The Meaning of Culture, John Cowper Powys — 1st Edition

£25.00

The Meaning of Culture, John Cowper Powys — 1st Edition

Name: The Meaning of Culture, John Cowper Powys — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6725
Price: 25.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£25.00

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Jonathan Cape, 1930.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 319.

Condition Report: Very Good. The publisher's original maroon cloth binding remains tight and structurally sound, showing only minor shelf-wear to the extremities and slight bumping to the corners and spine ends. The gilt lettering on the spine remains highly legible, though the cloth exhibits some gentle sun-fading and standard handling wear typical of the period. The text block is square and secure. Internally, the pages are largely clean and free from major blemishes, with only some light dust-toning and scattered foxing to the page edges and preliminary leaves. The hinges are entirely uncracked, presenting a well-preserved, handsome copy without a dust jacket.

Catalogue Note: This is the first UK edition of John Cowper Powys's influential philosophical work, published by Jonathan Cape. The volume is presented in the publisher's original cloth, featuring the blind-stamped emblem of Jonathan Cape, an urn containing the initials 'JC,' centred on the rear board. The half-title verso correctly lists Powys's celebrated novel Wolf Solent as his other primary work available at the time, while the copyright page confirms the 1930 publication date and printing in Oxford by the Alden Press.

While not exceptionally rare on the open market, early printings of The Meaning of Culture from the Cape edition remain somewhat uncommon in such sound, unrestored condition. The absence of a dust jacket is standard for copies of this vintage, yet the physical integrity of the binding and the clarity of the gilt tooling make it a desirable acquisition for collectors of Powys's philosophical treatises.

In The Meaning of Culture, John Cowper Powys explores the profound intersection between human philosophy, art, and the natural world, arguing for a deeply personal, psycho-sensuous approach to life. Moving away from the rigid intellectualism of his era, Powys crafts a compelling defence of individuality and aesthetic appreciation. A bestseller in its time, this philosophical classic continues to resonate with readers seeking a more contemplative, engaged, and mindful existence beyond the confines of modern industrial society.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: John Cowper Powys

Book Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Philosophy

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 319

Book Publication Year: 1930

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Oxford, 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.