Books

First edition in English, first impression, preceding the US edition published the same year. The British-born translator, Barbara Mooyaart-Doubleday, was living in Amsterdam in 1947 when the original Dutch-language edition appeared. Having impressed Anne Frank's father Otto with a sample chapter, she was engaged to make the complete translation by the London publishers Vallentine Mitchell, who specialized in books of Jewish interest. The London edition was received quietly, and it was not until later in the year when the same text was published in New York that the book entered the best-seller lists and announced itself as one of the emblematic books of the 20th century. "The reason for her [Anne Frank's] immortality was basically literary. She was an extraordinarily good writer, for any age, and the quality of her work seemed a direct result of a ruthlessly honest disposition" (Time, 14 June 1999). Octavo (179 x 115 mm). Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in green morocco, spine lettered gilt, raised bands, twin rule to turn-ins, patterned endpapers, gilt edges. With photographic illustrations throughout. A fine copy.

'The Diary of a Young Girl' documents Anne Frank's life in hiding during World War II, offering a poignant perspective on the challenges faced by Jews during the Holocaust.