Books

New York: Boni & Liveright, 1926. First Edition, First Printing. Cloth. Near fine/very good. First edition, first printing of Soldiers' Pay by William Faulkner, in a first state dust jacket.. Octavo, 319pp. Blue cloth, title stamped in yellow on spine and front cover. Contemporary ownership inscription across half-title. Solid text block, light rubbing to tips of spine, a near fine example. In the publisher's restored, first state dust jacket. Retail price of $2.50 on front flap, An American Tragedy listed on rear panel, restoration to spine and flap folds, bright illustrations. Housed in custom gray cloth clamshell case, title in gilt over red spine label. (Bruccoli & Clark, 121) (Petersen A2a) A handsome example of Faulkner's first novel, one of approximately 2500 copies. Provenance: Sold by Parke-Bernet Galleries of New York in 1940, part of the library of the late Paul Lemperly of Lakewood, Ohio, who was a notable book collector of association copies. Includes Lemperly's…

"Soldiers' Pay" by William Faulkner explores the post-World War I landscape through the experiences of returning soldiers grappling with the harrowing effects of war trauma. The narrative orbits around Captain Donald Mahon, whose physical injuries and emotional scars from the war have left him disillusioned and estranged from his pre-war existence. Mahon's return to his hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi, reveals the stark contrast between his altered self and the unchanged community around him. His struggles with the horrors of war, coupled with the inability to reintegrate into civilian life, manifest in his strained relationships and emotional detachment. The novel intertwines Mahon's story with those of other characters, notably Joe Gilligan, a fellow soldier whose loyalty and friendship become a lifeline for Mahon amidst his inner turmoil. The narrative also explores the impact of war on Mahon's family and acquaintances, reflecting the broader societal effects of the war's aftermath. Faulkner delves deep into the psychological toll of war, portraying themes of loss, disillusionment, and the haunting memories that haunt soldiers long after the conflict ends. The novel serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by returning veterans and the difficulties they encounter in reconciling their wartime experiences with civilian life. Through evocative prose and multi-layered characters, Faulkner paints a compelling portrait of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war, exploring the themes of trauma, alienation, and the search for meaning and connection in a world forever altered by the ravages of conflict. "Soldiers' Pay" stands as a powerful testament to the human cost of war and the profound impact it leaves on those who bear its scars.

A Boni & Liveright first edition of 'Soldiers' Pay' can be identified by its dark green cloth cover with a lighter green cloth spine, and the presence of 'Boni & Liveright' on the spine and title page, along with the absence of additional printings mentioned.