The Unicorn, Iris Murdoch — 1st Edition (Uncorrected Proof)

£250.00

The Unicorn, Iris Murdoch — 1st Edition (Uncorrected Proof)

Name: The Unicorn, Iris Murdoch — 1st Edition (Uncorrected Proof)
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6667
Price: 250.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£250.00

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Chatto & Windus, 1963

Formatting: 8vo, plain paper wrappers.

Condition Report: Very Good. Bound in the publisher's original olive-green paper wrappers, this delicate proof remains remarkably well-preserved. The binding is secure and square, displaying no notable lean, though a faint, shallow reading crease is present along the spine. The extremities exhibit some very light shelf-wear, with minor rubbing to the corners and a touch of mild, uneven sunning to the wraps, as is typical for proof copies of this era. Internally, the text block is clean and bright, with only slight, uniform age-toning to the page margins. There is no foxing or internal marking, and the pages are free from tears or dog-ears. A highly presentable example of a fragile pre-publication issue.

Catalogue Note: This is an exceedingly scarce pre-publication uncorrected proof copy of Iris Murdoch's seventh novel. Issued in plain drab olive-green wrappers before the final hardcover binding and dust jacket were produced, this proof was intended strictly for internal use, early reviewers, and select booksellers.

Of particular interest to collectors is a significant bibliographical anomaly present in this proof state: the title page erroneously bears the date '1961' at the foot of the page, despite the novel not being officially released until two years later (the correct year is stated on the copyright page).

This typographic error was subsequently amended prior to the final commercial print run, making this uncorrected proof a vital artefact of the book's production history and an essential piece for any comprehensive collection.

Set against the bleak, atmospheric backdrop of a remote coastal landscape, The Unicorn is Iris Murdoch’s masterful foray into the modern Gothic. The novel follows Marian Taylor, who arrives at Gaze Castle to take up a post as a governess, only to find herself drawn into a suffocating web of mystery, psychological entrapment, and mythic symbolism surrounding the enigmatic Hannah Crean-Smith. Part philosophical inquiry, part suspenseful romance, the narrative explores themes of spiritual captivity, guilt, and the devastating power of human obsession. Murdoch brilliantly subverts traditional Gothic tropes to deliver a deeply profound meditation on the nature of suffering and redemption.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Iris Murdoch

Book Publisher: Chatto & Windus

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1963

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Edinburgh, 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.