Don Camillo and the Devil, Giovanni Guareschi — 1st Edition
In stock
Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Publication: London, Victor Gollancz Ltd, 1957
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 224.
Condition Report: Near Fine. The book itself is in remarkably bright and well-preserved condition, with the original red cloth boards remaining vibrant and the gilt lettering to the spine crisp and unoxidised, indicating the volume has been spared from prolonged sunlight exposure. The binding is completely square and retains a satisfying tightness, suggesting minimal previous reading wear. Internally, the text block is exceptionally clean and entirely free of foxing, though a trace of faint dust toning is visible to the top edge, as is standard for Gollancz editions of this era. The iconic yellow dust jacket is similarly excellent; it is wholly intact and unclipped, retaining the original '13/6 net' price to the front flap. The jacket shows only the gentlest hint of edge wear and minor spine toning, and is now protected in a removable clear archival sleeve.
Catalogue Note: This is a true First UK Edition, First Impression. The volume is notably illustrated by the author himself, Giovanni Guareschi, whose charming line drawings encapsulate the spirit of the narrative, with his signature integrated into the title page vignette.
While copies of Guareschi's widely printed series are generally common, locating a UK First Edition in such sharp, near-fine condition, especially one retaining a bright, unclipped original dust jacket, has become increasingly uncommon on the open market.
Don Camillo and the Devil is the delightful fourth instalment in Giovanni Guareschi’s beloved series detailing the endless, humorous ideological skirmishes between the hot-headed Catholic priest, Don Camillo, and the fiery Communist mayor, Peppone, in their small Po Valley village. As Italy navigates the rapid changes of the post-war era, the two rivals continue to passionately butt heads over local politics and personal pride. Yet, behind their constant bickering and political posturing, Guareschi masterfully reveals the grudging mutual respect and shared love for their community that ultimately binds the two men together.
Book Condition: Near Fine
Book Authors: Giovanni Guareschi
Book Publisher: Victor Gollancz Ltd
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Humour
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 224
Book Publication Year: 1957
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Giovanni Guareschi
Book Series: Don Camillo
Country/region of manufacture: Bungay, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
Get in touch
You may also like
Join the Broadhurst Archive
Be the first to hear about rare new arrivals, signed editions, and literary events. A century of stories delivered straight to your inbox.