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SHORT FICTION INDEX NEXT STORY PREVIOUS STORY	The Essence of the Poison Mainstream short story. Written in 1941 —the earliest known story written by Philip José Farmer— but only published after its rediscovery in Phil's archives. DESCRIPTION: A story about prejudice and anti-Semitism, and where this might lead to. From the introduction: "Be forewarned: this story of a man tortured and obsessed by his anti-Semitic hallucinations is not a pleasant read; but it raises issues that, unfortunately, must still be addressed today. While Phil's writings indicate that he is a realist —that he knows well human nature has long carried with it a predilection for prejudice it still has yet to abandon— his stories also cry forth a great shout of hope, an undying optimism that humankind can exercise its little used free will and change for the better."   PUBLICATION HISTORY | US |	3 Publications
US	Fanzine Edited by Publisher Series+no. Format Date Pages Price Cover art Notes FIRST PUBLICATION in Farmerphile Christopher Paul Carey & Paul Spiteri -, GA: Michael Croteau Issue No. 4 fanzine (21,5×14cm) April 2006 52 $ 10.00 Jason Robert Bell With an introduction by Christopher Paul Carey. The story is illustrated by Charles Berlin. Jason Robert Bell Collection Edited by Publisher Series+no. Bookno. Format Date Pages Price Cover art Notes in Up from the Bottomless Pit and Other Stories Christopher Paul Carey Burton, MI: Subterranean Press - ISBN 978-1-59606-128-6 hardcover (23,5×16cm) 07/2007 373 $ 125.00 [Numbered, signed, slipcased edition] Keith Howell and Charles Berlin With an introduction by the editor. The story is illustrated by Charles Berlin. Keith Howell & Charles Berlin Collection Edited by Publisher Series+no. Bookno. Format Date Pages Price Cover art Notes in Up from the Bottomless Pit and Other Stories Christopher Paul Carey Burton, MI: Subterranean Press - ISBN 978-1-59606-128-6 hardcover (23,5×16cm) 10/2007 385 $ 300.00 [Lettered, signed, traycased edition] Keith Howell and Charles Berlin With an introduction by the editor. The story is illustrated by Charles Berlin. Keith Howell & Charles Berlin
	© Zacharias L.A. Nuninga -- Page last updated: 1 May 2012