TRAWL (First edition - first printing, in the dustwrapper)

B. S. Johnson

Published by Secker & Warburg, London, 1966

About this Item

First printing of the true first edition of B. S. Johnson's scarce third experimental novel. A first-person description of a three-week voyage on a deep sea fishing trawler that tries to get to the heart of the human condition. Jacket design by John Holden. ***Very good in black cloth-covered boards with gilt titles to the spine. The gilt is still nice and bright. The boards are clean and unmarked. Edges of boards just slightly rubbed. Top corner tips slightly creased. Page block edges slightly foxed. No reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Internally near fine with no inscriptions, just a short unobtrusive line mark to front free endpaper. Pages clean. No foxing. No creases or tears. ***In a near fine colour illustrated dustwrapper, which has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of 27s 6d net. Edges of dustwrapper just slightly rubbed and creased. The non-laminated edges of the dustwrapper are slightly darkened. The dustwrapper is bright and unfaded, even to the spine. No chips. No tears. No significant creasing. ***183 pages. 222mm x 124 mm. ***'B. S. Johnson's third novel is as original and well-written as "Travelling People" and "Albert Angelo", but in a far more subtle way. His descriptions of trawling and the sea are convincingly authentic, and his chief character's harrowingly honest memories and reflections add a counterpoint to make a serious statement of the author's attitude towards truth and the human condition.' (Quote taken from the front flap of the dustwrapper) ***'Bryan Stanley William Johnson (5 Feb 1933 - 13 Nov 1973) was an English experimental novelist, poet and literary critic. He also produced television programmes and made films. Johnson became depressed by his failure to succeed commercially and by mounting family problems. On 13 Nov 1973, aged 40, he took his own life. Johnson's following at the time of his death was small if enthusiastic, but he quickly acquired a posthumous cult following, helped by a critically acclaimed film adaptation in 2000 of the last novel of his to appear in his lifetime, "Christie Malry's Own Double-Entry."' (Wiki) ***First printing of the true first edition, complete in the original dustwrapper in nice, collectable condition. Of interest to collectors of B. S. Johnson first edition titles. First editions of this experimental novel are extremely hard to find now. Many copies would have gone to lending libraries and been since discarded. ***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 # 3984

Bibliographic Details

Title: TRAWL (First edition - first printing, in ...

Publisher: Secker & Warburg, London

Publication Date: 1966

Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: John Holden (Jacket design)

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

Edition: First Edition