{"product_id":"hortensius-friend-of-nero-edith-pargeter-1st-edition","title":"Hortensius, Friend of Nero, Edith Pargeter — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, Lovat Dickson Limited, 1936\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo, pp. 216.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good. The original purple cloth binding remains remarkably tight, square, and structurally sound, with the gilt medallion and lettering to the front board retaining a bright, unoxidised appearance. The spine exhibits typical sunning, fading to a muted plum tone, accompanied by soft rubbing and minor bumping to the head and tail extremities. The upper front board shows a faint, isolated blemish, but the cloth is otherwise clean. Internally, the text block is clean and firmly bound, featuring authentically untrimmed rough-cut page edges that show natural, light age-toning. The endpapers display some mild foxing and offsetting, but the primary text remains crisp and free from major defects, presenting a handsome, well-preserved copy of a scarce survivor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e This is the true first edition, first printing of Edith Pargeter’s debut historical novel, an early milestone published before her legendary success under the pseudonym Ellis Peters. The text is beautifully complemented by the striking line drawings and chapter headings of John Farleigh, a prominent wood-engraver and illustrator of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eEarly UK first printings of Pargeter’s pre-war output are notably scarce on the open market, particularly in their original cloth bindings without severe institutional wear. Given its status as her inaugural foray into the historical fiction genre that would ultimately define her literary legacy, this stands as a significant cornerstone piece for collectors of her work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSet against the perilous backdrop of Imperial Rome, this captivating narrative follows the esteemed Marcus Hortensius in the turbulent aftermath of the Apostle Paul's execution. When Hortensius bravely intervenes to save a friend's Christian wife from the brutality of the arena, he draws the ire of Emperor Nero and is forced into sudden exile. Accompanied by a loyal Persian slave with whom he forms a profound connection, Hortensius must navigate a dangerous path of survival, sacrifice, and forbidden love. A lyrical and deeply moral tale, it introduces the rich historical world-building that would become the author's beloved hallmark.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54424425005395,"sku":"4810","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260723_223416.jpg?v=1785236741","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/hortensius-friend-of-nero-edith-pargeter-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}