The Shackle, Colette — 1st Edition

Name: The Shackle, Colette — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4490
Price: 45.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Secker & Warburg, 1964

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 224.

Condition Report: Very Good. The book is firmly bound in its original olive-green cloth, presenting a square and tight spine with only the slightest hint of shelf-wear to the extremities. Internally, the text block remains remarkably bright and crisp, entirely free from foxing, oxidation, or any prior ownership markings, reflecting a well-preserved copy. The original pictorial dust wrapper, whilst retaining its striking design, shows minor rubbing and very light toning to the panels, alongside a small, unobtrusive crease to the lower front edge. Overall, it remains a highly presentable and structurally sound example.

Catalogue Note: This volume represents the first English translation of Colette’s 1913 novel L'Entrave, brilliantly translated by Antonia White. It was issued as part of the publisher's acclaimed ‘Uniform Edition’ of Colette's works, a series highly prized by mid-century collectors of French literature in translation.

While the interior text remains unillustrated, the striking and evocative dust wrapper design is the work of the prolific British illustrator Janina Ede, who provided several covers for the author's English releases during this period. The book bears no previous ownership inscriptions or bookplates, presenting as a very clean, unmarked copy.

First English editions of Colette's works in their original, well-preserved wrappers have become increasingly uncommon on the open market, particularly those without the heavy chipping or fading often associated with this specific print run. It remains a highly desirable acquisition for completists of the Uniform Edition.

In this compelling sequel to The Vagabond, Colette continues her exploration of love, independence, and the complexities of human attachment. Set against the vibrant, bohemian backdrop of early twentieth-century Paris, the narrative follows Renée Néré as she grapples with the conflicting desires for personal autonomy and the inescapable, often irrational pull of a new romantic entanglement. A masterful examination of passion and the human heart, brought to vivid life through Antonia White's definitive translation.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Colette

Book Publisher: Secker & Warburg

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 224

Book Publication Year: 1964

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Janina Ede

Book Series: Uniform Edition

Country/region of manufacture: Gateshead on Tyne, 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.