Monks, Nuns and Monasteries, Sacheverell Sitwell — 1st Edition

£24.99

Monks, Nuns and Monasteries, Sacheverell Sitwell — 1st Edition

Name: Monks, Nuns and Monasteries, Sacheverell Sitwell — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5457
Price: 24.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£24.99

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1965

Formatting: 4to, pp. xiii, [i], 205.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The volume is tightly and securely bound in its original textured brown cloth, which remains remarkably clean and robust, boasting sharp, unbumped corners and bright, unoxidised gilt lettering to the spine. The text block sits squarely, and the hinges are perfectly tight, displaying no signs of internal splitting or structural weakness. Internally, the pages are crisp and exceptionally clean, with only a very faint hint of age-related toning to the extreme edges, remaining completely free from foxing or heavy handling marks. The accompanying original dust jacket is highly presentable; it remains entirely intact with vibrant cover art, showing only mild rubbing, minor creasing along the top edge, and gentle shelf-wear at the head and tail of the spine, alongside a touch of faint surface wear to the rear panel.

Catalogue Note: This is a true First Edition, with no subsequent printings noted, bound in the publisher's original cloth. The text is generously illustrated, featuring numerous monochrome plates alongside colour plates that capture the architectural grandeur of monastic sites, with the illustrations notably printed by Jarrolds of Norwich.

There is no noteworthy prior provenance, bookplates, or previous ownership inscriptions present within the public-facing text block, leaving the volume largely unblemished.

Given the book's broad publication run and enduring appeal to students of history and architecture, this edition remains common on the open market. However, copies that preserve the original dust jacket in such a crisp, well-maintained state are increasingly desirable for collectors seeking visually striking mid-century reference works.

A sweeping and evocative survey by the distinguished English writer and critic Sacheverell Sitwell, Monks, Nuns and Monasteries explores the rich architectural, artistic, and cultural legacy of European monasticism. Moving fluidly through centuries of history, from austere medieval strongholds to the ornate baroque complexes of the eighteenth century, Sitwell acts as an erudite guide to the cloisters, refectories, and chapels where these cloistered communities lived and worshipped. Dedicated to the memory of his sister, Dame Edith Sitwell, the work stands as both a passionate celebration of religious art and a testament to the author’s lifelong devotion to documenting the aesthetic splendours of Europe.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Sacheverell Sitwell

Book Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 205

Book Publication Year: 1965

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.