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

£50.60

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

Name: Then and Now, W. Somerset Maugham — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6784
Price: 50.60 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, William Heinemann Ltd, 1946

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 229.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original blue cloth boards remain remarkably sharp, clean, and structurally sound, with the gilt lettering to the spine remaining notably bright and free of oxidation. The binding is tight and square, showing no evidence of leaning or shelf-wear. As is customary with volumes produced under authorised wartime economy standards, the text block exhibits uniform paper toning and some moderate, scattered foxing, primarily restricted to the page edges and preliminary leaves. The original dust jacket is exceptionally well-preserved and unclipped, retaining the original "10s 6d net" price on the front flap; it presents with only minor rubbing and trivial nicks to the spine ends, alongside very faint surface soiling to the rear panel, remaining a highly attractive example.

Catalogue Note: This is the true first United Kingdom edition, identifiable by the title page imprint and the copyright page statement confirming it was printed at the Windmill Press in complete conformity with authorised economy standards. It was published in the same year as the American Doubleday edition, though this Heinemann issue is traditionally preferred by UK collectors for its classic typographical jacket design and elegant cloth binding.

The volume is unillustrated and free from any previous ownership inscriptions, bookplates, or binders' stamps on the visible endpapers and preliminary leaves.

While Maugham’s post-war print runs were substantial, rendering the book itself quite common on the secondary market, locating a copy that retains such a crisp, unclipped dust jacket alongside pristine spine gilt is increasingly uncommon.

Set against the vibrant and treacherous backdrop of Renaissance Italy, Maugham's historical masterpiece reimagines three crucial months in the life of Niccolò Machiavelli. Dispatched as a Florentine envoy to the court of the ruthless Cesare Borgia at Imola, the seasoned diplomat finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of political intrigue, statecraft, and military ambition. Amidst these high-stakes negotiations, Machiavelli simultaneously orchestrates a cunning, comedic campaign to seduce the beautiful young wife of a local merchant. Blending sharp psychological insight with a wry comedy of manners, Maugham crafts a timeless exploration of deception, desire, and the enduring follies of human nature.

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

Illustrator: N/A

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.