GUILE, Melanie (b. 1949)
Mr. Venus - Computer Wizard.
Sydney, Auckland, New York, Toronto, London: Scholastic Australia Pty Limited, 1997.
Description:
First edition. Octavo (20.3 x 12.7 cm), pp. [1–3] 4–24. Original publisher’s stiff pictorial paper wrappers, bound as a paperback. Cover illustration by Cliff Watt. Part of the Scholastic Australia "iD" supplementary reading series (Series Identifier: HU 03). Fine condition.
Condition Report:
An exceptional, well-preserved copy showing minimal signs of handling.
- Wrappers: Vibrant pink and blue hues remain bright with no sun-fading or major creasing. Minor shelf wear to the edges; corners sharp and unbumped.
- Spine: Square, tight, and uncreased, indicating the book remains unread or carefully handled.
- Internal: Pages are clean, crisp, and completely free of foxing, spotting, or marginalia. No ownership inscriptions.
- Provenance/Markings: Retains an original contemporary retail price sticker on the lower rear wrapper from "The Fairfield Bookshop," noting a historical price of $7.95 AUD, a stock code of 1270303ASH, and the printed ISBN bar code.
Historical & Bibliographical Context:
Published during the rapid integration of home computing into late-1990s youth culture, Mr. Venus - Computer Wizard is a scarce artifact of Australian educational publishing. Written by noted children’s author Melanie Guile, the narrative follows a young girl named Jen who uncovers a surreal, magical technology shop operated by the eccentric Willard Venus. Notably, the text features clever visual and narrative puns of the era, such as a literal live mouse named "Click" acting as a computer peripheral.
Originally distributed primarily through scholastic channels and local Australian libraries, trade copies in this pristine, collector-grade condition are increasingly uncommon.
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