The Birds, Aristophanes — 1st Edition

Name: The Birds, Aristophanes — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5882 L
Price: 39.95 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Lion and Unicorn Press, 1971.

Formatting: 4to, pp. 167.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The limp Linson binding remains wonderfully square and tight, exhibiting only the faintest whisper of shelf-wear to the extremities and slight, uniform sunning to the spine and edges. The pictorial cover design by Quentin Blake remains bold and unmarred, completely free of creasing or substantial scuffing. Internally, the book is exceptional; the binding is entirely sound with an uncreased spine indicating the volume has been scarcely read. The heavy cartridge paper leaves are bright, crisp, and completely devoid of foxing, presenting a superbly clean text block throughout.

Catalogue Note: This beautifully produced volume is a limited edition published by the Lion and Unicorn Press at the Royal College of Art, with this being copy number 52. The text is Dudley Fitts’ celebrated English version of the classic comedy, originally published by Faber and Faber in 1958, but here elevated by a new series of vivid, characteristically lively drawings by Quentin Blake.

The volume is particularly notable for its limp Linson binding featuring a striking, wrap-around feather motif designed by Blake. Copies of this work are increasingly scarce on the open market, especially in such well-preserved condition, making it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of mid-century British private press and Quentin Blake enthusiasts alike.

A classic of ancient Greek comedy, Aristophanes' The Birds is a fantastical, satirical play following two Athenians who, disgusted by the corruption of their city, set out to build a new utopia in the sky alongside the birds, Cloud Cuckoo Land. Dudley Fitts’ brilliant translation captures the energetic wit and lyrical beauty of the original, while Quentin Blake’s expressive, ink-drawn illustrations breathe modern, anarchic life into the avian characters and their absurd exploits.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Aristophanes; Dudley Fitts

Book Publisher: Lion and Unicorn Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Classic Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 167

Book Publication Year: 1971

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: Quentin Blake

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.