"They leave Omelas, they walk ahead into the darkness, and they do not come back."

Le Guin, Ursula K. (1929-2018). Edited by Robert Silverberg

The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas [in] New Dimensions 3

Garden City: Nelson Doubleday, Inc., (1973). First Edition/Scientific Book Club. Hardcover. Octavo. [viii], 212 pages.

The third issue of this annual collection of previously unpublished science fiction stories, edited by Robert Silverberg. 'New Directions 3' is notable for being the first appearance in print of Ursula K. Le Guin's now famous story, 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas."

Published not long after the success of her novel 'The Left Hand of Darkness,' Le Guin's story herein describes a utopian society of perfect happiness and civility. The only catch is that the maintenance of this blissful state requires a single small child to be locked away in misery and solitude. This brilliant and quite compact story has become a classic exploration of utilitarianism ('for the greater good') vs. individualism, and the idea of a scapegoat--for which Le Guin was no doubt influenced by Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Henry James..

Though published for distribution by the Scientific Book Club by Doubleday, this is nevertheless the true first edition as there was no trade hardcover published. This copy carries the correct printing code for September 1973 in the bottom gutter of page 211.

Other writers featured here in 'New Dimensions 3" include Damon Knight, James Tiptree, Jr. (Alice Sheldon), R. A. Lafferty, and Garder Dozois.

Bound in white textured paper over boards with spine titled in red. Shallow bumps to spine ends. Jacket has a closed 3/4" tear at bottom edge of front panel near joint fold, some light overall soil, and a 1" x 3/4" patch of pale staining to rear panel at top of joint fold. Overall near fine in a very good dust jacket.

Item #2105

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