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James White | Science Fiction

Deadly Litter by James White

Deadly Litter by James White

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Book Specifications
  • Illustrator: Matt Davis
  • Format: Mass market paperback
  • Condition: Good
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books (1964)
  • Length: 175 pages
  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • OCLC: 33239011
Condition Note: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear, but fully intact and structurally sound. Notes: Page 9 has additional creasing but page and text intact. First Edition Copy.
  • Ships within 1–2 business days. Carefully packaged for safe delivery.

A Classic 1960s Science Fiction Anthology of Space Hazards and Human Survival

In Deadly Litter, acclaimed Northern Irish science fiction author James White (creator of the famous Sector General series) delivers a gripping collection of four speculative short stories and novellas. First published by Ballantine Books in 1964, this anthology focuses on the realistic engineering challenges, psychological pressures, and unexpected hazards facing early space travelers.

The title story, "Deadly Litter," offers a remarkably prescient look at the dangers of orbital space junk—propelling a tense narrative where discarded metallic debris in satellite orbits becomes a lethal hazard for interplanetary spacecraft. The collection also includes "Grapeliner," "The Ideal Captain," and "The Lights Outside the Windows," each tackling themes of deep-space navigation, command decisions under extreme isolation, and human problem-solving in the vacuum of space.

Why You'll Love This Book

Showcasing James White's signature emphasis on ingenuity, humanism, and rational problem-solving over violence, Deadly Litter is a prime example of mid-century hard science fiction. Fans of vintage Ballantine paperbacks, classic hard sci-fi, and authors like Arthur C. Clarke (A Fall of Moondust), Robert A. Heinlein, Hal Clement, Murray Leinster, and Isaac Asimov will find this collection a standout read.

Condition & Grading Guide

How We Grade Our Books

  • 📸 True-to-Life Photos: For all vintage and pre-loved books, the photos on the page are of the exact physical copy on our shelf. Brand-new books feature official publisher cover art.
  • New: Direct from the publisher; immaculate, unread condition.
  • Like New: Pristine condition with minimal to no shelf wear; looks unread.
  • Very Good: Lightly read with minor shelf wear or light cover creasing. Pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked with a tight binding. (Our baseline standard for pre-loved books.)
  • Good: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear or page aging, but fully intact and structurally sound.

Packaging & Shipping

Shipping Details & Delivery Speeds

  • FREE Domestic Shipping: Standard shipping is free on all U.S. orders $50+.
  • Base Shipping from $6.99: Covers up to 2 lbs (roughly 3–4 paperbacks). Tea, tabs, and bookmarks ride along free.; larger orders scale by weight.
  • Tracking Included: You will receive an automated tracking link via email as soon as your order is packed and labeled.
  • Expedited Shipping Available: Need it faster? UPS 2nd Day Air is available at checkout (ships out the next business day).

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The Fehmerling Guarantee

Our Guarantee & Return Policy

  • 14-Day Returns: Unread books and unopened tea packages can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
  • Damaged in Transit? If your shipment arrives damaged or incorrect, email us within 72 hours of delivery scan at customerservice@fehmerlingbooks.com. We’ll evaluate it immediately and provide a prepaid return label and replacement or full refund.
  • Hassle-Free Support: To start a return, simply email us with your order number.

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Regular price $10.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $10.00 USD
Sale Sold out