Brian W. Aldiss. Stated first American edition. New York: The McCall Publishing Company, 1970. Both the unclipped dust jacket and hardcover are in Very Good+ condition. No writing or markings found in this well-preserved copy, 189 pp.
The Hand-Reared Boy is the inaugural novel in Brian W. Aldiss’s semi-autobiographical Horatio Stubbs trilogy. Set in pre-WWII England, it delves into the candid and often humorous sexual awakening of young Horatio Stubbs. The narrative boldly explores themes of adolescence, desire, and societal norms, offering an unflinching portrayal of a young man’s formative experiences. Upon its 1970 release, the novel stirred controversy for its explicit content but has since been recognized for its honesty and literary merit. In 2010, it was longlisted for the Lost Man Booker Prize, highlighting its enduring significance.
