The Tinker's Wedding, J. M. Synge ā 1st Edition
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Publication: Dublin, Maunsel and Co., Ltd., 1907
Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 50.
Condition Report Very Good. The original quarter tan cloth over reddish-brown cloth boards remains tight, robust, and structurally sound. The boards are pleasingly clean with sharp, unbumped corners and minimal shelf-wear to the extremities. The spine, while exhibiting some mild darkening and minor rubbing to the ends typical of this light cloth, retains clear and legible lettering. Internally, the book is remarkably well-preserved; aside from the expected tanning and offset to the endpapers from the original binding materials, the textblock is crisp, bright, and completely free from foxing or markings. The uncut deckled edges present beautifully, completing a highly presentable and authentic copy.
Catalogue Note This is the true first edition of J. M. Synge's two-act comedy, The Tinker's Wedding. Originally conceived alongside his earlier masterpieces Riders to the Sea and In the Shadow of the Glen, Synge extensively rewrote the play before its eventual publication, a detail he acknowledges in the author's note. Notably, this play provoked significant controversy upon release; its perceived anti-clericalism and controversial depiction of a priest ensured it was never performed at the Abbey Theatre during Synge's lifetime.
Bound in the publisher's original quarter cloth over boards, copies in such tight, unmodified condition are increasingly scarce on the open market, particularly without the heavy handling wear often associated with early Abbey Theatre-affiliated publications. This copy presents a remarkably clean and authentic example for the collector of Irish Literary Revival material.
Set in the atmospheric world of Edwardian Ireland, The Tinker's Wedding is a vibrant, darkly comic two-act play by the renowned Irish dramatist J. M. Synge. The narrative follows a pair of travelling tinkers, Michael Byrne and Sarah Casey, who resolve to legitimise their union with a church wedding, much to the dismay of Michael's riotous, hard-drinking mother, Mary. When the couple attempt to barter a locally made tin can to the village priest in lieu of the traditional wedding fee, cultural clashes and comedic chaos ensue. Written with Synge's signature ear for the poetic rhythms of Irish vernacular, the play remains a biting and hilarious exploration of convention, religion, and the travelling life.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: J. M. Synge
Book Publisher: Maunsel and Co., Ltd.
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Humour Fiction
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 50
Book Publication Year: 1907
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Dublin, Ireland
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 ā 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 ā 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 bookās 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 ā 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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