Books

First edition, first impression, with a supplied leaf signed by the author bound in at the front A Handful of Dust is "widely regarded as his masterpiece, a satire on the collapse of civilized values, concentrating on the barbarism of contemporary sexual mores and divorce" (ODNB). Harold Acton has noted the biographical allusions in this title, the "black humour and vein of cruelty, sharpened by the failure of his early marriage. A Handful of Dust was written in his blood" (quoted in McDonnell, p. 68). Octavo (178 x 116 mm). Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in red morocco, spine lettered and decorated gilt, raised bands, single rule to boards gilt, twin rule to turn-ins gilt, dark green endpapers, gilt edges. The occasional minor blemish, an excellent set, finely bound.

A Handful of Dust is a novel by the British writer Evelyn Waugh. First published in 1934, the story is a satirical depiction of the upper-class society in England at the time and follows the life of the protagonist, Tony Last, who experiences a series of misfortunes, leading to a tragic downfall.