In the Heart of the Country, J.M. Coetzee — 1st Edition

£42.50

In the Heart of the Country, J.M. Coetzee — 1st Edition

Name: In the Heart of the Country, J.M. Coetzee — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5073
Price: 42.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Secker & Warburg, 1977

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 139.

Condition Report: Good. This ex-library copy remains structurally intact and readable, though it bears the expected hallmarks of its institutional provenance. The publisher's original cloth binding is firm, presenting a slight reading lean and moderate rubbing to the extremities. Internally, the pages are generally clean, though punctuated by standard library stamps, most notably on the copyright page, a ghosting stamp on the title page, and bold stamping along the text block edges. The endpapers exhibit significant sellotape residue and glue staining from previous jacket protector attachments. The original dust jacket remains bright and complete, but displays light shelf-wear and corresponding tape marks on the reverse from its time in circulation. Despite these flaws, the binding remains sound, making it a perfectly serviceable reading copy of a scarce first printing.

Catalogue Note: This is a true First UK Edition of J.M. Coetzee's acclaimed second novel, confirmed by the Secker & Warburg imprint and the 1977 publication date on the copyright page.

The provenance of this volume is distinctly institutional, bearing the stamps of the Hillingdon Borough Libraries (Eastcote branch), which verifies its circulation history. While ex-library copies are inherently compromised in their condition, early editions of Coetzee's foundational works remain uncommonly seen on the open market, particularly those that retain their original, unclipped dust jackets.

Set against the isolated, unforgiving landscape of colonial South Africa, In the Heart of the Country is a searing exploration of isolation, madness, and the collapse of the feudal order. The narrative follows Magda, an embittered spinster who tends to her aging sheep-farmer father, as her fragile reality begins to fracture following his scandalous affair with a Black concubine. Driven by jealousy and a desperate need for connection, Magda descends into a hallucinatory state where the lines between violence, fantasy, and truth blur irreparably. Coetzee’s second novel is a masterful, intensely psychological portrait of alienation and the corrosive legacy of racial and familial oppression.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: J.M. Coetzee

Book Publisher: Secker & Warburg

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 139

Book Publication Year: 1977

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.