Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Flowers for Algernon is a science fiction short story and subsequent novel written by Daniel Keyes. The short story, written in 1958 and first published in the April 1959 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960. The novel was published in 1966 and was joint winner of that year's Nebula Award for Best Novel. The titular Algernon is a laboratory mouse who has undergone surgery to increase his intelligence by artificial means.

Following his doctor's instructions, engaging simpleton Charlie Gordon tells his own story in semi-literate "progris riports." He dimly wants to better himself, but with an IQ of 68 can't even beat the laboratory mouse Algernon at maze-solving. Then, an operation turns him into a genius and introduces him to heartache.

Best selling editions of Flowers For Algernon

Daniel Keyes
Paperback
Orion Publishing Group
From about A$11.56
Daniel Keyes
Mass Market Paperbound
Bantam Books, Bantam
From about A$5.67
Daniel Keyes
Hardback
Heinemann Educational Books, Revised
From about A$42.41
Daniel Keyes
Hardback
Gollancz
From about A$108.33
Daniel Keyes
Paperback
Harcourt Inc.
From about A$18.53

Collecting "Flowers For Algernon"

First edition identification

The first edition is bound in light grey cloth and contains the words 'First Edition' on the copyright page. The dustjacket flap should have the price $4.95.