The Human Element and other stories, Stan Barstow — Signed
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Publication: London, Longman Group Limited, 1976
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 188.
Condition Report: Very Good. The paperback binding remains structurally sound and tightly bound, though it exhibits light shelf-wear to the extremities, rubbing to the spine ends, and a slight upward curl to the front wrapper indicating previous careful reading. The spine itself remains uncreased. Internally, the text-block sits entirely square. The pages exhibit mild, uniform age-toning typical of the paper stock from this era, but remain clean, bright, and entirely free from foxing, handling marks, or significant blemishes.
Catalogue Note: Sixth impression of the Longman Imprint Books edition, first published in 1969. This particular copy is notable for its provenance, bearing two signatures from the author on the title page. Barstow has flat-signed his name at the top right, and immediately below the title text, provided a presentation inscription reading "Best, Donald," followed by a secondary signature.
While standard unsigned copies of this educational paperback are common, signed and inscribed examples are scarce on the open market.
Edited by Marilyn Davies, The Human Element and other stories is a compelling collection of short fiction by Stan Barstow, originally curated for the Longman Imprint Books series. Featuring an exclusive postscript by the author, the volume brings together twelve evocative tales that capture the grit, resilience, and daily realities of working-class life in Northern England, showcasing Barstow’s characteristic psychological depth and ear for northern dialogue.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: Stan Barstow
Book Publisher: Longman Group Limited
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Anthologies & Short Stories
Book edition:
Signed: Yes
Book Pages: 188
Book Publication Year: 1976
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Paperback
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: Longman Imprint Books
Country/region of manufacture: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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. |
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