Diary of a War Artist, Edward Ardizzone — 1st Edition

£85.00

Diary of a War Artist, Edward Ardizzone — 1st Edition

Name: Diary of a War Artist, Edward Ardizzone — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5812
Price: 85.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, The Bodley Head, 1974

Formatting: 8vo, pp. viii, [iv], 213, [1].

Condition Report: Near Fine. The book maintains excellent structural integrity, with the original blue cloth boards remaining exceptionally clean and the spine's gilt lettering striking and unoxidised. The binding is completely sound, remaining tight and square without any weakness to the hinges. The text block is free of significant flaws; the pages are bright, crisp, and clean, showing no signs of foxing or handling marks, though the top edge exhibits the faintest trace of dust. The original dust jacket is beautifully preserved within a protective sleeve, retaining its vivid illustrations without any noticeable fading, showing only the most microscopic rubbing to the extreme corners and spine tips to justify the grade.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, firmly confirmed by the copyright page stating "First published 1974" with no subsequent printings noted. The volume is profusely illustrated throughout with Edward Ardizzone’s evocative pen-and-ink sketches and watercolours, seamlessly integrated with facsimiles of his original handwritten diary entries.

While standard copies of this title occasionally surface on the open market, locating a first printing that retains such a vibrant, intact dust jacket and impeccably clean boards is uncommon.

Serving as an official War Artist during the Second World War, renowned British illustrator Edward Ardizzone documented the realities of the conflict with remarkable intimacy and artistic flair. This compelling volume serves as a faithful reproduction of his personal wartime diaries, tracking his journey alongside the allied forces from the 1943 invasion of Sicily through Italy and beyond. Combining candid, immediate observations of military life with his distinctive, atmospheric artwork, the book offers a uniquely personal and visually arresting perspective on the frontline experience.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Edward Ardizzone

Book Publisher: The Bodley Head

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 214

Book Publication Year: 1974

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Edward Ardizzone

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.