The World of Sex, Henry Miller — 2nd Edition

£67.50

The World of Sex, Henry Miller — 2nd Edition

Name: The World of Sex, Henry Miller — 2nd Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5993
Price: 67.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Paris, The Olympia Press, 1959

Formatting: Small 8vo, pp. 124.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The book presents in a remarkably square and tight binding, a rarity for the notoriously fragile Olympia Press paperback editions. The original green printed wrappers remain bright and structurally intact, exhibiting only slight rubbing to the extreme edges. The page block shows the characteristic light, uniform toning typical of the publisher's paper stock, alongside a few faint marks to the preliminary leaves that are barely perceptible and do not detract from the overall condition. There are no major flaws, reading creases on the spine, or internal tears, resulting in a wonderfully crisp copy that maintains excellent structural integrity.

Catalogue Note: This 1959 printing is the substantially revised, definitive edition of The World of Sex, originally published in a limited, clandestine run in 1940. Issued in Paris as No. 47 in the infamous Traveller's Companion Series, this edition reflects Miller's complete reworking of the text, offering his matured philosophical reflections on human sexuality and creative freedom.

The book features the original green decorative wrappers, complete with the '18 francs' price on the rear panel and the mandatory 'Not to be sold in the U.S.A. or U.K.' warning, a hallmark of the era's stringent censorship laws.

A notable typographical quirk is present on the copyright page, where the author's name is rendered as 'Henri Miller'. This page sits opposite a fascinating facsimile of Miller's handwritten manuscript corrections.

While standard Olympia Press paperbacks are frequently encountered in heavily worn condition due to their clandestine reading histories, copies presenting in such an uncreased, sharp state are uncommonly found on the open market.

Initially circulated in a private edition among friends in 1940 and completely rewritten for this Paris publication, The World of Sex serves as Henry Miller’s deeply personal manifesto on the interplay between physical intimacy, spiritual liberation, and the artistic process. Rather than a mere catalogue of erotic escapades, Miller weaves a profound and often humorous philosophical exploration, defending his unapologetic literary voice against critics and cementing his belief that sex is the ultimate life-force capable of rescuing humanity from the rigid machinations of modern civilization.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Henry Miller

Book Publisher: The Olympia Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Criticism & Essays

Book edition: Second Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 124

Book Publication Year: 1959

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: The Traveller's Companion Series

Country/region of manufacture: Paris, France

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.