The Room | First UK Edition

Selby, Hubert

ISBN 10: 0714508888 / ISBN 13: 9780714508887

Published by Calder & Boyars, London, 1972

About this Item

Selby's second novel - following the cult classic 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' - is a visceral psychological journey into the mind of a man isolated in a remand cell, surrendering to obsession, rage, and fantasy as his grip on reality slips. Inspired by Selby?s groundbreaking stream?of?consciousness style and unflinching emotional intensity, The Room remains one of the author?s most haunting and unforgettable works.

This edition holds significant appeal for collectors of 20th-century American literature, cult modern novels, and literary psychological fiction. It's a powerful addition to any serious collection and a standout example of Selby's visionary voice.

Condition Notes: First UK edition, 1972. 288pp. Hardcover with original dust jacket. Book is in very good condition: clean, bright pages, firm binding, and no internal markings apart from a previous owner's inscription to the front endpaper. Light age toning only. The dust jacket is in very good condition, with minor edge wear and light rubbing; clean and well-preserved overall.

A compelling collectible copy that balances readability, aesthetic appeal, and first-edition desirability.

Seller Inventory # 123

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Room | First UK Edition
• Publisher: Calder & Boyars, London
• Publication Date: 1972
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0714508888
• ISBN 13: 9780714508887
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Good
• Dimensions: 135W x 200H x 30D millimeters 135 millimeters width by 200 millimeters height by 30 millimeters depth
• Weight: 310 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Secluded in his remand cell, a small-time criminal surrenders himself to sadistic fantasies of hatred and revenge. Selby's second novel is a claustrophobic descent into the tormented soul of a man trapped in a loveless society.

”Selby's place is in the front rank of American novelists; to understand his work is to understand the anguish of America.”—New York Times Book Review

Born in Brooklyn New York, Hubert Selby Jr. achieved international recognition for Last Exit to Brooklyn. His other books include The Demon, The Willow Tree, and Song of the Silent Snow—all available Marion Boyars.

About the Author

Hubert Selby, Jr. was born in Brooklyn in 1928. At the age of 15, he dropped out of school and went to sea with the merchant marines. While at sea he was diagnosed with lung disease. With no other way to make a living, he decided to try writing: 'I knew the alphabet. Maybe I could be a writer.' In 1964 he completed his first book, Last Exit to Brooklyn, which has since become a cult classic. In 1966, it was the subject of an obscenity trial in the UK. His other books include The Room, The Demon, Requiem for a Dream, Song of the Silent Snow, The Willow Tree and Waiting Period. In 2000, Requiem for a Dream starred Jared Leto and Ellen Burstyn and was directed by Darren Aronofsky. Hubert Selby Jr died in Highland Park, Los Angeles, California in April 2004.