Books

First edition. Original brown cloth lettered in white in cream and green dustwrapper printed in black. A fine copy with a little foxing to the top edge in a very good (price clipped) dustwrapper which shows small chips to the front and rear panels, some fraying to the spine ends and an associated network of closed tears at the base of the front panel. Housed in custom chemise and box. The author's famous and influential novel, which was adapted into the classic 1947 film of the same name starring Deborah Kerr and Flora Robson, and has never been out of print since publication. It deals with the struggle of a group of nuns to maintain a convent in a disused Indian palace, where the pagan atmosphere of the subcontinent gradually erodes the deeply felt ideals of the nuns. The first edition is uncommon, particularly so in the original dustwrapper; Peter Davies being a small scale publisher and, before this book, Godden a little known author, so publication numbers were small.

"Black Narcissus," penned by Rumer Godden and published in 1939, is a compelling narrative that explores the psychological and emotional tumult experienced by a group of British nuns tasked with establishing a convent in the remote palace of Mopu in the Himalayas, previously known as the House of Women. The novel meticulously unravels the impact of the exotic and mystifying environment on the nuns, particularly Sister Clodagh, the youngest sister superior in their order, as they endeavor to adapt to their new surroundings while confronting their own inner demons. The backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, with its breathtaking beauty and inherent isolation, acts as a catalyst for the unfolding drama, revealing the nuns' vulnerabilities and latent desires. The central theme of the novel revolves around the clash between the rigidity of their religious convictions and the sensual allure of the surrounding world, a conflict that is exacerbated by the presence of Mr. Dean, a charming and cynical British agent. His skepticism towards the nuns’ mission and his earthly nature pose a stark contrast to their spiritual aspirations, further intensifying the tension within the convent. As the story progresses, the psychological isolation and the haunting atmosphere of the palace, referred to as the 'House of Women', begin to erode the nuns’ resolve, leading to a crescendo of emotional upheaval and a tragic climax. Sister Clodagh’s struggle with her own past and her repressed feelings for Mr. Dean emerge as poignant elements of the narrative, symbolizing the broader theme of the struggle between faith and flesh. "Black Narcissus" is a masterful exploration of the human psyche, delving into themes of identity, desire, and the complex interplay between the physical and spiritual worlds. Rumer Godden's novel remains a profound commentary on the nature of colonialism and the enduring conflict between cultural imposition and the mystical allure of the unknown. Through its intricate characters and evocative setting, the novel captures the eternal human dilemma of reconciling our innermost desires with the outer realities of duty and faith.