John Barleycorn, Jack London — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, Mills & Boon, Limited, 1914
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 306.
Condition Report: Good. The original green cloth binding remains structurally sound, though it exhibits moderate rubbing to the extremities, scuffing and minor spotting to the rear board, and typical bumping to the spine ends and corners. The gilt lettering to the spine is slightly dulled but entirely legible, while the blind-stamped border on the front board remains crisp. The text block is tight; however, the page edges are noticeably tanned, and there is scattered foxing present throughout, most prominent on the preliminary pages and title page.
Catalogue Note: This is the first UK edition of Jack London's John Barleycorn, published by Mills & Boon in 1914.
While the American edition was published earlier by Century Co., this UK printing is sought after for its distinct binding and presence in the British market. The original green cloth with gilt spine titling is characteristic of Mills & Boon's early twentieth-century adventure and fiction offerings.
First UK editions of this title are uncommon on the open market, particularly in the original cloth without a dust jacket. Surviving copies often exhibit the foxing and moderate wear typical of this pre-war paper stock.
First published in the UK in 1914, John Barleycorn is Jack London's brutally honest and introspective autobiographical novel detailing his lifelong struggle with alcoholism. Personifying alcohol as "John Barleycorn," London reflects on his early drinking days as a teenage oyster pirate in San Francisco Bay, his travels as a sailor, and his eventual realisation of the physical and psychological toll of addiction. It remains a poignant, pioneering work of addiction memoir and a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's most rugged literary figures.
Book Condition: Good
Book Authors: Jack London
Book Publisher: Mills & Boon, Limited
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Antiquarian
Genre: Antiquarian Literature
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 306
Book Publication Year: 1914
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
| 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. |
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