Hergesheimer, Joseph

Balisand

New York, NY, USA: Alfred A. Knopf, 1924. First Edition. “It was in the reign of George III that the aforesaid personages lived and quarreled; good or bad, handsome or ugly, rich or poor they are all equal now.” —"Barry Lyndon”, Stanley Kubrick. Joseph Hergesheimer (1880-1954) was an American writer who, throughout most of his oeuvre, was primarily interested in exploring bourgeois decadence and the faux-intellectual milieu of the wealthy. After giving up the study of painting, Hergesheimer turned to writing. Beginning with “The Lay Anthony” (1914), he established himself as a popular and prolific writer of novels, short stories, biography, history, and criticism. His work is distinguished for the Baroque lushness of its descriptive passages and its often-penetrating psychological insights. Of his novels, “The Three Black Pennys” (1917), the story of three generations of the wealthy, mine-owning Penny family; “Java Head” (1919); and “Balisand” (1924) are considered his best. The topic of today’s curation, 1924’s “Balisand”, is, as the back of the dust-jacket states: “Mr. Hergesheimer’s first novel in some years. The Virginia of Washington and Jefferson, the century-old struggle between politics and patriotism live again in the life, loves and death of Richard Bale of Balisand.” A romantic look at the nascent American bourgeois and war in the Age of Reason, “Balisand” explores the political strife that founded this country as well as the tragedy and decadence that followed. Signed by the a previous owner, presumably upon purchase in 1924 at first paste-down page in thin black ink. The inscription reads: “To my buddy. Wishing a speedy recovery from the captor of the [indiscernible] Harry Hill watch your step. J.H. Hessler, Dec 1924.” Hardcover in unclipped dust jacket. First edition as stated at copyright page, first printing as stated thereon. Book is in very fine condition with minimal wear to fine edges; dust jacket is in fine condition with minor wear and tear to fine edges, slight discoloration due to age, and some smudging/staining to front and back covers. Very Fine / Fine. [Item #6672]

Price: $80.00