HOME FRONT (First edition - first impression - in the scarce wartime dustwrapper)

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First edition - first impression, published by Victor Gollancz in 1944 - the fifth volume of J. L. Hodson's war diary. ***Near fine in dark green cloth-covered boards with gilt titles to the spine. The gilt has been partially oxidised over the years but is still quite bright. The boards are clean and unmarked. No bumps or creases to the boards, and no tears to the cloth, even on the spine. There is no reading lean to the book, and the binding is straight. The top edge of the page block is slightly dusty and darkened. None of the usual foxing to the edges of the page block. Internally the book is also near fine, with a contemporary gift inscription on the front free endpaper, and an attractive period bookplate which is hidden under the front flap of the dustwrapper (see scans). The pages are clean, just slightly tanned, but with no foxing. No serious creases or tears, which is unusual considering the very thin wartime paper stock used. No cracking to the fragile binding. ***In a very good thin paper printed dustwrapper, priced on the spine at 10/6 net. The dustwrapper is largely complete, but there is a small chip at the head of the spine, not affecting the titles. The dustwrapper is nicked and creased at the extremities, and is somewhat marked and faded, as is common with Gollancz dustwrappers of this period. The spine of the dustwrapper is darkened but unfaded. The front and back panels are very clean. The foldover flaps remain bright, retaining the original yellow colour, but with some browning at the edges (please see scans). ***192mm x 130mm. 320 pages. ***"Magnificent. Beyond question the best book yet written about England in this war." - Sir Hugh Walpole. ***"His accounts have an importance one cannot overrate." - Elizabeth Bowen (Review quotes taken from the front panel of the dustwrapper) ***'James Lansdale Hodson (1891-1956) was a British novelist, scriptwriter and journalist. He was a war correspondent and northern editor of the Daily Mail. Born in Bury, Lancashire in 1891, Hodson worked as a war correspondent during World War II, and he wrote a war diary that was published by Victor Gollancz as a series of seven books; "Through the Dark Night", "Towards the Morning", "Before Daybreak", "'War in the Sun", "Home Front", "And Yet I like America" and "The Sea and the Land". He also wrote the official British film "Desert Victory". He toured the United States from 1943-44, writing "And Yet I Like America" on his return. His 1952 novel "Morning Star" had as its theme the freedom of the press in England. His novel "Return To The Wood" (1955) became a play "Hamp" (by John Wilson) and then a film "King & Country" (1964, directed by Joseph Losey and starring Dirk Bogarde). He died aged 65 on 28 August 1956 at Lewisham Hospital.' (Wiki) ***A first impression of the true first edition, published by Gollancz at the height of the war in 1944. An uncommon book to find in the original dustwrapper. Gollancz produced the books very cheaply, with thin boards and paper, and very thin dustwrappers. In consequence, pre-war and wartime copies are elusive in their original dustwrappers. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc. N° de ref. del artículo 8657

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