Harold’s End, JT LeRoy — 1st Edition

Name: Harold’s End, JT LeRoy — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4630
Price: 22.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: San Francisco, Last Gasp, 2004

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 99.

Condition Report: Very Good. A remarkably tight and square copy, demonstrating careful previous ownership but displaying minor signs of handling consistent with its age and binding style. The publisher’s original full black cloth boards remain structurally sound with sharp corners and unbumped spine ends, though they exhibit a few faint white handling marks and superficial scuffing, most noticeably near the left edge of the front panel's inset pastedown. The silver foil lettering to the front board and spine remains notably bright and unoxidised. Both the front and rear full-colour inset labels are securely affixed and clean, entirely free from rubbing or lifting at the margins. The text block is firm, and the binding is wonderfully tight, with no separation at the hinges. Internally, the volume is pristine; the pages are crisp, bright, and completely free from foxing, tearing, or any previous ownership inscriptions. The original lime-green ribbon marker is present and remains in excellent condition.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, first printing of JT LeRoy’s Harold’s End, denoted by the statement "First Last Gasp Printing" upon the copyright page. The novella was originally published in McSweeney's and later in Italy before this first standalone American hardcover edition.

The volume features an introduction by Dave Eggers and an afterword by Michael Ray. Notably, it is richly illustrated throughout with striking watercolour portraits by the internationally renowned Australian artist Cherry Hood. The book was issued without a dust jacket, relying instead upon its distinctive black cloth and inset pictorial labels for its visual appeal.

A dark and compelling power ballad of the San Francisco streets, Harold’s End follows the harrowing yet oddly tender relationship between a young, heroin-addicted street hustler and a wealthy older patron with unconventional desires. Amidst a grim reality of survival and exploitation, the narrator finds an unexpected and profound solace in a gift from his benefactor: a pet snail named Harold. Through unrivalled, raw literary finesse, the novella allows the fragile sweetness of childhood to seep through the muck of urban desperation, delivering a story that is as savagely authentic as it is heartbreakingly tragic.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: JT LeRoy

Book Publisher: Last Gasp

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 99

Book Publication Year: 2004

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Cherry Hood

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Hong Kong, China

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.