Trilogy of British First Editions: The Cast-Iron Duke; Last Confession; The Datchley Inheritance [1929-1937]

[McKenna, Stephen] (1888-1967) ; [Novelist]

Edité par Cassell / Hutchinson / Ward Lock, London, 1937

A propos de cet article

A visually striking collection of three British first editions capturing the psychological and social anxieties of the interwar upper crust. Stephen McKenna was the preeminent chronicler of England's fading aristocracy; here, his narratives of inheritance, spiritual confession, and generational warfare are preserved in their original 1930s commercial 'clothing'. This set functions as a concentrated gallery of British jacket design, transitioning from the structured moralism of the late 1920s to the moody, psychological realism of the late 1930s. KEY FEATURES +++ The Visual Aesthetic: Features three distinct styles of interwar jacket art, including the bold typography of 'The Cast-Iron Duke' and the atmospheric 'Last Confession.' +++ The Social Chronicler: McKenna was the "insider's novelist," focusing on the moral decay and resilience of England's upper classes between the wars. +++ Exceptional State: A rare survival of fragile 1930s paper jackets, including two in 'Near Fine' condition-uncommon for trade fiction of this era. +++ Historical Span: Covers the pivotal decade from the cusp of the Great Depression (1929) to the looming shadow of WWII (1937). +++ Interwar Sociology: McKenna's work serves as a primary source for the 'Bright Young People' era and the subsequent sobering of the British elite during the Depression. +++ Commercial Art: The jackets provide a study in the evolution of British trade publishing aesthetics during the 1930s. CONDITION: Near Fine / Very Good +++ The Books: Consistently tight and square. Cloth is clean with bright spine lettering. Internally clean with only light, expected toning to the 1920s/30s paper stock. +++ The Jackets: 'Cast-Iron Duke' is Near Fine with exceptional color; 'Last Confession' is Very Good with light shelf wear; 'Datchley Inheritance' is Very Good with minor edge rubbing. All remain unclipped and presentable. +++ Content: Includes 'The Cast-Iron Duke' (generational conflict), 'Last Confession' (psychological/spiritual thriller), and 'The Datchley Inheritance' (mercantile/moral satire). +++ Imprint: London: Cassell (1930); Hutchinson (1937); Ward, Lock (1929). All First Printings. +++ Binding: Original publisher's cloth (varied colors); bindings remain tight and square. +++ Specs: Three standard octavo volumes. SIGNIFICANCE - Three beautifully jacketed first editions from the "Golden Age" of British social fiction. Chronicling the scandals and spiritual struggles of the English elite, this McKenna trio is as much a visual feast of interwar design as it is a literary time capsule.

N° de réf. du vendeur 21719

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Trilogy of British First Editions: The Cast-Iron Duke; Last Confession; The Datchley Inheritance [1929-1937]
• Éditeur: Cassell / Hutchinson / Ward Lock, London
• Date de parution: 1937
• Édition: First Edition.
• État de l'article: Near Fine
• État de la jaquette: Very Good
• Poids: 6 livres
• Catalogues du vendeur:
  • LITERATURE [Many Sub-Catagories]