Keep the Aspidistra Flying

Lot 91
28.09.2023 13:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 15 120
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1016360
Lot 91 | Keep the Aspidistra Flying
Estimate value
£ 4 000 – 6 000
Keep the Aspidistra Flying

George Orwell

ORWELL, George (1903-1950). Keep the Aspidistra Flying. London: Victor Gollancz, 1936.



First edition of Orwell's third novel, very rare in the dust-jacket. We are able to trace just two copies in the dust-jacket at auction in over 30 years. It concerns the character of Gordon Comstock who seeks to defy the 'money-god' and status, and the dismal life that results. Comstock leaves his comfortable, middle-class life and his job in advertising to work in a bookshop in the hope that this might allow him to dedicate his time to creative pursuits. This parallels Orwell's own life at the time as he moved from Southwold to London, working as a part-time assistant in 'Booklovers' Corner' bookshop in Hampstead. Fenwick, A.4a.



Octavo. Original blue cloth, titles to spine in blue (somewhat soiled and spotted at edges); original dust-jacket with publisher's geometric motif printed in pink, publisher's seal in black on spine and priced 'Net 7/6' (tanned with a few small chips or nicks at edges and some loss to title at head of spine panel).

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