De la Mare THE RETURN. Correct First Issue Presentation Copy Very Rare. Bleiler

Description: De la Mare, Walter. THE RETURN. 8vo original cloth, front panel stamped in white, spine panel stamped in gold, bottom edge untrimmed; [1-4] 5-312 + 8-page undated publisher’s catalogue inserted at rear. Lon: Edward Arnold, 1910. The correct first edition, first issue with integral ads. One of this author's rarest and most important works. The Albert Parsons Sachs copy with his bookplate on the front pastedown. Author's presentation inscription for Mrs. / Wm (?) Jameson. Original binding professionally restored, with the original spine laid in, otherwise about fine. The only English edition of this text, though an American edition appeared the following year. "The protagonist goes to sleep in a graveyard and takes on the appearance of an eighteenth-century suicide; rejected by his family and friends he is forced to reconstruct his identity, uncertain whether he must become a psychological as well as a physical replica of the dead man. An unusual exercise in speculative existentialism. "-Barron (ed), Horror Literature 3-58.”Most interesting, handled more directly than is usually the case with de la Mare, although much is still left to the reader’s imagination. "-Bleiler, The Guide to Supernatural Fiction 499. The author revised the text in 1922, toning down the supernaturalism, and the revision was the basis of reprints until the recent (1997) Dover reissue which utilized the text of the first edition. Ashley, Who’s Who in Horror and Fantasy Fiction, pp. 65-6. Sullivan (ed), The Penguin Encyclopedia of Horror and the Supernatural, pp. 117-21. Tymn (ed), Horror Literature 4-89. Bleiler (1978), p. 59. Reginald 04032. Inscribed copies of the correct first edition are rare. Originally appeared in our printed catalogue at $2500.00 Retiring from the book business after more than 55 years; all prices drastically reduced; all items sold as is; no returns. Contact us with any questions regarding condition, shipping, or payment. We seriously consider ALL OFFERS from MOTIVATED buyers. This item ships from our office in Athens, Greece by Registered Air Mail, a thoroughly reliable service. We recycle all shipping materials. Please Visit Our eBay Store. Satisfied book lovers are encouraged to give this humble bookseller a stellar rating. We regret that two increases in shipping rates from Europe this years require us to charge $15 for shipping and $2.50 for handling. We appreciate your understanding. Many Thanks to All!!!

Price: 750 USD

Location: Athens, Pangrati

End Time: 2024-11-29T11:09:55.000Z

Shipping Cost: 17.5 USD