PROSPERO'S CELL - A guide to the landscape and manners of the island of Corcyra (Corfu) - (First paperback edition - first impression)

Lawrence Durrell

Published by Faber & Faber, 24 Russell Square, London, W.C.1, 1962

First impression of the first paperback edition, published in 1962. The book was originally published by Faber in hardback in 1945, and is seldom seen in the first edition now. ***Very good in Faber's typical typographical-style card covers. The covers have some light marks and rubbing commensurate with age and handling, but are very clean. Some light creases to the corners and rubbing to the spine edges. Slight abrasion to the top of the fore-edge of the page block (please see scans). No reading lean to the binding. No reading creases to the spine. Spine tight. No fading. Internally also very good with no inscriptions. Pages clean, with just a couple of foxing spots to the fore-edge of the half-title page. No serious creases or tears. ***142 pages including an Appendix for Travellers, a Brief Bibliography in English, and an Index at the back of the book. 198mm x 130mm. ***Contents: I. Divisions Upon Greek Ground, II. The Island Saint, III. Ionian profiles, IV. Karaghiosis: The Laic Hero, V. History and Conjecture, VI. Landscape with Olive Trees, VII. The Vintage Time, VIII. Epilogue in Alexandria, IX. Appendix for Travellers, A Brief Bibliography in English, Index. ***'Lawrence George Durrell CBE (27 Feb 1912 - 7 Nov 1990) was an expatriate British novelist, poet, dramatist, and travel writer. He was the eldest brother of naturalist and writer Gerald Durrell. Born in India to British colonial parents, he was sent to England at the age of 11 for his education. He did not like formal education, but started writing poetry at the age of 15. His first book was published in 1935, when he was 23 years old. In March 1935 he and his mother and younger siblings moved to the island of Corfu. Durrell spent many years thereafter living around the world. His most famous work is The Alexandria Quartet, published between 1957 and 1960. The best-known novel in the series is the first, "Justine". Beginning in 1974, Durrell published The Avignon Quintet, using many of the same techniques. The first of these novels, "Monsieur, or the Prince of Darkness", won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1974. The middle novel, "Constance, or Solitary Practices", was nominated for the 1982 Booker Prize. In the 20th century, Durrell was a bestselling author and one of the most celebrated writers in England. Durrell supported his writing by working for many years in the Foreign Service of the British government. His sojourns in various places during and after World War II (such as his time in Alexandria, Egypt) inspired much of his work. He married four times, and had a daughter with each of his first two wives.' (Wiki) ***'Corfu, that Ionian island --- could not have found a fitter chronicler than Mr. Durrell. For he is a poet, with a poet's sensibility, and a humanist to boot, with a keen eye for character and a scholar's reverence for antiquity.' - The Daily Telegraph.' (Quote taken from the inside front cover) ***First impression of the first paperback edition, published in 1962, in very good original condition. This edition is quite uncommon 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 # PB707

Bibliographic Details

Title: PROSPERO'S CELL - A guide to the landscape ...
Publisher: Faber & Faber, 24 Russell Square, London, W.C.1
Publication Date: 1962
Binding: Original Wraps
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket, as Issued
Edition: First Paperback Edition