Jack Straw's Castle, Thom Gunn —Uncorrected Proof

£65.00

Jack Straw's Castle, Thom Gunn —Uncorrected Proof

Name: Jack Straw's Castle, Thom Gunn —Uncorrected Proof
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6017
Price: 65.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Faber and Faber, 1976

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 78.

Condition Report: Fine. This uncorrected proof copy is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting a tight, square binding that appears entirely unread. The plain printed terracotta wrappers remain remarkably bright and entirely free from the fading or edge-sunning frequently seen on ephemeral items of this era. Both the front and rear panels are exceptionally crisp, with only the most minuscule, barely perceptible impression near the top right of the rear wrapper. The corners remain sharp, and the spine is perfectly flat without any reading creases or rolling. Internally, the text block is immaculate; the pages remain uniformly bright, crisp, and entirely free of foxing, thumbing, or unintentional markings, wholly justifying the highest grade for an advance state copy.

Catalogue Note: This is the publisher's uncorrected proof copy, issued in plain printed wrappers prior to the true first edition. Proofs of the author's mid-career works were produced in extremely small numbers strictly for internal review and select advance distribution, making them a scarce state on the open market. The front wrapper bears the standard pre-publication caveats, noting that the publication date was "not yet settled" and that the item is strictly "Not for Sale".

As is customary for this pre-publication state, the volume is unillustrated and features a secondary, utilitarian binding meant for temporary use rather than long-term preservation, rendering its current pristine condition particularly notable.

Jack Straw's Castle represents a pivotal, liberating moment in the author's bibliography, marking a public openness regarding his sexuality and a definitive shift in his poetic voice. Influenced by the countercultural vibrancy of 1970s San Francisco, the collection blends characteristic formal rigour with looser, more personal dreamscapes and explorations of myth, desire, and identity. Anchored by its haunting, multi-part title sequence, the book stands as one of Gunn's most deeply realised and transformative works.

Book Condition: Fine

Book Authors: Thom Gunn

Book Publisher: Faber and Faber

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Poetry

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 78

Book Publication Year: 1976

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Plymouth, 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.