Rat Jelly and Other Poems 1963–78, Michael Ondaatje — 1st Edition

£32.50

Rat Jelly and Other Poems 1963–78, Michael Ondaatje — 1st Edition

Name: Rat Jelly and Other Poems 1963–78, Michael Ondaatje — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6020
Price: 32.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£32.50

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd, 1980

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 107.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The publisher's original red boards are highly presentable and vibrant, showing virtually no shelf-wear, with sharp, unbumped corners and gleaming gilt lettering to the spine that remains entirely unoxidised. The binding is exceptionally tight and square, opening with a firm snap that indicates the book has been scarcely read. Internally, the text block is bright, clean, and free from any foxing, dampstaining, or tearing, displaying only a whisper of standard age-toning to the top edge. The original, unclipped dust jacket (£4.95 Poetry) is similarly well-preserved; it retains its crisp duck-egg and red colouration with no significant fading, suffering only from a few faint instances of surface rubbing and negligible edge-wear to the spine tips.

Catalogue Note: This is a first UK edition, first printing of Michael Ondaatje's celebrated poetry collection, issued in a cased hardcover format alongside a simultaneous paperback release. The book features the striking original dust jacket design by J.S. Holloway. Hardcover first printings of this UK edition are relatively uncommon on the open market, as many surviving copies from this era were heavily circulated through institutional libraries or read as paperbacks.

This particular copy is entirely free from former owner inscriptions, bookplates, or institutional stamps, making it an unusually clean and desirable survival.

Rat Jelly and Other Poems 1963-78 brings together a compelling selection of early and new verse by Michael Ondaatje, showcasing the evocative imagery and structural innovation that established him as a premier voice in North American poetry. Moving beyond mere facts to explore the intersections of myth, madness, and everyday beauty, the collection offers a profound glimpse into the eccentric and captivating private world of the acclaimed author of The English Patient.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Michael Ondaatje

Book Publisher: Marion Boyars Publishers Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 107

Book Publication Year: 1980

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: J.S. Holloway

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.