portuguese collection of paperback sci-fi books published by "Livros do Brasil." This series played a key role in introducing science fiction to Portugal and became one of the most influential Portuguese-language publications in the genre. It featured many of the most renowned sci-fi authors of the time, often in their first editions, including Clifford D. Simak, Robert Heinlein, A. E. Van Vogt, Brian Aldiss, Frederik Pohl, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, and others.

Volumes 1 through 100 were released between 1954 and 1965, and the collection spanned over 60 years, concluding with volume 552. 

The earlier volumes are highly coveted by sci-fi enthusiasts, not just for their rarity but also for their breathtaking cover art. These covers were designed by  Candido Costa Pinto,  a Portuguese surrealist artist who was part of the "Grupo Surrealista de Lisboa" alongside Mário Cesariny, António Dacosta, Vespeira, and others, and by Lima de Freitas, a Portuguese painter, illustrator, ceramicist, and writer.

Lima de Freitas (1927–1998) was a renowned Portuguese painter, illustrator, ceramicist, and writer, who studied at the Escola Superior de Belas Artes de Lisboa. He illustrated over 100 books and began exhibiting his works in 1946, holding solo exhibitions from 1950. His first exhibition was at age 20 at the II Exposição Geral da Academia de Música e Belas Artes da Sociedade Nacional de Belas Artes. He showcased his art throughout Portugal and internationally in England, Denmark, Poland, and France. Initially associated with Neorealism, he later collaborated with Patrick Swift in 1968 to establish Porches Pottery (Olaria Algarve).

Among his many accolades, he received the Medalha de Honra da Cidade (Freedom of the City) from Setúbal, the titles of Chevalier and Officier de L’Ordre du Mérite from the French government, and the Order of Saint James of the Sword. From 1976 to 1978, he served as Director-General of the State Secretariat for Culture and later became Director of The National Theatre of Portugal. He was also a Freemason Master Mason.

His work on «Colecção Argonauta» stands out for its meticulous attention to the novels' content, which Lima always read, creating a seamless blend of classical technical skill and symbolic visual appeal. His cover designs alone are masterpieces worthy of museum displays.

Book Condition:

New - A new book is unread, in print and in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages.
As New - To be used only when the book is in the same immaculate condition to which it was published. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc., and the dustjacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect, without any tears.
Fine (F or FN) - Approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp. For the use of the term Fine, there must also be no defects, etc., and if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, this should be noted.
Very Good (VG) - Describes a book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Any defects must be noted.
Good (G) - Describes the average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Any defects must be noted.
Fair - Worn book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates) but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. (which must be noted). Binding, jacket (if any), etc., may also be worn. All defects must be noted.
Poor - Describes a book that is sufficiently worn, to the point that its only merit is as a Reading Copy because it does have the complete text, which must be legible. Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. This copy may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints, hinges, pages, etc