Description
8vo, XL 355pp. Hardcover in smooth coated black boards with bright and clear gold cover and spine labels stamped in black ink.There is moderate shelf wear with a firm spine and intact hinges though stitching is slight;y visible between pges 326-327. The corners have minor bruising and the webbing at the base of the spine is missing 2mm (though barely noticeable) and there are the appropriate rough -cut edges of course. Overall a very good specimen. The all important unrestored and rare d/w is the original first edition, first impression that is certainly well worn but still intact o/t small tears to the edges at the top and bottom of the spine and wear to the front and rear flap folds. It is not price-clipped with $2.50 clearly displayed on the upper corner of the front flap and Catherine Barkley has been miisspelt as Katharine Barclay on the front flap summary (an important first printing identifier). The book with d/w is now protected by clear archival covering, the text remains in very good condition with appropriate light age-toning of all pages but with absolutely no foxing, being also devoid of any prior owner markings. The famous Scribner collophon is correctly present on the 1929 copyright page and there is also no disclaimer present on the verso of the dedication page with no mention of any other printings either – all further evidence of its pedigree. Arguably Hemingway’s most famous and admired book, it is semi-autobiographical relating to his time as an ambulance driver on the Italian front in WWI and it became his first best-seller. The often copied d/w art and design is by “Cleon” Danianakes, a renowned illustrator and etcher who designed some of the most iconic jackets of the era.This is a beautiful example of one of the most famous works of American literature that established its author’s credentials forever. The worn unrestored d/w does need permanent care and protection but for the ardent collector it only further enhances the extraordinary patina of age seen in this important and highly collectible example of great American literature.