The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith, Peter Carey — 1st Edition, Signed

£55.00

The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith, Peter Carey — 1st Edition, Signed

Name: The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith, Peter Carey — 1st Edition, Signed
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5151
Price: 55.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Faber and Faber, 1994

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 422.

Condition Report Fine. This volume presents in superb, tightly bound condition with sharp, dark charcoal boards and brilliantly bright spine gilt. The hinges are perfectly secure, and the text block is entirely square, with no lean or bowing. Internally, the leaves remain fresh, crisp, and immaculate, showing no signs of foxing, thumbing, or handling wear. The original, unclipped dust jacket is equally pristine, retaining its rich, vibrant colour without any sunning, chipping, or edge-wear. Notably, the book retains its scarce original publisher's wrap-around 'SIGNED' belly band, which exhibits only the most trifling, negligible handling wear and sits cleanly around the wrapper, fully justifying this paramount grade.

Catalogue Note A wonderful example of modern literary fiction, this is a true UK first edition, first impression, with the full number line '2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1' on the copyright page denoting its initial run. The title page has been boldly and beautifully signed by the author, Peter Carey.

The dust jacket features striking original artwork by Pierre le Tan.

While standard signed copies of this edition occasionally surface, securing one that has retained the fragile publisher's wrap-around 'SIGNED' belly band in such superlative condition is distinctly uncommon on the open market.

Set in the richly imagined, parallel universe of the archipelago nation of Efica, the narrative follows Tristan Smith, a severely deformed dwarf and the son of a radical theatre company founder. As Tristan navigates a complex political landscape dominated by the cultural hegemony of the sprawling empire of Voorstand, his journey becomes a dazzling picaresque adventure. Carey masterfully blends political allegory with a poignant coming-of-age tale, exploring themes of colonialism, identity, and the power of theatrical illusion in a wholly authentic, fiercely inventive world.

Book Condition: Fine

Book Authors: Peter Carey

Book Publisher: Faber and Faber

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 422

Book Publication Year: 1994

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Pierre le Tan

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, 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.