The Fisher King, Anthony Powell — 1986 Reprint

The Fisher King, Anthony Powell — 1986 Reprint

£12.99
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The Fisher King, Anthony Powell — 1986 Reprint

The Fisher King, Anthony Powell — 1986 Reprint

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£12.99

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Publication: London, William Heinemann Ltd, 1986

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 255.

Condition Report: Near Fine. This copy presents exceptionally well, housed in the original unclipped dust jacket. The blue cloth boards are immaculate, retaining sharp corners and bright gilt lettering to the spine, entirely free from shelf-wear. The binding is impressively tight and square, suggesting the book has remained unread. Internally, the pages are crisp, bright, and free from foxing, handling marks, or significant blemishes. The text block edges show only the faintest hint of superficial dust-toning commensurate with age, but remain remarkably clean. The glossy dust jacket is vibrant and fully intact, retaining the original net price on the front flap, with no chipping, tears, or fading, making this an outstandingly well-preserved example.

Catalogue Note: This is a pristine 1986 reprint of Anthony Powell’s penultimate novel, issued in the same year as the true first edition. The dust jacket notably features contemporary reviews for Powell’s preceding novel, O, How the Wheel Becomes It!, on the rear panel.

Locating a reprint that has survived in such remarkably sharp, unread condition is an excellent opportunity for the discerning reader looking to acquire a handsome, durable copy for their library without the premium attached to a first printing.

Set aboard the cruise ship Alecto as it tours the British Isles, The Fisher King offers a masterful and satirical exploration of Arthurian legend translated into modern society. The narrative follows Saul Henchman, a celebrated but severely war-wounded photographer, and his ethereally beautiful companion, the former dancer Barberina Rookwood. Observed by a cast of gossipy and vividly drawn passengers, including the prolific historical romance novelist Valentine Beals, who eagerly casts Henchman as the maimed Fisher King of myth, the novel weaves a tale of art, impotence, ambition, and the inexorable pull of mythic destiny. With his trademark wit and sharp ear for social nuance, Powell delivers a sophisticated comedy of manners and a poignant examination of human relationships.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Anthony Powell

Book Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 255

Book Publication Year: 1986

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

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.

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