{"product_id":"the-autocracy-of-mr-parham-h-g-wells-1st-edition","title":"The Autocracy of Mr. Parham, H. G. Wells — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, William Heinemann Ltd, 1930\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo, pp. [viii], 370.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good. The binding remains remarkably sound and tight, though the original red cloth exhibits a prominent dark liquid stain to the rear board, visible internally at the very edge of the pastedown. The gilt lettering to the spine remains notably bright. The text block is squarely bound, presenting noticeable foxing and browning to the page edges and preliminary leaves, consistent with the standard paper stock of the era. The original unclipped dust wrapper, retaining the '7s. 6d. net' price, is in highly respectable condition, displaying some fading to the spine panel and mild rubbing to the extremities, but presenting beautifully overall as a complete example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e This is a true first edition, first printing of H.G. Wells's prescient satirical novel, predating the American issue by a month. The volume is notably enhanced by ten double-page caricatures by the celebrated political cartoonist David Low, whose unmistakable style perfectly complements Wells's biting social commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples retaining their fragile original dust wrapper in complete, unclipped condition have grown increasingly uncommon. The jacket's striking front panel, depicting the titular Mr. Parham in dictatorial regalia, remains a prime example of interwar dust wrapper design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this sharp political satire, H.G. Wells explores the intoxicating and corrupting nature of power through the lens of Mr. Parham, a conservative Oxford don who becomes possessed by a 'Master Spirit' during a séance. Transformed into 'Lord Paramount,' Parham stages a coup d'état and establishes a fascist dictatorship in Britain, launching a campaign of global conquest that ultimately spirals out of his control. A thinly veiled critique of contemporary figures like Oswald Mosley and Lord Beaverbrook, the novel stands as a brilliant, cautionary tale of authoritarianism and the fragility of democracy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54565954322771,"sku":"5025","price":190.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260809_192124.jpg?v=1786518536","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-autocracy-of-mr-parham-h-g-wells-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}