Keep the Aspidistra Flying

Lot 91
28.09.2023 13:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
£ 15 120
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
Buyer Premiumsee on Website%
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
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).

Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
28.09.2023 – 28.09.2023
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
Buyer Premium see on Website
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

More from Creator

Orwell’s 1984: 17 original drawings
Orwell’s 1984: 17 original drawings
£100
The New Savoy
The New Savoy
£4 000
Coming Up For Air
Coming Up For Air
£3 200
Nineteen Eighty-Four
Nineteen Eighty-Four
£2 500
Halas and Batchelor studios (1940-1986)
Halas and Batchelor studios (1940-1986)
£8 000
Homage to Catalonia
Homage to Catalonia
£1 600
Autograph letter signed ('Eric A. Blair') to Dennis [Collings]
Autograph letter signed ('Eric A. Blair') to Dennis [Collings]
£7 000
Inside the Whale and Other Essays
Inside the Whale and Other Essays
£10 000

Related terms