Steps to Parnassus, J.C. Squire — 1st Edition, Signed
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Publication: London, George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1913
Formatting: 8vo.
Condition Report: Very Good. The original dark cloth boards remain sturdy and presentable, though they exhibit minor mottling and light shelf-wear to the extremities, including gently bumped corners and softening to the spine ends. The gilt lettering to the upper board and spine has survived remarkably well, remaining notably bright and largely unoxidised. The binding is tight and square, holding firm without any splitting, cracking, or rolling. The text block features uncut, deckled edges that exhibit heavy age-toning and moderate foxing, which is typical of this era's paper stock. Internally, the pages show scattered instances of light foxing, primarily relegated to the preliminary and terminal leaves, but the text itself remains bright, clean, and highly legible throughout.
Catalogue Note: This is a first edition, secondary issue of Squire's early collection of parodies. The remaining original sheets from the initial print run were acquired by a secondary publisher and reissued, as evidenced by the rubricated publisher's over-stamp on the title page.
This particular copy holds distinct provenance, having been signed and dated by the author ("J C Squire 1928") in ink to the upper margin of the title page.
Copies bearing the author’s signature are scarce, making this an appealing acquisition for collectors of Edwardian literary satire.
A sharp, witty collection of literary parodies and prose diversions by Sir John Collings Squire (1884–1958), the influential British poet, historian, and editor of the London Mercury. Within these pages, Squire turns his satirical pen toward the contemporary literary establishment, expertly mimicking the stylistic quirks and pretensions of Edwardian poets, politicians, and journalists. Originally published on the eve of the First World War, the collection cements Squire's reputation as a master of pastiche, offering a humorous, razor-sharp critique of the literary and social landscape of early 20th-century Britain.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: J.C. Squire
Book Publisher: George Allen & Unwin Ltd.
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Antiquarian
Genre: Humour Fiction
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: Yes
Book Pages:
Book Publication Year: 1913
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
| 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. |
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