Vintage 1978 Poul Anderson The Avatar Hardcover DJ Retro Sci-Fi Space Opera

Vintage 1978 Poul Anderson The Avatar Hardcover DJ Retro Sci-Fi Space Opera  This 1978 hardcover copy of The Avatar by Poul Anderson is a great piece of classic science-fiction shelf candy, especially with its dramatic space-art dust jacket. Published by Berkley Putnam, the novel follows humanity beyond an alien-built gate into unexplored reaches of the galaxy, making it a natural fit for collectors of vintage sci-fi and space opera.  The book is pre-owned and shows its age, but the interior presents nicely. The pages shown are clean and readable, and the binding appears sound. The original dust jacket is included and has definitely lived a life—there is rubbing, edge wear, small tears/chipping and heavier wear around the spine ends and corners, all visible in the photos.  The copyright page is dated 1978 and does not show a later printing statement. Because Book Club copies of this title can be very similar, I am not calling this a first edition without additional identifying points.  A fun vintage hardcover for a Poul Anderson collector, retro sci-fi shelf, or anyone who loves old-school space opera cover art.