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First edition, first printing, one of 1,000 copies. This first appearance of Tropic of Cancer was a seminal event in 20th-century publishing, printed by Kahane’s expatriate Obelisk Press and later the subject of a landmark obscenity trial in the 1960s. The work was a significant influence on the Beat Generation. The first edition is particularly scarce in the original wrappers, as the vast majority of surviving copies were rebound either at the time or in the intervening years. The design is by Maurice Kahane (later Maurice Girodias) of whom, Neil Pearson notes, “we must forgive since he was fourteen years old at the time”.
Octavo. Original wrappers, lettering to spine and front cover illustration in blue and black. Publisher’s single leaf prospectus loosely inserted. Housed in a custom chemise and black morocco slipcase. Skilful repairs to head and foot of spine, light browning to wrappers, minor marks to fore edge, a near-fine copy in the rare wrappers. ¶ Pearson A-32. £25,000 [152829]
All items are fully described and photographed at peterharrington.co.uk
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