Miramar, Naguib Mahfouz — 1st English Language Edition

£34.50

Miramar, Naguib Mahfouz — 1st English Language Edition

Name: Miramar, Naguib Mahfouz — 1st English Language Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4800
Price: 34.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Heinemann Educational Books Ltd, 1978

Formatting: 12mo, pp. [xvi], 141, [3].

Condition Report Very Good. The binding remains remarkably tight and square, uncreased at the spine, indicating the book has seen little to no reading. The bright orange wrappers are striking and well-preserved, showing only minor shelf-wear, specifically a faint upward curl to the lower front outer corner and light rubbing along the extreme edges. Internally, the pages exhibit the uniform age-toning entirely typical of the publisher's chosen paper stock from this era, yet they are completely clean and free of inscriptions, foxing, or marginalia. Overall, it is an exceptionally solid, attractive survivor of a fragile paperback format.

Catalogue Note First published in Arabic in 1967, this edition marks the debut appearance of Miramar in English translation. Translated by Fatma Moussa-Mahmoud and edited by Maged el Kommos and John Rodenbeck, it was issued as number 197 in the publisher's profoundly influential African Writers Series (AWS).

The book features a substantial and illuminating introduction by the acclaimed English novelist John Fowles and bears a striking cover design by Elizabeth Rodenbeck that retains the iconic vibrant orange aesthetic of the AWS.

This issue is of particular historical and literary significance as an early English introduction to the author's work, published a full decade before he became the first Arab writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. True first printings in this series have become increasingly scarce on the open market, particularly in highly presentable condition, as their acidic paper and glued bindings were highly susceptible to wear and degradation.

Set in 1960s Alexandria at the Pension Miramar, this masterful novel offers a microcosm of post-revolutionary Egyptian society. The narrative unfolds around Zohra, a beautiful and determined young peasant woman who has fled her rural village to work at the pension, run by its Greek mistress, Mariana. Through the shifting perspectives of the diverse residents, representing different generations, political ideologies, and social classes, a polyphonic tale of desire, politics, and the clashes between tradition and modernity is woven. The novel stands as both a compelling human drama and a profound allegory for the soul of modern Egypt.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Naguib Mahfouz

Book Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 156

Book Publication Year: 1978

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Paperback

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: African Writers Series

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.