Books

The First UK printing published by Heinemann, London in 1938. The BOOK is in very Good++ or better condition and remains a very bright copy. Just a hint of fading and toning to the publisher's original red cloth. The gilt titling remains bright. Slight pushing at the spine tips. The usually encountered (due to the quality of the paper stock used) toning to the text-block, which is more irregular to the upper text-block. Toning to the end-papers and extreme pages. Free from inscriptions and erasures with the neat bookplate of the noted bibliophile H. Bradley Martin to the front pastedown. Protected in a loose Mylar archival cover and housed in a custom solander box, with red velvet inserts, gilt titling and a red silk tie. No wrapper. Originally published in the USA as 'Brighton Rock, An Entertainment', one month prior to the UK edition. Brighton Rock is Greene's 'most successful attempt to create a work that is as fast-paced as a thriller and as complex as a more leisurely character study' (ODNB). Miller 17b. Memorably adapted in 1947 as a British gangster film noir directed by John Boulting and starring Richard Attenborough as the violent gang leader Pinkie Brown. A very nice example and increasingly elusive with such attributes. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.

"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.