New. Sealed. One of just 1,200 hand-numbered copies that comes is a cloth-bound slipcase.
Illustrated by Vanessa Lemen. Signed by both the late Ursula K. Le Guin and Vanessa Lemen.
Synopsis
Fourth in Ms. Le Guin’s Hainish Cycle, the novel follows the story of Genly Ai, a human native of Terra, who is sent to the planet of Gethen as an envoy of the Ekumen, a loose confederation of planets. Ai's mission is to persuade the nations of Gethen to join the Ekumen, but he is stymied by a lack of understanding of their culture. Individuals on Gethen are ambisexual, with no fixed sex; this has a strong influence on the culture of the planet, and creates a barrier of understanding for Ai.
The Left Hand of Darkness was among the first books in the genre now known as feminist science fiction and is the most famous examination of androgyny in science fiction.[7] A major theme of the novel is the effect of sex and gender on culture and society, explored in particular through the relationship between Ai and Estraven, a Gethenian politician who trusts and helps Ai. When the book was first published, the gender theme touched off a feminist debate over the depiction of the ambisexual Gethenians. The novel also explores the interaction between the unfolding loyalties of its two main characters, the loneliness and rootlessness of Ai, and the contrast between the religions of Gethen's two major nations.
Condition
This book is in NEW SEALED condition.
Terms of Sale
Returns are only allowed due to shipping damage or item not being as described. Due to USPS insurance claims procedures, partial refunds are not allowed due to shipping damage. Items damaged in shipping must be returned in the original packaging as received. The USPS requires inspection of the packaging and item damaged.
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Shipping and Packaging Information
Shipped with USPS Media Mail.
We always use very sturdy boxes when shipping these books. The books are bubble wrapped and then further protected with added filler (eco-peanuts or similar) to keep the book from all sides of the box in which it is being shipped.
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