Mr. Blettsworthy on Rampole Island, H. G. Wells — 1st Edition

£175.00

Mr. Blettsworthy on Rampole Island, H. G. Wells — 1st Edition

Name: Mr. Blettsworthy on Rampole Island, H. G. Wells — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5026
Price: 175.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£175.00

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Ernest Benn Limited, 1928

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 288.

Condition Report: Very Good. The publisher's original brown cloth binding remains notably sharp and tightly bound, with the gilt tooling to the spine remaining bright and unoxidised. Internally, the text block is sound and firmly held, exhibiting only minor, localised spotting to the preliminary leaves and text block edges. The front free endpaper bears a small, neat contemporary ink inscription from a previous owner. The original dust wrapper, featuring the striking artwork by Sir William Orpen, presents beautifully but displays some moderate signs of shelf-wear, most notably a chip to the head of the spine panel and some light age-toning and minor spotting to the rear and spine panels. It remains unclipped, retaining the original '7s. 6d. net' price.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, first printing of H.G. Wells's satirical and allegorical novel, presenting in the highly desirable original dust wrapper.

The striking and evocative dust wrapper artwork was designed by the acclaimed Irish war artist Sir William Orpen, specifically created 'after reading Mr. Blettsworthy on Rampole Island in proof,' a detail prominently noted on the front flap. Copies retaining this fragile wrapper, particularly those that remain unclipped and in such well-preserved condition, are increasingly scarce on the open market.

The front free endpaper bears a neat contemporary ink inscription, providing a charming, albeit standard, trace of early readership.

A sharp and imaginative satire, Mr. Blettsworthy on Rampole Island follows Arnold Blettsworthy, a refined English gentleman whose life takes a drastic turn after a betrayal in love and business. Seeking solace at sea, he suffers a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on Rampole Island, a strange and savage land populated by cannibals and surviving Megatheria (giant sloths). Here, Blettsworthy is spared death only by being deemed a 'Sacred Lunatic.' As he navigates this barbaric society, the novel reveals itself as a biting Swiftian allegory, using the absurdities of the islanders to parody the hypocrisies, rituals, and institutions of modern society, ultimately culminating in his return to an equally chaotic world tearing itself apart in the Great War.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: H. G. Wells

Book Publisher: Ernest Benn Limited

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Humour Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 288

Book Publication Year: 1928

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Sir William Orpen

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.