Man in the Cellar, Julia O'Faolain — 1st Edition

£69.95

Man in the Cellar, Julia O'Faolain — 1st Edition

Name: Man in the Cellar, Julia O'Faolain — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4753
Price: 69.95 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Faber and Faber, 1974

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 160.

Condition Report: Near Fine. This is an exceptionally clean and sharply preserved copy. The original red cloth boards are bright and unblemished, with the gilt spine lettering remaining notably crisp and unoxidised. The binding is remarkably tight and square, displaying an absence of the typical shelf-wear expected of a title of this vintage. Internally, the text block is bright and free from foxing or significant toning, complemented by pristine endpapers without any previous ownership inscriptions. The unclipped dust jacket is in a similarly excellent state, boasting vivid red and black colouring with only the faintest trace of minor edge-rubbing to the extremities, now preserved in an archival protective sleeve.

Catalogue Note: First edition, first impression. O'Faolain's second collection of short stories was published by Faber and Faber in a relatively small print run. True first editions have become particularly scarce on the open market today, especially in such a highly desirable, well-preserved state.

The collection highlights O'Faolain's biting wit and precise characterisation, delving into themes of domestic entrapment, religious neurosis, and complex intergenerational relationships across its seven stories. The striking, minimalist dust jacket design remains a prime example of mid-1970s Faber aesthetics.

In Man in the Cellar, Julia O'Faolain delivers a masterful and darkly comedic exploration of the invisible chains that bind us. The title story chillingly unfolds through a series of letters from a woman who has imprisoned her husband in the cellar, revealing a complex web of affection and mental instability. The collection spans diverse settings, from modern domestic battlegrounds to a sixth-century convent, each story sharply observing the intricacies of human relationships, female autonomy, and the absurdities of social conventions.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Julia O'Faolain

Book Publisher: Faber and Faber

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Anthologies & Short Stories

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 160

Book Publication Year: 1974

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

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.