The Untilled Field, George Moore — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, T. Fisher Unwin, 1903.
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 420, [4].
Condition Report: Good. An authentic, unrestored copy presenting a tight, square binding in the publisher's original blind-stamped red cloth. The text block is firm and largely clean internally, though the deckled fore- and top-edges exhibit typical age-tanning and moderate foxing. Externally, the gilt titling remains legible on the gently faded spine, while the boards display bumped corners, rubbing to the extremities, and noticeable dark discolouration marks to the rear panel. Despite these cosmetic faults, the hinges remain uncracked and the volume stands as a solid, serviceable example of this significant work.
Catalogue Note: This is the first English edition of George Moore's pivotal collection, published in London by T. Fisher Unwin in 1903. It is bound in the publisher's original red cloth, featuring a distinctive blind-stamped floral and vine motif across the front board and spine.
As a foundational text of the Irish Literary Revival, The Untilled Field served as a direct precursor and major influence on James Joyce's Dubliners. While not exceptionally rare on the open market, surviving first editions in their original, unsophisticated bindings are increasingly uncommon, particularly those that have escaped institutional rebinding or heavy restoration.
Conceived initially to provide models of literature for translation into the Irish language, The Untilled Field evolved into a masterful and uncompromising examination of early 20th-century rural Ireland. George Moore's collection of short stories dissects themes of clerical interference, enforced emigration, and the stultifying cultural paralysis of the Irish countryside. Blending stark naturalism with poetic pathos, these interconnected tales remain a landmark achievement in modern Irish fiction, offering a haunting portrait of a nation standing at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.
Book Condition: Good
Book Authors: George Moore
Book Publisher: T. Fisher Unwin
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Anthologies & Short Stories
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 420
Book Publication Year: 1903
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
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 — 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. |
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