first edition
1942 · London
by Lewis, C. S.
London: Geoffrey Bles, 1942. First edition. First edition, first impression. Advance review copy with publisher's slip laid in, publication date and price written in pen. (States "First published 1942" on copyright page. In correct dust jacket with no later printings mentioned on front flap.) 160 pp. Bound in publisher's black cloth with title label on spine. Fine with bright title label, just a suggestion of foxing to edges. Faint production crease to margins of last few pages. In a beautiful example of the dust jacket, bright, unsophisticated (which is to say, as issued without any work done to it) and clean; price-clipped with minor shelfwear, else Fine. Quite scarce as an ARC, let alone in such sterling condition. The first book appearance of one of C.S. Lewis's most popular works, a novel in the form of letters from a senior demon to his apprentice. In part such a scarce first due to World War II paper rationing in the UK. Advance copies like this one were issued to book reviewers and publishing industry figures before publication. Dedicated to fellow Inkling J.R.R. Tolkien. Brown In Pursuit of C.S. Lewis 18.
(Inventory #: 140947062)