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George Orwell. Burmese Days. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1934....
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$22,500.00
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Description
A rare presentation copy of his first novel to his favorite aunt
George Orwell. Burmese Days. New York: Harper &
Brothers, 1934.8vo. Original orange cloth, lettered in black on upper cover and spine; quarter morocco folding case.
FIRST EDITION OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST NOVEL, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY ORWELL TO HIS FAVORITE AUNT AND SUPPORTER, on front free endpaper verso: "Aunt Nellie / with love / from Eric."
Writing under his pseudonym George Orwell, Eric Arthur Blair's second published book, and his first novel, Burmese Days was published first in America, preceding by a year its appearance in the UK. Publisher Victor Gollancz, who had published Down and Out in Paris, initially rejected the novel, fearing a possible libel case. The Gollancz rejection was followed by two more, from both Heinemann and Cape. Finally, Harper & Brothers in New York agreed to publish the book, which appeared in October 1934 in a first edition of 2,000 copies. The British edition followed the following summer, for which Orwell revised some details of the text to distance it further from his own experiences. However, Orwell regretted these amendments, and thereafter considered the American edition as "the true first edition" and the British as "a garbled version and should NOT be followed."
In Paris the young Eric Blair had stayed with his mother's sister, his favorite Aunt Nellie Limouzin (1870-1950) and her partner, the writer and radical Esperantist, Eugène Adam. At that time, the 24-year-old Eric Blair was desperate to escape "five boring years within the sound of bugles" serving in the Indian Imperial Police. He departed Rangoon on leave in mid-July 1927 aboard the MV Shropshire, disembarking at Marseilles before likely making his way to Paris by train to visit Aunt Nellie, who lived in the twelfth arrondissement. Throughout his lifetime, Aunt Nellie provided Orwell with encouragement, support, and contacts.
VERY RARE: According to online auction records, only two presentation copies of a first edition have appeared at auction. Orwell presentation copies are scarce on the market.
Condition: Spine a little toned, with some light mottling where finish rubbed; some minor soiling and finish mottling to covers; a little soiled, with a few small ink stains; corners bumped; hinges tender. Some light marginal toning.
References: Fenwick A.2a.
Provenance: Nellie Limouzin (presentation inscription). From the William A. Strutz Library.
View all of [The William A. Strutz Library ]
Auction Info
2024 June 27 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part I, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6295 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
27th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 7
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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