[The Levant Trilogy, comprising] The Danger Tree; The Battle Lost and Won; [and] The Sum of Things

MANNING, Olivia (1908-1980)

Published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson [through 1980], London, 1977

About this Item

First Printings of Manning's second major semi-autobiographical wartime novel sequence, sequel to The Balkan Trilogy, continuing the story of Harriet and Guy Pringle. Publisher's original cloth (French blue, orange, and slate), spines stamped in gold; dust jackets illustrated with works (respectively) by David Hockney, Edward Ardizzone, and Alun Hood and priced £4.25, £4.95, and £5.95 . A superb set, bindings square and tight, contents clean and crisp, jackets fine and bright. Virtually pristine. Olivia Manning is widely regarded as having written one of the three best fictional portrayals (with Waugh and Powell) of the experience of the Second World War in Europe and the Middle East. Anthony Burgess (99 Novels) called the Balkan Trilogy, Manning's first wartime narrative sequence, "probably the most important long work of fiction written by a woman since the war." In the Levant Trilogy, her portrait of a group of British expatriate teachers, writers and diplomats mired in the disruptions of the conflict, she "sets an intimate study of personal relationships in the context of international political and military intrigue . . . Her fictionalized treatments of wartime Egypt convey as a backdrop the suffering caused by the . . . rampant spread of fascist ideology and the mass displacement of populations, while focusing in the foreground on the fragile marriage of the trilogies protagonists, Harriet and Guy Pringle." (Literary Encyclopedia) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Seller Inventory # BB1758

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [The Levant Trilogy, comprising] The Danger Tree; The Battle Lost and Won; [and] The Sum of Things
• Publisher: Weidenfeld and Nicolson [through 1980], London
• Publication Date: 1977
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • MODERN FIRSTS