John Buchan: A Memoir, William Buchan — 1st Edition

£90.00

John Buchan: A Memoir, William Buchan — 1st Edition

Name: John Buchan: A Memoir, William Buchan — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4038
Price: 90.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Buchan & Enright, Publishers, 1982

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [x], 272.

Condition Report: Very Good. The volume is securely bound in the publisher's original brown cloth, which remains remarkably clean and free from notable bumping or shelf-wear, retaining sharp corners and unrubbed edges. The spine is uncreased, and the gilt lettering remains distinctly bright and unoxidised. Internally, the text block is sound, tight, and square, with the hinges perfectly intact. The pages are crisp, bright, and free from foxing or tearing. The most notable condition point is the lack of the original complete dust jacket; however, the front panel and front flap of the wrapper have been neatly clipped and preserved as loose inserts within the volume. The presence of these clipped panels does not detract from the physical integrity of the robust binding, which stands as a highly presentable copy.

Catalogue Note: First edition. This copy is uniquely enhanced, having been signed and dated by the author in blue ink on the title page ("William Buchan / November 1982"), corresponding precisely with the month of publication. Furthermore, the book includes a highly desirable, two-page Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) from William Buchan, laid in loose. Written on his personal "West End House" letterhead and dated 23 June 1982, the letter is addressed to Stephen Green Esq.. In it, Buchan graciously acknowledges a factual error discovered in the text regarding a date in the Elsfield visitors' book, confirming that "the date should be 1945". Admitting "the blame is mine," he promises to correct the "foolish error" in a second printing. He playfully laments how often he has been enjoined to "check my sources," before signing off.

While the first edition of this memoir is relatively common on the secondary market, the presence of the author's signature alongside a handwritten letter specifically discussing the editing and correction of the book's contents elevates this copy to a unique associational item.

Written by his son William, this memoir offers an intimate and appealing portrait of John Buchan—the remarkably diverse achiever: writer, lawyer, politician, soldier, scholar, and Governor-General of Canada. Drawing from family memories and privileged sources, the book goes beyond his public mask to explore the private man, driven by his steadfast beliefs in courage, truth, loyalty, honour, and compassion. It stands as an elegant study of a twentieth-century titan whose life was as compelling as his legendary fiction.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: William Buchan

Book Publisher: Buchan & Enright, Publishers

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 272

Book Publication Year: 1982

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Bath, 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.