A Clockwork Orange -
Anthony Burgess
1962 - Heinemann, London - First edition first issue in first state jacket
A bright sharp and thus rare first edition of this "scarifying," controversial novel, and source for Stanley Kubrick's cult film. Social prophecy? Black comedy? Study of freewill? A Clockwork Orange is all of these. It is also a dazzling experiment in language, as Burgess creates a new language - 'nadsat', the teenage slang of a not-too-distant future.
'Not only about man's violent nature and his capacity to choose between good and evil. It is about the excitements and intoxicating effects of language' – Daily Telegraph.
'One of the cleverest and most original writers of his generation' – The Times. 'I do not know of any other writer who has done as much with language... a very funny book' – William S. Burroughs
Anthony Burgess (1917-1993) was an English writer and composer, and became a significant figure in English literature in the latter half of the twentieth century. Predominantly a comic writer, Burgess is best remembered for this dystopian satire which was adapted into a controversial film in 1971, directed by Stanley Kubrick. Burgess was also a versatile linguist, and musical composer, composing more than 250 musical works during his lifetime.
First issue book with black cloth, in first state dust jacket with longer flaps and price ‘16s NET’ to lower corner of front flap.
References: 100 Best Modern Novels - Time Magazine. Top 100 Novels - Modern Library. Pringle 100 Best Science Fiction Novels. Book Collector No.287 32-62.
Octavo (book size 20.4x13.8cm), pp. [10] 196 [2]. In publisher’s black cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Publisher's review slip loosely inserted. Condition: Fine but for some light foxing to foredge, in near fine dust jacket, minor wear to corners and spine ends, a short closed tear along top edge of rear panel, very faint toning to spine. Ref: 112097 Price: HK$ 43,000
'Not only about man's violent nature and his capacity to choose between good and evil. It is about the excitements and intoxicating effects of language' – Daily Telegraph.
'One of the cleverest and most original writers of his generation' – The Times. 'I do not know of any other writer who has done as much with language... a very funny book' – William S. Burroughs
Anthony Burgess (1917-1993) was an English writer and composer, and became a significant figure in English literature in the latter half of the twentieth century. Predominantly a comic writer, Burgess is best remembered for this dystopian satire which was adapted into a controversial film in 1971, directed by Stanley Kubrick. Burgess was also a versatile linguist, and musical composer, composing more than 250 musical works during his lifetime.
First issue book with black cloth, in first state dust jacket with longer flaps and price ‘16s NET’ to lower corner of front flap.
References: 100 Best Modern Novels - Time Magazine. Top 100 Novels - Modern Library. Pringle 100 Best Science Fiction Novels. Book Collector No.287 32-62.
Octavo (book size 20.4x13.8cm), pp. [10] 196 [2]. In publisher’s black cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Publisher's review slip loosely inserted. Condition: Fine but for some light foxing to foredge, in near fine dust jacket, minor wear to corners and spine ends, a short closed tear along top edge of rear panel, very faint toning to spine. Ref: 112097 Price: HK$ 43,000