ID 1016360
Lot 91 | Keep the Aspidistra Flying
Estimate value
£ 4 000 – 6 000
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).
Place of origin: | Northern Europe, Europe, United Kingdom |
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Auction house category: | Printed books |
Place of origin: | Northern Europe, Europe, United Kingdom |
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Auction house category: | Printed books |
Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 8 King Street, St. James's SW1Y 6QT London United Kingdom | |
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Preview |
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Phone | +44 (0)20 7839 9060 | |
Buyer Premium | see on Website | |
Conditions of purchase | Conditions of purchase |
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