THE FALL (First UK edition - first impression - near fine copy)

Albert Camus (Translated from the French by Justin O'Brien)

Published by Hamish Hamilton, London, 1957

About this Item

First impression of the first UK edition, published in 1957. The book was also published in the USA by Alfred A. Knopf. Translated from the French into English by Justin O'Brien. With a striking dustwrapper design by Patricia Davey. A near fine book in a near fine dustwrapper, just faded at the spine. ***Near fine in green cloth-covered boards with silver titles to the spine. The silver is still nice and bright, having been protected by the dustwrapper. The boards are clean and unmarked, without any scuffs, rubbing or creasing. Corners sharp. Edges of the page block bright and clean. There is just a very slight reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Internally the book is also near fine with clean pages. No internal foxing. No creases or tears. No inscriptions. ***In a near fine colour-printed dustwrapper, which has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of 10s. 6d. net. The dustwrapper is complete with no chips, and only minimal rubbing to the extremities. The back panel is beautifully clean, which is surprising as it is white. The sun-sensitive light and dark red colours to the spine are faded. ***204mm x135mm. 109 pages. ***'"The Fall" (French: La Chute) is a philosophical novel by Albert Camus. First published in 1956, it is his last complete work of fiction. Set in Amsterdam, "The Fall" consists of a series of dramatic monologues by the self-proclaimed "judge-penitent" Jean-Baptiste Clamence, as he reflects upon his life to a stranger. In what amounts to a confession, Clamence tells of his success as a wealthy Parisian defense lawyer who was highly respected by his colleagues. His crisis, and his ultimate "fall" from grace, was meant to invoke, in secular terms, the fall of man from the Garden of Eden. "The Fall" explores themes of innocence, imprisonment, non-existence, and truth. In a eulogy to Albert Camus, existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre described the novel as "perhaps the most beautiful and the least understood" of Camus' books.' (Wiki) ***A truly beautiful copy of the true first impression of the first UK edition of Albert Camus' novel "The Fall". Because of the fragile nature of this book, and in particular the dustwrapper, copies are rarely found now in such collectable condition and, if they are, they are usually later impressions. This first impression in such near fine condition is something of a rarity. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc. Seller Inventory # 8843

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE FALL (First UK edition - first ...

Publisher: Hamish Hamilton, London

Publication Date: 1957

Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Patricia Davey (Jacket design)

Condition: Near Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

Edition: First UK Edition