[WEBB LOUDON, Jane (1807-1858)]. The Mummy! A Tale of the Twenty-Second Century. London: Henry Colburn, 1827.

First edition of a pioneering work of Science Fiction. Set in the year 2126, it describes an England filled with advanced technologies including steam-powered automaton lawyers and surgeons, coffee machines, and a sort of information highway akin to the Internet. The first English-language story to feature a reanimated Egyptian mummy, it was undoubtedly influenced by both the contemporary European fascination with Ancient Egypt and by the success of Mary Shelley’s own reanimation story, Frankenstein (1818). Bleiler, Science-fiction, the Early Years, 2313.

Three volumes, 12mo (186 x 111mm). Without half-titles, vol. 3 first text leaf B1 lacking (lacking leaf supplied in expert facsimile, vol. 2 H2 blank corner torn away, vol. 1 G10 and K1 with 1" tear in gutter margin, a scattered few minor spots). 5 pp. publisher's ads at end of vol. 2. 19th century half calf over marbled boards, all edges marbled (rebacked with original spines laid down).

R. St. Lawrence (19th century ownership inscriptions and neat inkstamps to titles)
Gary Munson (his sale, Heritage Auctions, Dallas, "The Gary Munson Collection of Horror and Fantasy Rare Books," 14 October 2021, lot 71604.
Modern small monogram bookplate