Then and Now, W. Somerset Maugham — 1st Edition

£59.80

Then and Now, W. Somerset Maugham — 1st Edition

Name: Then and Now, W. Somerset Maugham — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6666
Price: 59.80 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, William Heinemann Ltd, 1946

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 229.

Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains remarkably tight and square, with the original blue cloth displaying vibrant, un-sunned colour and the gilt titling to the spine and upper board remaining notably bright and unoxidized. The text block edges show the expected uniform toning, a characteristic of the post-war 'authorised economy standards' paper stock, yet the interior pages remain completely free from heavy foxing or major blemishes. The original unclipped dust jacket presents exceptionally well, retaining its original pricing (10s 6d net) to the front flap, exhibiting only minor edge-wear and light surface toning rather than significant loss or tearing.

Catalogue Note: First edition, first printing. The book is presented in its original, first-state light blue dust jacket.

It is a classic example of post-war British publishing, proudly bearing the 'economy standards' declaration on the copyright page. This reflects the lingering material and paper shortages in the immediate wake of the Second World War.

While bare copies of this title frequently appear on the market, examples retaining their first-state, unclipped dust jackets in such highly presentable, intact condition are becoming increasingly uncommon, making this a desirable acquisition for collectors of Maugham’s later works.

Set during the tumultuous Italian Renaissance, Then and Now weaves a masterful and witty tale of political intrigue and romantic deception. Following the historical figure of Niccolò Machiavelli as he is dispatched on a diplomatic mission to the ruthless court of Cesare Borgia, Maugham brilliantly imagines the real-world origins of Machiavelli’s infamous political philosophies and his comedic romantic misadventures. It is a sharp, engaging historical novel that showcases the author's legendary insight into human nature, ambition, and folly.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: W. Somerset Maugham

Book Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 229

Book Publication Year: 1946

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Kingswood, Surrey, 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.