- Signed
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Alexander David Fine Books, Ashtead, United KingdomAlexander David Fine Books
AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026
Condition: Used - Very good
US$ 137.53
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
This Chatto & Windus edition of Hadrian the Seventh (1959) is of interest to collectors of Frederick Rolfe, early 20th century British fiction, and Catholic literary curiosities. A very good copy in the original crimson dust jacket with cream lettering and gilt spine decoration - the jacket shows light rubbing to extremities and some toning to the rear panel, but retains its striking appearance. Boards clean and tight beneath. Interior pages cream and clean, with the characteristic italic typeface and the Decree of Urban VIII declaration signed by Fr. Rolfe, dated xxii Jul., 1904. The rear panel advertises Nicholas Crabbe at 21s net. A handsome and collectable copy of this celebrated reprint. Synopsis: Frederick Rolfe’s extraordinary roman à clef imagines an embittered English Catholic writer, a thinly veiled self-portrait, unexpectedly elected Pope, taking the name Hadrian VII. Part theological fantasy, part savage satire, part wish-fulfilment, the novel is one of the most singular and eccentric works in the English literary canon. First published in 1904, it was rediscovered in the mid-twentieth century and adapted for the stage in 1968. Review: Hadrian the Seventh is a work of fierce, idiosyncratic genius. Rolfe’s prose, ornate, allusive, and shot through with wounded pride - creates a narrator of compelling strangeness. D. H. Lawrence called it “the work of a man demon”; the Observer praised its “florid genius” and “exotic fantasy.” This Chatto & Windus reprint brought Rolfe’s masterpiece to a new generation of readers and remains a desirable copy for collectors of literary curiosities and Catholic fiction.…
Seller Inventory # ADFB-100014
Bibliographic details
- Title
- Hadrian the Seventh
- Author
- Fr. Rolf
- Publisher
- Chatto & Windus, London
- Publication year
- 1959
- Condition
- Very good
- Dust jacket
- Good
- Signed
- Signed by Author(s)
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- Seller catalogs
- Book, Print Books
Alexander David Fine Books
Ashtead, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 15 business days | 3 to 5 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 50.74 | US$ 84.12 |
Payment methods
Store description
Alexander David Fine Books specializes in first editions and rare impressions from the 1800s and 1900s. Our catalogue ranges in quantity at any time, with a focus on provenance, bibliographic interest, and works that matter to collectors, scholars, and serious readers. We deliver worldwide with tracking and insurance as standard. All books are carefully packaged for long-distance transit - if you have any queries regarding shipping please contact Alexander David.
Specialty
First editions, early printings, and important literary works from the 19th and 20th centuries.Seller's business information
Alexander David Fine Books
United Kingdom
Terms of sale
Expertise in 19th and 20th Century Literature
We specialize in the acquisition and sale of rare and collectible first editions, with a particular focus on significant literary works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each volume in our inventory is selected for its historical importance, condition, and bibliographical significance.
Meticulous Cataloging and Description
Every book is physically inspected and described with professional rigor. We provide detailed condition reports noting any specific flaws, previous ownership marks, or restorative work. For first editions, we prioritize the identification of "points" and issue states to ensure our customers receive exactly what is described.
Authenticity and Provenance
Authenticity is the cornerstone of our business. We guarantee the stated edition and printing of every item. Where notable provenance exists, it is clearly documented within the listing. Collectors can purchase with the confidence that each item has been vetted against standard bibliographical references.
Commitment to the Physical Object
We understand that for the serious collector, the dust jacket, binding, and paper quality are as important as the text itself. We aim to preserve the integrity of these objects through archival-grade storage until the moment they are dispatched to their new homes.
Shipping terms
Shipping Methodology & Insurance
- Domestic (UK): All orders are sent via tracked services to ensure secure delivery.
- International: We ship worldwide via tracked and signed-for options.
- Insurance: High-value items (£100+) are provided with full insurance coverage as standard.
Weight Basis
Our shipping rates are calculated based on allowing for an average book weight of 400g to 1kg. For exceptionally heavy volumes, multi-volume sets, or oversized folios, we may contact you to request additional postage via the AbeBooks system.
Customs and International Transit
We provide accurate customs declarations for all international shipments to ensure smooth transit through border controls. For items sent to the EU, we utilize the IOSS system where applicable to streamline the import process.
If you have any specific requirements regarding your shipment or need a bespoke courier quote, please contact Alexander David through the "Ask Bookseller a Question" link.