An exceptional signed collector’s copy of Christopher Brookmyre’s acclaimed science-fiction novel. Boldly signed, dated 17 February 2013, numbered 4/5, and accompanied by an original author doodle depicting Pac-Man pursuing an alien, together with the unique inscription. The book is in near fine condition with a near fine unclipped dust jacket, presenting as a particularly attractive example of this sought-after first printing. Unlike ordinary signed copies, this example forms part of a very small numbered sequence and features original artwork executed by the author. Copies combining a low limitation number, bespoke inscription and original doodle are encountered far less frequently than standard signed editions and are highly desirable to dedicated Brookmyre collectors. A single-digit numbered copy such as 4/5 is especially appealing. Marked a notable departure for Brookmyre, taking him from the territory of crime and satire into full-scale science fiction. The novel follows Ross Baker, a scientist who finds himself transported into a series of immersive virtual worlds that initially resemble video games. As the boundaries between reality and simulation begin to collapse, Ross is drawn into a struggle involving artificial intelligence, identity, consciousness and survival itself. The book was later adapted into a video game, reflecting the close connection between the novel and gaming culture. Occupies a distinctive place within Christopher Brookmyre’s bibliography as his ambitious venture into science fiction and gaming culture. Numbered and doodled copies created by the author are considerably scarcer than standard signed first editions, and examples with bespoke gaming-themed artwork are particularly appropriate to the themes of the novel. The Pac-Man doodle and accompanying inscription create a direct link to the work’s exploration of virtual worlds, gaming and digital reality, making this copy far more than a routine signed first edition. A scarce opportunity to acquire an unusually personal and highly collectable example of one of Brookmyre’s most innovative novels. Condition: Near Fine book in Near Fine dust jacket. Signed, dated, numbered 4/5 and doodled by the author. First Edition, First Printing.
