NOTES TOWARDS THE DEFINITION OF CULTURE (First edition - third impression)

T. S. Eliot

Published by Faber & Faber, 24 Russell Square, London, 1949

About this Item

Third impression of the true first edition, published in February 1949. The book was originally published in October 1948, with a second impression in December of that year. ***Near fine in blue cloth-covered boards with gilt titles to the spine. The gilt is still perfectly bright. Cloth nice and clean and unmarked, having been protected by the dustwrapper. No bumps. Corners sharp. Spine tight. Internally also near fine, with none of the usual off-setting to the endpapers and no foxing. No splitting at the hinges. No inscriptions - pages clean, with no tears or creases. Nice quality paper used throughout. ***In a very good original dustwrapper, which retains the publisher's printed price of 10s. 6d. net. The dustwrapper is complete, with just some light edge wear and rubbing at the extremities. There are some light marks to the pale yellow dustwrapper, commensurate with age and handling. The spine of the dustwrapper is slightly darkened, but the red titles are only very slightly faded. ***124 pages. 227mm x 155mm. ***Contents: Introduction, I. The Three Senses of "Culture", II. The Class and the Elite, III. Unity and Diversity: The Region, IV. Unity and Diversity: Sect and Cult, V. A Note on Culture and Politics, VI. Notes on Education and Culture: and Conclusion, Appendix--The Unity of European Culture. ***'This book (only two chapters of which have, in earlier versions, been published in periodicals) is and attempt to call attention to the deterioration of language, by considering the meaning of one particular word which is very frequently used without anyone's stopping to examine its meaning. In trying to convey the meaning which he attaches to the word "culture", the author found himself led to consider some of the conditions, in the absence of which culture seems unlikely to flourish. Much of what he says has application to problems of the present time; but his chief aim is to persuade his readers to endeavour to decide upon a meaning for the word "culture" (and equally for the word "civilisation) before they use it'. (Quote taken from the front flap of the dustwrapper) ***A very nice copy of the third impression of the true first edition. Although not a particularly scarce book, copies in presentable and collectable condition in their original dustwrappers are quite hard to find now. ***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 # 8127

Bibliographic Details

• Title: NOTES TOWARDS THE DEFINITION OF CULTURE (First edition - third impression)
• Publisher: Faber & Faber, 24 Russell Square, London
• Publication Date: 1949
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • First Editions
  • Literature