Maugham, W. Somerset

Cakes and Ale

New York, NY: The Modern Library/ Random House, Inc., 1950. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. "In his revealing introduction written specially for this edition, W. Somerset Maugham expresses his own preference among all the novels in his long and distinguished career. He says: "I am willing enough to agree with common opinion that Of Human Bondage is my best work...But the book I like best is Cakes and Ale." The same distinction has been made by countless enthusiastic readers...the novel they take to their hearts for its candor and warmth and humor is Cakes and Ale." (from front flap) The perennially popular novel by W(illiam) Somerset Maugham (1874-1965), the canonical British author. First published in 1930, this much-beloved work satirizes the hypocrisy of conservative society vis-à-vis its disapproval of the character Rosie Driffield, a (relative to the period) liberated woman. Here we offer the 1950 Modern Library edition, "With a special introduction/ for this edition by Mr. Maugham" (dust jacket front cover). Hardcover in unclipped dust jacket, first edition thus, presumed first printing though not stated as such at copyright page. A desirable & collectible version of this deep & delightful classic in the Maugham oeuvre. Book in fine condition with very slight rubbing to front, back covers & spine (exemplary Modern Library-style gilt lettering, graphics at spine & front cover quite bright & intact); slight wear incl. slight loss of green color at edges & corners of same; slight bend of spine toward front; moderate browning, spotting to side & lower edges of text block; light fading & scratching to black-dyed upper edge of same. Interior very fine with mild browning to paste-downs, endpapers & page leaves (the latter mostly at blank margins/edges). Dust jacket relatively good-to-near-fine with moderate-to-medium rubbing, browning, scratching & occasional spotting to front, back covers, flaps & interiors of same (with publisher's list including this volume, issued as No. 170 in its series as also noted on front flap below "$1.95/ a copy"); mild wear & some tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same; some short, closed tears & very small chips esp. at spine-edges & corners with minor loss of paper. Fine / Good- Near Fine. [Item #5448]

Price: $30.00