{"product_id":"the-unusual-life-of-tristan-smith-peter-carey-1st-edition-signed","title":"The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith, Peter Carey — 1st Edition, Signed","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication\u003c\/strong\u003e: London, Faber and Faber, 1994\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormatting\u003c\/strong\u003e: 8vo, pp. [viii], 422.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dust jacket features striking original artwork by Pierre le Tan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54619029373267,"sku":"5151","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260811_133545.jpg?v=1787048658","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-unusual-life-of-tristan-smith-peter-carey-1st-edition-signed","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}