{"product_id":"the-only-penitent-t-f-powys-1st-edition","title":"The Only Penitent, T. F. Powys — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, Chatto \u0026amp; Windus, 1931\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo, pp. 57, [1].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good. The original pictorial paper-covered boards remain structurally sound and visually pleasing, though they exhibit the expected signs of handling and age. The fragile spine is entirely intact but shows noticeable browning and minor rubbing at the head and tail, while the board edges and corners display slight shelf-wear and light bumping. The binding remains tight and square, holding the text block firmly without any play. Internally, the pages are largely bright and clean, completely free from any previous ownership annotations, though there is some light, scattered foxing present, most notably to the endpapers, preliminary leaves, and the top text-block edge. Overall, it presents as an honest, well-preserved copy of a delicate interwar publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e This copy is a First Edition, published in 1931 as the fifth instalment in Chatto \u0026amp; Windus's acclaimed 'The Dolphin Books' series. The distinctive and charming cover design, featuring dolphins amid stylised waves, was executed by the renowned British artist and illustrator Edward Bawden, whose initials ('E.B.') can be subtly spotted in the bottom-left corner of the front board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eAs a standard trade printing (differentiated from the limited run of 160 signed copies), this title is relatively accessible on the open market, but it remains an excellent representative example of Bawden's design work and interwar British publishing aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSet in the fictional, rural village of Maids Madder, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"60\"\u003eThe Only Penitent\u003c\/i\u003e is a striking allegorical novella by T. F. Powys. The narrative follows Mr. Hayhoe, the well-meaning local vicar, who becomes convinced that he must introduce the Catholic practice of confession to his Church of England parishioners. Despite his earnest efforts, the village folk are entirely uninterested in absolving themselves of their worldly misdeeds, feeling no deep conscience-pricking guilt. Just as Mr. Hayhoe’s faith is tested by the empty confessionals, a mysterious figure known as Tinker Jar arrives during a Sunday storm, offering a profound and unconventional confession that entirely upends the vicar's understanding of sin and redemption.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54383602172243,"sku":"4693","price":25.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260717_185122.jpg?v=1784797294","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-only-penitent-t-f-powys-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}