Cleared for Take-Off, Dirk Bogarde — 1st Edition

£19.95

Cleared for Take-Off, Dirk Bogarde — 1st Edition

Name: Cleared for Take-Off, Dirk Bogarde — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6081
Price: 19.95 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Viking, 1995

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 232.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The text block is tight, square, and completely sound, bound in the publisher's original bright blue boards with pristine, unoxidised gilt lettering to the spine. The corners remain sharp, and the boards are free from any noticeable shelf-wear. The text block edges show only the absolute faintest hint of dust-toning to the top edge, while the fore-edge and bottom edge remain remarkably clean. Internally, the pages are crisp, bright, and completely free from foxing, handling marks, or previous ownership inscriptions. The original dust jacket retains its deep, vibrant blue colouring with no sun-fading, presenting only trivial, barely discernible rubbing to the extreme spine tips. An exceptionally sharp and well-preserved example.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, first impression, with the full number line (1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2) present on the copyright page.

The striking original dust jacket features a reproduction of Bogarde’s authentic 1944 military identity card issued under his birth name, Derek Niven Van den Bogaerde, a poignant design choice that visually grounds the narrative.

While later impressions and paperback editions are abundant, finding a true first printing in such unblemished, collector-quality condition without the typical edge-creasing or faded spine is increasingly uncommonly seen.

In Cleared for Take-Off, acclaimed actor Dirk Bogarde steps away from the cinematic glamour of his later career to deliver a candid, deeply moving memoir of his experiences during the Second World War. Serving in military intelligence, Bogarde documents the harrowing and transformative years that preceded his rise to fame, capturing the chaos of war-torn Europe with a novelist's eye for detail. Blending profound personal tragedy with the resilience, absurdity, and camaraderie that defined his generation, this memoir is a masterful and beautifully observed reflection on youth, conflict, and survival.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Dirk Bogarde

Book Publisher: Viking

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 232

Book Publication Year: 1995

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.