The Centaur, John Updike — 1st Edition

£55.20

The Centaur, John Updike — 1st Edition

Name: The Centaur, John Updike — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6781
Price: 55.20 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1963

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 303.

Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains remarkably tight and square, displaying an unread crispness to the text block that is uncommon for this title. The original black cloth spine and dark grey paper boards are exceptionally clean, with the gilt spine lettering remaining bright and unoxidised. Internally, the pages are fresh, bright, and completely free of foxing or thumbing. The dust wrapper has survived very well, retaining its original gloss; it shows only minor rubbing to the extremities and slight edge-wear, presenting as a highly attractive, robust example overall.

Catalogue Note: The true first edition, first printing, retaining the required 'First Edition' statement upon the copyright page. This third novel by the author earned him the National Book Award for Fiction in 1964.

Bound in the publisher's original quarter black cloth over grey boards, this copy features the iconic original dust wrapper design depicting the mythological centaur Chiron.

First editions of this work are relatively common on the open market; however, securing a copy that remains genuinely unread and tightly bound in a highly presentable dust wrapper elevates its desirability among collectors of modern American literature.

Set in the harsh winter of 1947 in rural Pennsylvania, the narrative masterfully intertwines the mundane and the mythological. It chronicles three days in the life of George Caldwell, a beleaguered high school science teacher, and his anxious teenage son, Peter. Through a dual lens, the author reimagines Caldwell as the tragic Greek centaur Chiron, offering a profound, lyrical exploration of paternal sacrifice, existential dread, and the quiet heroism inherent in everyday life.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: John Updike

Book Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 303

Book Publication Year: 1963

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: New York, United States

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.