David Benedictis. Stated first edition. New York: E.P Dutton and Co., 1962. Both unclipped dust jacket (in a mylar wrapper) and hardcover are in Near Fine condition. No writing or markings found in this well-preserved copy, 208 pp. An absolutely stunning dust jacket design by Richard Chopping.
Stated first U.S. edition of Benedictus’s debut novel, published when the author was only 23. Set at Eton College, the novel offers a provocative and often disturbing portrait of Britain’s elite educational establishment, examining class, privilege, violence, sexuality, and the traditions of English public-school life. The novel generated controversy upon publication and was praised by critics including Ian Fleming. (Kirkus Reviews)
The edition is especially desirable for its striking dust jacket designed by Richard Chopping, who was already renowned for his iconic artwork for Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels. Chopping’s work makes this an especially attractive example of early-1960’s book-jacket design. (Adrian Harrington Rare Books)
An excellent collectible copy of Benedictus’s first novel and a particularly attractive example of Richard Chopping’s non-James Bond book-jacket work.
