The Apple Cart: A Political Extravaganza, Bernard Shaw — 1st Edition

£60.00

The Apple Cart: A Political Extravaganza, Bernard Shaw — 1st Edition

Name: The Apple Cart: A Political Extravaganza, Bernard Shaw — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4926
Price: 60.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Constable and Company Ltd., 1930

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 78.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original olive green cloth boards remain remarkably bright and clean, protected well by the wrapper, with only the lightest touch of rubbing to the extremities. The binding is firm and square, with sharp corners. Internally, the pages are generally clean and crisp, save for some mild, customary toning and occasional spotting to the text block edges. The original printed dust wrapper is present but exhibits significant wear, with notable splitting along the front joint, chipping to the spine ends, and several closed tears along the upper margins. Unusually, a charming pictorial bookplate is affixed directly to the inside front flap of the wrapper rather than the traditional pastedown.

Catalogue Note: First edition. A compelling political comedy, first performed in Warsaw before its English debut by Sir Barry Jackson at the Malvern Festival.

This particular copy is notable for its highly unusual placement of provenance: a decorative mermaid bookplate, custom-designed by "D.W." for Margaret D. Smith, is affixed directly to the inner front flap of the dust wrapper rather than the book itself.

Locating a copy that retains its original unclipped dust wrapper, even in a worn state, adds desirable appeal for the dedicated Shaw collector.

Set in a satirical future, The Apple Cart explores the escalating tensions between a constitutional monarch and his democratically elected, yet increasingly tyrannical, cabinet. King Magnus, facing an ultimatum that would strip him of all political influence and render him a mere figurehead, threatens to abdicate, dissolve the monarchy, and run for Prime Minister himself. Through blistering dialogue and sharp wit, Shaw dissects the frailties of modern democracy, bureaucratic vanity, and the true nature of power, delivering a philosophical extravaganza that remains strikingly relevant.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Bernard Shaw

Book Publisher: Constable and Company Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 86

Book Publication Year: 1930

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.