Books

Beautiful First Edition of Lawrence's controversial, overtly sexual novel, initially conceived to be Part One of the author's Women in Love. Rebound in forest green three-quarter leather with raised bands, title and decoration to spine gilt, marbled endpapers, a near fine copy with minimal wear. Published in September 1915 to fierce reviews condemning the book's overt sexuality, it was soon withdrawn from sale. The edition was subsequently suppressed, and it is said that only a mere sixteen copies escaped destruction. Much publicity derived from the November court case at Bow Street Magistrate's Court where the book was banned as obscene. Lawrence, given no opportunity to publicly defend his work, was understandably frustrated and disturbed but still plowed ahead with Women in Love. The Rainbow lists at number 48 on the prestigious Random House/Modern Library 100 Best Books of the Twentieth Century. The novel was filmed in 1989 by famed director Ken Russell and starred Sammy Davis (as the young schoolteacher), Amanda Donohoe, David Hemmings, and with Glenda Jackson playing the mother of the character she played in Women in Love.