Jonathan Cape, Publisher, Michael S. Howard — Advance Proof Copy

£55.00

Jonathan Cape, Publisher, Michael S. Howard — Advance Proof Copy

Name: Jonathan Cape, Publisher, Michael S. Howard — Advance Proof Copy
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4709
Price: 55.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Jonathan Cape Ltd, 1971

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 351.

Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains tight, square, and structurally sound, with no creasing to the spine of the mustard card wrappers. The outer dust jacket shows small signs of wear typical of its age, including light edge-wear, minor rubbing along the joints and flap folds, and mild bumping to the spine ends, but it remains bright and entirely free of tears. Internally, the pages are crisp, clean, and tightly bound, with only a very faint hint of age-toning to the text block edges. The paste-down label on the front wrapper is perfectly preserved, making this a highly presentable and well-kept survival of a fragile format.

Catalogue Note: This is an uncommon advance proof copy of the first edition. It is presented in the publisher's original mustard card wrappers, complete with a paste-down title label to the front cover. Unusually for proofs of this era, this copy has been fitted with the final published dust jacket, featuring the iconic brush-drawn lettering and urn logo designed by Hans Tisdall.

While standard cloth-bound copies of this title are widely available, pre-publication proof states are exceptionally scarce on the open market. They were printed in minute quantities exclusively for internal use, early reviewers, and booksellers, making this a desirable acquisition for collectors of publishing history.

Written by Michael S. Howard, son of co-founder G. Wren Howard, this volume provides a comprehensive and personal history of the esteemed British publishing house from its inception in 1921 through its fiftieth anniversary. The book traces the firm's growth, its navigation of the interwar years, and its relationships with a glittering roster of literary giants, including Ernest Hemingway, Arthur Ransome, T. E. Lawrence, and Ian Fleming. It offers an invaluable, insider's perspective on the mechanics of twentieth-century publishing, the evolution of book design, and the vibrant literary culture that the firm helped shape.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Michael S. Howard

Book Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Published

Signed: No

Book Pages: 351

Book Publication Year: 1971

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Frome and 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.