Women on the Road, Elio Vittorini — 1st UK Edition
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Publication: London, Jonathan Cape, 1961
Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 9-240.
Condition Report: Near Fine. The primary red cloth binding remains remarkably bright and tight, with the gilt tooling and publisher's urn on the spine appearing entirely unoxidised and sharp. The boards show no discernible shelf-wear, and the corners are crisp. The top text block edge retains its even, dark top-stain, while the internal pages are clean, bright, and free of foxing or previous ownership markings. The unclipped dust jacket (retaining the 16s. net price) presents well, though it exhibits some light, expected browning to the white background of the spine and panels, alongside minor nicks and slight creasing at the spine ends. Overall, an exceptionally well-preserved copy.
Catalogue Note: This is the First UK Edition of Vittorini's Women on the Road, first published in Great Britain in 1961 by Jonathan Cape. The text, translated from the Italian by Frances Keene and Bernard Wall, brings together three of the author's short novels: Erica, La Garibaldina, and the title story.
The book is presented in its original, primary red cloth binding and retains its original unclipped dust jacket. While Vittorini's works were widely translated, first English editions of this particular title have become quite scarce on the open market, particularly those that survive in such tight, well-kept condition without major jacket loss.
A compelling collection of three short novels by the pioneering Italian neorealist Elio Vittorini, exploring the resilience and complex inner lives of women in post-war Italy. The narratives offer profound, unsentimental character studies of female protagonists navigating poverty, societal expectations, and the pursuit of independence. Vittorini's stark yet evocative prose captures the gritty reality of his subjects, rendering a powerful portrait of female endurance against the backdrop of a changing nation.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: Elio Vittorini
Book Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Modern Fiction
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 240
Book Publication Year: 1961
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Oxford, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
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