In Defence of Sensuality, John Cowper Powys — 1st Edition

£24.10

In Defence of Sensuality, John Cowper Powys — 1st Edition

Name: In Defence of Sensuality, John Cowper Powys — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6726
Price: 24.10 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Victor Gollancz Ltd, 1930

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 287.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original dark cloth binding remains structurally tight and square, with sharp corners and a firm spine, though it exhibits mild scuffing and rubbing to the boards and spine extremities. The gilt lettering on the spine remains entirely legible but shows slight fading commensurate with age. Internally, the text block is securely bound; however, moderate foxing and tanning are present across the page edges and preliminary leaves, including the endpapers. The visible pages are otherwise clean and unmarked, lacking any internal tears or notable creases. There is no dust jacket present.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition of Powys’s work, published by Victor Gollancz Ltd in 1930. The volume features the publisher's standard dark cloth binding typical of Gollancz's non-fiction titles from this era, complete with gilt spine stamping. The book bears a printed dedication to the memory of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

As an unsigned, unillustrated trade edition lacking its dust jacket, this iteration of the text is relatively common on the open market, though it remains a staple volume for collectors of early twentieth-century British philosophy and Powys’s extensive bibliography.

In Defence of Sensuality is John Cowper Powys’s profound philosophical treatise advocating for a life grounded in contemplative, sensory connection over the chaotic activities of modern society. Powys argues that achieving a state of cosmic happiness requires individuals to isolate their inner consciousness, the "I am I," and embrace a rich, solitary engagement with the natural world and their own physical senses. Rejecting societal pressures and intellectual overcomplication, the author champions a return to a fundamental, deeply felt awareness, presenting a compelling manifesto for spiritual and emotional self-reliance.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: John Cowper Powys

Book Publisher: Victor Gollancz Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Philosophy

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 287

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.