Books

Paris: The Obelisk Press, 1934. First Edition. Near Fine. First edition, first printing of this literary high spot. One of 1,000 copies, in publisher's original printed wrappers with price of 50 fr. intact, Front wrapper printed with Maurice J. Kahane's striking crab and globe design. Near Fine with browning and light soiling to wraps, light edge wear, top corner lightly bumped and light creasing to wraps. Contents tanned. Housed in a custom chemise slipcase. The scarce first appearance of Miller's scandalously erotic novel, which would eventually test the boundaries of free speech in America and become a landmark of 20th century literature, rare in the original wrappers. Since so many copies of the first edition were seized by authorities in England and the U.S., The Obelisk Press discarded the printed wrappers in favor of less conspicuous plain ones for the second and subsequent editions. Shifreen & Jackson A9a.

Tropic of Cancer is a semi-autobiographical novel by Henry Miller, first published in 1934. It is widely considered an important work of 20th-century literature, noted for its candid portrayal of Miller's life, its potently individualistic voice, and its frank discussions of sexuality, which have led to legal battles and debates about censorship.

The true first edition was published in Paris by Obelisk Press and includes a green cover and the publication year 1934.