The Only Child, Nell Dunn — 1st Edition

Name: The Only Child, Nell Dunn — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6996
Price: 50.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Jonathan Cape, 1978

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 168.

Condition Report: Fine. The original blue cloth binding remains exceptionally tight, square, and structurally sound, exhibiting sharp corners and no discernible shelf-wear to the board edges. The gilt titling to the spine is notably bright, crisp, and unoxidised. Internally, the text block is highly presentable; the pages are clean, tight, and completely free of foxing, toning, or previous ownership inscriptions. The original dust jacket is similarly well-preserved, retaining its vibrant, unfaded cover artwork with only the most trivial rubbing to the extreme upper and lower edges.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, first printing of Nell Dunn's 1978 novel. The volume is presented in its original publisher's blue cloth binding and retains its striking original dust jacket featuring the evocative cover artwork.

As one of Dunn's lesser-known and less frequently reprinted works compared to her earlier defining successes, unsigned first editions of The Only Child in such well-preserved condition are notably scarce on the open market, making this an excellent addition for collectors of 20th-century British women's literature.

The Only Child: A Simple Story of Heaven and Hell shifts Nell Dunn's literary focus away from her celebrated working-class narratives to examine the profound isolation of the upper classes. The novel follows Esther Lafonte, a wealthy protagonist, as she navigates a life where immense financial privilege serves only to alienate her from authentic human connection and everyday reality. Through her trademark sharp and perceptive prose, Dunn crafts a compelling exploration of class dynamics, inherited wealth, and the spiritual emptiness that can quietly accompany material abundance.

Book Condition: Fine

Book Authors: Nell Dunn

Book Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 168

Book Publication Year: 1978

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Tiptree, Essex, 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.