THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (First UK edition - fourth impression - in a scarce near fine dustwrapper)

James M. Cain

Published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, 1934

Fourth impression of the first edition of "The Postman Always Rings Twice", published just four months after the first impression. First published in the UK in May 1934, the book was an immediate success, and was reprinted twice in June 1934 and then this printing in September 1934. The scarce pre-war dustwrapper is in unusually fine condition. The book was originally published earlier in 1934 in the USA by Alfred A. Knopf, New York, but the UK edition had much smaller print-runs and is now far scarcer. ***Near fine in bright yellow cloth-covered boards with black titles to the spine. The boards are still nice and clean, having been protected by the dustwrapper. No bumps to the boards. No tears to the cloth. Corners sharp. No creases. No foxing to the page block edges, just a slightly dusty and darkened top edge. No spine lean. Spine tight. Internally also near fine with no inscriptions. No foxing or offsetting to the endpapers. No creases or tears. Interior pages clean. Paper stock extremely well preserved for a book of this age. ***In a near fine dustwrapper that has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of Five Shillings net. The dustwrapper is correct for the fourth impression, being printed with '4th Printing' on the spine. The dustwrapper is complete and is clean and bright. There is just very light edge wear mainly at the head of the spine. The very thin dustwrapper has survived in remarkable condition, with just some light handling marks commensurate with the age of the book, and a slightly darkened spine. The very large foldover flaps have survived unscathed without any creasing, which is also remarkable. ***200mm x 135mm. 192 pages plus an 8-page publisher's catalogue bound in at the end of the book. ***'this vivid, drastic tale is one to read at a sitting. The psychology is as subtle as the pace is rapid.' - Gerald Gould ***'a gem of swift, rushing, relentless story-telling.' - Joseph Sell ***'it is a major work.' - James Agate. [Review quotes taken from the back panel of the dustwrapper] ***'"The Postman Always Rings Twice" is a 1934 crime novel by American writer James M. Cain. The novel was successful and notorious upon publication. It is considered one of the most outstanding crime novels of the 20th century. The novel's mix of sexuality and violence was startling in its time and caused it to be banned in Boston. It is included in Modern Library's list of 100 best novels, and it was published as an Armed Services Edition during WWII. The novel has been adapted for film seven times, of which the 1946 version is regarded as an important film noir. Cain began to write the novel in March 1933. Completed in September, the manuscript was initially turned down by both Knopf and Macmillan. Walter Lippman, who Cain had served under as a journalist at the New York World, interceded on his behalf and convinced Alfred Knopf to acquire the story. Originally titled "Bar-B-Que", the work appeared as "The Postman Always Rings Twice" in early 1934. Publisher Knopf detested both the originally proposed title "Bar-B-Que", as well as "The Postman Always Rings Twice". A compromise title "For Love or Money" was proposed by Knopf. Cain and Lawrence insisted that the metaphor of a mail carrier as the agent of fate was essential and prevailed in the title dispute.' (Wiki) ***A fourth impression of the first UK edition, extremely hard to find complete in its original dustwrapper in such nice, collectable condition. This is probably the best condition surviving pre-war copy of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" that you are likely to find. Of interest to collectors of the work of James M. Cain and collectors of crime and detective fiction first editions. ***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 # 8301x

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (First UK ...
Publisher: Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London
Publication Date: 1934
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
Edition: First Edition