First edition in English, first printing with no mention of this title in the ads., of the book form of "the first [science fiction] epic of cinema" (Clute and Nicholls).

Small 8vo., original red cloth gilt with first state dust wrapper designed by Aubrey Hammond, again with no mention of this title in the ads. Gilt on spine a little dulled, dust wrapper with a chip at the foot of the spine and a few other small chips and nicks and a little rubbing with a small patch of abrasion affecting the design to upper panel, lightly printed ink stamp of a chemist and household stores shop in Horsham on front free endpaper, otherwise a very good copy in a bright dust wrapper.

Michael Joseph of The Bookman wrote about the novel: "It is a remarkable piece of work, skilfully reproducing the atmosphere one has come to associate with the most ambitious German film productions. Suggestive in many respects of the dramatic work of Karel Capek and of the earlier fantastic romances of H. G. Wells, in treatment it is an interesting example of expressionist literature. [...] Metropolis is one of the most powerful novels I have read and one which may capture a large public both in America and England if it does not prove too bewildering to the plain reader."

A pioneering movie in both science fiction and German film, the story of future dystopia is most remarkable for its visual virtuosity; the production nearly bankrupted the studio with its expensive Expressionistic and Cubistic set designs. It’s influence on the science fiction genre can be seen from Star Wars to Blade Runner.