Set in southern Ontario in the late nineteenth century, at a time when the machine age was coming into its own, "Perpetual Motion" chronicles the fortunes of settler Robert Fraser, a man obsessed with power and control. Driven by the idea of inventing a perpetual motion machine which will utilize natural energy, he neglects and destroys not only the nature around him but his own family too, as his overbearing rationality becomes a kind of tragic lunacy. First published in 1982, "Perpetual Motion" is Graeme Gibson's superb ...
Read More
Set in southern Ontario in the late nineteenth century, at a time when the machine age was coming into its own, "Perpetual Motion" chronicles the fortunes of settler Robert Fraser, a man obsessed with power and control. Driven by the idea of inventing a perpetual motion machine which will utilize natural energy, he neglects and destroys not only the nature around him but his own family too, as his overbearing rationality becomes a kind of tragic lunacy. First published in 1982, "Perpetual Motion" is Graeme Gibson's superb evocation of a time when faith in material progress is still challenged by superstition and a lingering belief in magic. It is an ironic yet compassionate examination of the painful consequences of human folly. "From the Hardcover edition."
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine copy in fine dust jacket. 8vo 8 1/2"x 5 1/4" black boards w/ silver lettering on spine; 283 pgs; illus dust jacket w/ $12.95 on front flap, author photo at back; the first of Canadian author's books pub in U.S. quotes by Annie Dillard, Timothy Findley & Alice Munro on back cover.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Near Fine in Near Fine jacket. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. Complete number line at copyright page [1-10]. NON price-clipped DJ [$12.95]. Pages clean, unmarked, binding tight. Black boards, silver lettering on spine. This is the story of a place and its sometimes grotesque inhabitants and of an age when faith in material progress is undermined by the lingering belief in the magical, the portentous and the superstitions that underlie Ontario's Methodist facade. It draws its energy from such vernacular traditions as the tall tale, the rural kitchen-table anecdote, the bawdy joke, and the ghost story. Media Mail, Priority & most international shipping include free tracking information. Every book listed is located in my smoke free and climate controlled shop. All are inspected by me and will have qualities and/or flaws described.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good in Near Very Good jacket. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. pp. 238. 238 pp. The page edges are lightly shelf-soiled. The jacket is slightly scuffed at the head and foot of the spine, and is shelf-soiled. The Canadian author's first novel published in the U.S.; set in southern Ontario in the late 19th century.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Near Fine in Very Good+ jacket. Book Gordonsville, Virginia, U.S.A. : St Martins Pr, 1983. Stated First American Edition. Near FIne/Very Good+. Clean black cloth boards with silver lettering on spine. No bumping or wear. Binding is tight & crisp, pages and edges are clean. No names, writing or marks. 283 pgs. Clean dustjacket has one 3/4" closed tear at base of rear flap fold. Enclosed in new archival quality mylar cover. Set in southern Ontario in the late 19th century, this novel chronicles the fortunes of a man driven by the idea of inventing a perpetual motion machine. 8 Vo. Fiction.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!