The Cross and the Sword, Manuel de Jesús Galván — 1st Edition
In stock
Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Publication: London, Victor Gollancz Ltd, 1956
Formatting: 8vo, pp. xvii, [i], 366.
Condition Report: Near Fine. The maroon cloth binding is exceptionally sharp and tight, with brilliant gilt lettering on the spine, unbumped corners, and no discernible shelf-wear to the extremities. The text block is square, and the internal pages are clean, bright, and entirely free from foxing, tearing, or previous ownership inscriptions. The original dust jacket remains unclipped with the "15/- net" flap price intact. It exhibits mild browning to the spine and extremities, alongside light edge wear and minor creasing, but presents as a highly attractive, complete example now protected in a clear mylar sleeve.
Catalogue Note: First English Edition. This printing marks the first appearance of Manuel de Jesús Galván's definitive historical novel in the English language, translated by the celebrated poet and author Robert Graves. The volume was produced in accordance with an agreement between UNESCO and the government of the Dominican Republic.
It lacks any distinguishing provenance, presenting as a highly presentable, unmarked copy of a somewhat uncommon mid-century translation.
Set against the backdrop of the early Spanish occupation of Hispaniola, The Cross and the Sword (originally published in Spanish as Enriquillo) is a sweeping historical epic that chronicles the indigenous rebellion against the conquistadors. Guided by the seamless translation of Robert Graves, Galván's narrative masterfully weaves together legal battles, political betrayal, and military skirmishes, bringing to life the tragic yet resilient struggle of the island's native population.
Book Condition: Near Fine
Book Authors: Manuel de Jesús Galván
Book Publisher: Victor Gollancz Ltd
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 384
Book Publication Year: 1956
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. |
Get in touch
You may also like
Join the Broadhurst Archive
Be the first to hear about rare new arrivals, signed editions, and literary events. A century of stories delivered straight to your inbox.