Scarce in the wrapper

Maugham, Somerset ~ Don Fernando Or Variations On Some Spanish Themes

First UK Printing : William Heinemann Ltd., London : 1935

The First UK Printing published by William Heinemann Ltd., London in 1935. Large 4to., black cloth, lettered with decorative floral border in gilt to upper board; publisher’s device gilt to lower corner; and spine fully decorated in gilt; together in the replicating black and gold wrapper (unclipped, 8/6 net); The BOOK is in Very Good++ condition ; light spotting to the edges of the text block; a very thin blue pen mark to the lower edge; a couple of small dents and bumps to the edges of boards, and some very minor fraying to spine tips; small sticker of bookseller 'Geoffrey Tyndale, Bath' to the lower rear paste-down; the Very Good++ WRAPPER slightly rubbed all over, with some creasing to folds, and some minor nicking to the spine ends; one small closed tear with associated creasing to the upper edge of front panel. Very scarce with the wrapper so intact. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. Considered by Graham Greene to be Maugham's best work, Don Fernando describes the people, landscape, and culture of Spain through a series of chapters which explore such themes as the writings of St. Teresa, the paintings of El Greco, and illustrious figures which include Cervantes, Velazquez and the legendary figure of Don Juan. Maugham had first written about Spain in 1904, when he had travelled to Seville, grew a moustache, smoked cigars, and took lessons on the guitar. During his time in the city he wrote a series of novels, plays and short stories, although his travelogue, The Land of the Blessed Virgin Mary remains one of his lesser-known works, overshadowed by his later writings on his travels within the country. Maugham continued to travel for the majority of his life, including stints in Europe; the Pacific Islands; the United States; Russia; South East Asia and China; North Africa and India. The world his canvas, many of these settings provide the basis for his later novels and stories, and Don Fernando is written with the same nostalgic air as any of his works of fiction. “I was living in Seville at the time…”, he begins, “and whenever I went out or came home I passed Don Fernando’s tavern…from the ceiling hung bunches of Spanish onions, strings of sausages and hams from Granada, which Don Fernando always said were the best in Spain.” “Mr Maugham will pause to tell us where he found the best arroz or the most delicious sucking pig and how good the fish is at Vigo and even the ungreedy will regret lost opportunities” (wrapper blurb) Issued simultaneously with a limited edition, the trade edition in jacket is uncommon, more-so in such collectible condition.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Very Good++
JACKET: Very Good++