Mantissa, John Fowles — 1st Edition

£24.99

Mantissa, John Fowles — 1st Edition

Name: Mantissa, John Fowles — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4755
Price: 24.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Jonathan Cape, 1982

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 192.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The volume presents exceptionally well in its original grey cloth, remaining structurally sound with a firm, square binding and uncrushed spine ends. The gilt lettering and publisher’s device to the spine remain strikingly bright and completely unoxidised. Internally, the text block is remarkably fresh and clean, entirely free of prior ownership inscriptions, with only the faintest hint of customary dust-toning to the upper edge. The original unclipped dust jacket is displays vibrant, unfaded panels and sharp edges, with merely a trivial whisper of rubbing to the extreme spine tips and a negligible, isolated trace of spotting to the rear panel. A thoroughly handsome, collector-quality copy.

Catalogue Note: First UK Edition, First Impression.

This edition was published by Jonathan Cape in London, with the copyright page conforming to the requisite markers for a first printing of this era, stating solely "First published 1982" with no subsequent printings noted.

The distinctive dust jacket features a striking reproduction of a drawing by Pablo Picasso. While Mantissa was printed in generous quantities, securing a copy in such well-preserved, unfaded condition, with an unrubbed jacket and immaculate gilt tooling, remains an attractive prospect for completist collectors of modern first editions.

In Mantissa, John Fowles playfully dismantles the boundaries of the creative process and the traditional relationship between author and muse. The novel centres on Miles Green, a writer who awakens in a hospital room suffering from amnesia, only to find himself locked in a surreal, fiercely intellectual, and highly erotic battle of wits with Erato, the Greek muse of lyric poetry. What unfolds is a wildly inventive and satirical exploration of literature, inspiration, and the eternal tug-of-war between male ego and female empowerment.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: John Fowles

Book Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 192

Book Publication Year: 1982

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

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.