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London: William Heinemann, 1938. [Gangster thriller] FIRST EDITION. Octavo (18 x 12cm), pp.361; [1], blank. Publisher's red cloth lettered in gilt to spine. Contents toned, but less so than often encountered. Cloth is particularly bright and fresh, mild toning and rolling to spine. Minor edgewear. Very good. The chilling tale of teenage mob-leader Pinkie; a masterpiece of psycho-realism, a fascinating study of evil, sin, and the 'appalling strangeness of the mercy of God' withholds easy judgement as a narrative takes us through the moral question of what is simultaneously fascinating and repellent. Graham Greene's thrillers were read by Ian Fleming (some later being reviewed by him), and undoubtedly influenced his early James Bond adventures. Both authors had worked in Intelligence and became friends; Greene would holiday at Fleming's Goldeneye retreat in Jamaica in the 1950s. This copy is from the comprehensive Ian Fleming Bibliographical Archive assembled by Jon Gilbert, with his…

"Brighton Rock" by Graham Greene, a noir thriller published in 1938, delves into the seedy underworld of Brighton, England, and portrays the twisted mind of its protagonist, Pinkie Brown. The story revolves around Pinkie, a teenage gangster and sociopath who becomes the ruthless leader of a criminal gang in the seaside town of Brighton. After the murder of a rival gang member, Hale, Pinkie's involvement sets off a chain of events that plunge him deeper into a world of crime, violence, and moral decay. Amidst this dark backdrop, Rose, a naive and impressionable young waitress, becomes entangled in Pinkie's life. Following Hale's death, Rose inadvertently holds information that could incriminate Pinkie, leading him to manipulate her into a loveless marriage to keep her silent. Haunted by paranoia and a deep fear of being caught by the police, Pinkie's cruel and erratic behavior intensifies. His constant struggle with his conscience and the prospect of eternal damnation, fueled by his Catholic beliefs, adds layers of complexity to his character. Meanwhile, Ida Arnold, a middle-aged woman, becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Hale's death. Her relentless pursuit of justice contrasts sharply with Pinkie's efforts to evade capture, setting up a tense and dramatic conflict between the two characters. Greene weaves a narrative rich in moral ambiguity, exploring themes of guilt, innocence, and the consequences of one's actions. The story provides a stark commentary on the nature of evil and the corrupting influence of crime and amorality. Through vivid and atmospheric prose, Greene paints a vivid picture of Brighton's underbelly, portraying the contrast between the town's lively facade and its darker, sinister side. The novel's setting becomes a reflection of the moral decay and desperation that permeates the characters' lives. Ultimately, "Brighton Rock" is a gripping and morally complex tale that delves into the depths of human depravity. It remains a timeless exploration of the human psyche, morality, and the struggle between good and evil in a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface.